Bacon Scallops with Garlic Butter Sauce

6 slices bacon, diced
2 lb scallops
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 crushed red pepper flakes, optional
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley leaves

1. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat; reserving 1 tablespoon in the skillet. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.

2. Remove the small side muscle from the scallops, rinse with cold water and thoroughly pat dry. Season scallops with salt and pepper, to taste. Working in batches, add scallops to the skillet in a single layer and cook, flipping once, until golden brown and translucent in the center, about 1-2 minutes per side. Set aside and keep warm.

3. Melt butter in the skillet. Add garlic, oregano, basil and red pepper flakes; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in bacon and scallops.

4. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.

Serves 4-6.

Note: We served this with angel hair pasta to capture every bit of that delicious sauce.

(adapted from Damn Delicious)