BBQ scallops with pancetta and aioli recipe

BBQ scallops with pancetta and aioli are a sophisticated barbecue dish with so much flavour. Serving your BBQ scallops with a homemade aioli is so impressive, but much easier than you’d think. For your aioli, use a good-quality mild olive oil, not extra virgin olive oil as the flavour will be too strong, or a mixture of olive and rapeseed oil. If you’re looking for a grown up dish to grill, with a bit of fancy flair, then BBQ scallops with pancetta and aioli are exactly what you need.

Ingredients

• 6 king scallops in their shells
• 4 slices pancetta, cut in half

For the aioli

• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 large garlic clove, peeled and crushed
• 150ml olive oil
• 1tbsp lemon juice

Method

1. To make the aioli, place the egg yolk in a bowl with the crushed garlic and a pinch of salt and whisk together using a balloon whisk. Gradually whisk in the olive oil, just 2-3 drops at a time to begin with, until the mixture starts to thicken and emulsify. Once this happens, you can add the oil in a thin stream, whisking all the time, until nearly all of it has been incorporated. Whisk in the lemon juice, then gradually whisk in the rest of the oil until you have a smooth, thick mayonnaise. Taste and season with a little more salt, if you think it is necessary.
2. For the scallops, place a half slice of pancetta over each scallop in the shell. Heat the BBQ to a high heat, place the scallops in the shells directly onto the grill and cover with the BBQ hood and cook for 4-6 minutes. Alternatively, to cook in the oven, preheat the grill to 230°C and cook for the same time. Once cooked, remove and season the scallops, then serve with the aioli.