Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
The aroma of sizzling bacon fills the air, curling up your senses and awakening your appetite as perfectly tender shrimp glisten in the background. The moment you wrap that salty goodness around the plump, juicy shrimp, you know something magical is about to happen. When I first made bacon wrapped shrimp for a gathering, I couldn’t help but smile. I vividly remember my friend, who’s usually skeptical about seafood, reaching for their fifth piece. It was undeniably a moment of culinary triumph! Whether it’s game day or a cozy get-together, these little bites of happiness are the perfect addition to your festivities.
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Don’t you just crave a little crunch paired with that juicy flavor? That sweet-and-savory combination really has a way of creating nostalgia. With the holidays around the corner or even for a quick snack after a long day, this recipe thrives in all situations. Allow yourself to indulge in the magic of bacon wrapped shrimp, and let every bite transport you to that joyful memory. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for those last-minute cravings!
- Irresistible Flavor: Each bite delivers a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice, making it hard to stop at just one.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The combination of crispy bacon against succulent shrimp is not just delicious but visually stunning!
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy them as appetizers, party snacks, or even a fun dinner option—anytime is a good time for these!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to explore gluten-free bacon options for a satisfying treat that caters to various dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined, thawed): Fresh or frozen works! Jumbo shrimp give a hearty bite.
- 1 lb sliced bacon (cut into thirds): Choose your favorite bacon; thick-cut provides extra crunch.
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted): Adds richness and moisture to the shrimp.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Freshly squeezed brightens the flavor, but bottled works too in a pinch.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors in your dish.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: A slight kick balances the sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: This gives it a little heat; adjust to your spice preference!
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds warmth and depth of flavor to the marinated shrimp.
- ⅓ cup brown sugar: It creates that delightful caramelization while adding sweetness.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Preheat and Prepare: Begin your culinary journey by preheating the oven to 400°F. While that’s heating, line a large rimmed baking tray with foil and give it a light coat of cooking spray. This not only helps with easier cleanup but ensures the bacon achieves that desirable crisp finish.
Mix Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. This fragrant mixture infuses the shrimp with flavor, making each bite deliciously memorable. Marinate the shrimp in this mixture for about 15 minutes while your oven is preheating, allowing them to soak up all those lovely flavors.
Wrap and Secure: Once the shrimp are well-marinated, grab your bacon and a toothpick. Wrap a piece of bacon around each marinated shrimp, securing it with the toothpick. Place each one on the prepared baking tray as you go, creating a delightful assembly line of indulgence.
Sprinkle Sugar: Take half of the brown sugar and sprinkle it evenly over the bacon-wrapped shrimp. This will caramelize beautifully in the oven, enhancing that sweet-savory flavor we all love.
Initial Bake: Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for about 7–8 minutes. You want to see the bacon start to crisp up. After that, carefully flip each shrimp over, sprinkling the remaining brown sugar on the tops. This ensures an even coating and a delicious sugary crust.
Finish Baking: Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 7–8 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the shrimp are pink and the bacon reaches a glorious crispiness. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen smells incredible, and the edges of the bacon are beautifully browned.
Storing & Reheating
For leftovers, it’s best to enjoy your bacon wrapped shrimp fresh and warm, but you can store them at room temperature for a few hours if needed. If refrigerating, place them in an airtight container, and they should stay good for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container; they will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Just note that the bacon may lose a bit of its crunch, but a quick broil at the end can help refresh that crispy texture!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Aim for bacon that fits snugly around the shrimp to reduce gaps while cooking, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
- Before wrapping, ensure that the shrimp are completely thawed and patted dry to help the bacon crisp up properly.
- Feel free to experiment with seasonings! Try adding a touch of paprika or even using maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a unique spin.
- Timing is crucial; avoid overcooking the shrimp. They should be pink and opaque when done.
- For a smokier flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of liquid smoke to the marinade.
- These can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator; just bake when you’re ready to impress!
Delicious key flavors converge in these bacon wrapped shrimp that simply cannot be overlooked. With the balance of sweet and savory, every bite promises textures and flavors that meld together beautifully. Whether you choose to serve these for a special occasion or just because, I encourage you to explore and add your twist. It’s your kitchen, after all—let it shine with creativity!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use smaller shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use smaller shrimp! Just keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted. Monitor them closely, as smaller shrimp cook faster, usually needing only about 5–7 minutes on each side.
What type of bacon is best for wrapping shrimp?
Thick-cut bacon tends to work best for wrapping shrimp, delivering a perfect balance between crispy and chewy. If you prefer a leaner option, turkey bacon is a great alternative, though it may be less crispy compared to pork bacon.
Can I make these bacon-wrapped shrimp ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the shrimp ahead of time and marinate them as instructed. Wrap them in bacon, place them on the baking tray, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let them sit in the fridge for a few hours or until ready to bake—perfect for saving time on busy days!
What should I serve with bacon-wrapped shrimp?
These shrimp pair wonderfully with a tangy dipping sauce like cocktail sauce or a homemade garlic aioli. They also stand out beautifully against a fresh garden salad or even alongside crispy potato wedges for a more substantial meal!
PrintMore Dinner Recipes
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📖 Recipe Card
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp combines the irresistible flavor of crispy bacon with juicy shrimp. This easy recipe is perfect for cozy gatherings or as a tasty snack!
Ingredients
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined, thawed)
- 1 lb sliced bacon (cut into thirds)
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare a baking tray with foil and cooking spray.
- Whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl and marinate shrimp for 15 minutes.
- Wrap each shrimp with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick; place on the baking tray.
- Sprinkle half of the brown sugar over the shrimp.
- Bake for 7–8 minutes, flip shrimp, sprinkle remaining brown sugar, and bake for another 7–8 minutes until bacon is crispy.
Notes
Using thick-cut bacon will yield a better texture and added crunch.
Thaw and pat dry shrimp before wrapping for best results.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
