Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
The aroma of crispy, smoky bacon fills the air, mingling with the sweet scent of melted brown sugar, creating an inviting and mouthwatering moment. Can you picture it? Juicy shrimp dressed in crispy bacon, waiting for your eager bite. There’s something undeniably enticing about the sight of these little treasures, glistening and golden brown, beckoning guests to indulge. The crunch, the flavor explosion—it’s like a little party in your mouth!
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I remember the first time I made bacon wrapped shrimp at a family gathering. My uncle devoured his share in record time. This dish is worth every minute spent preparing it, whether it’s for a holiday, game day, or an impromptu gathering. Trust me, your loved ones will rave about it! So, let’s roll up our sleeves and make some shrimp wrapped in bacon together. You’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 30 minutes total, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to impress.
- Irresistible Flavor: The savory bacon perfectly complements the sweet and tender shrimp, creating an addictive treat!
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Who can resist the sight of crispy bacon wrapped around succulent shrimp? They’re always a hit!
- Flexible Serving: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a fun dinner!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily make it gluten-free by choosing the right bacon and using gluten-free soy sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Jumbo Shrimp (1 lb): Peeled and deveined for optimum flavor and ease of cooking. Fresh or frozen works—just be sure they’re thawed!
- Sliced Bacon (1 lb): Cut into thirds for wrapping. You can use thick-cut for extra flavor, but regular works just as well.
- Butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Adds a rich dimension to the marinade, helping flavors to come alive. Consider using salted for an extra kick!
- Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Fresh is best, bringing brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all flavors; you can adjust to taste.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth; fresh cracked pepper gives more punch.
- Cayenne Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Just a hint for a subtle heat, feel free to omit if you prefer milder flavors.
- Garlic Powder (¼ teaspoon): Complements the shrimp and bacon, providing aromatic richness.
- Brown Sugar (⅓ cup): Caramelizes in the oven, creating a sweet-savory crust that balances the bacon’s saltiness.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking tray with foil to catch any drips, and lightly grease it with cooking spray to keep things from sticking. This will ensure an easier cleanup when you’re done munching on your delicious creations!
Marinate the Shrimp: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder to create a tasty marinade. Pour this delicious mixture over the shrimp, ensuring they’re all coated beautifully. Let them sit for 15 minutes; this allows those flavors to soak in while your oven preheats, making each bite more delightful.
Wrap the Shrimp: Take a marinated shrimp and wrap a piece of bacon around it, securing it with a toothpick. Place each bacon-wrapped shrimp onto the prepared baking tray. Repeat this process until all shrimp are wrapped—watch how cute they all look lined up, ready to be baked!
Add Sweetness: Sprinkle about half of the brown sugar evenly over the bacon-wrapped shrimp. This sugar will caramelize as it bakes, creating that perfect combination of sweet and savory that’s utterly addictive.
First Bake: Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 7–8 minutes. You want the bacon to begin to crisp up, so keep an eye on it! The shrimp will start turning pink, signaling that they are cooking beautifully.
Flip & Finish: Carefully flip each shrimp over and sprinkle the remaining brown sugar on top. Return them to the oven for another 7–8 minutes. They’ll be done when the shrimp are fully pink and the bacon is nice and crispy. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone excited!
Storing & Reheating
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, I assure you!), let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for no more than two hours. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, although be aware that the bacon might lose a little crispness. A quick re-crisp under the broiler works wonders!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid bacon that’s too thin; you want it to wrap nicely and hold its shape.
- Make sure your shrimp is completely thawed for even cooking—don’t skip the marinating step!
- Watch the baking time closely; different ovens can vary, and you want that delicious crispy texture.
- If you prefer a smokier flavor, consider using smoked bacon for wrapping.
- You can prep them ahead of time, marinate, and refrigerate the night before, then just pop them in the oven to bake for easy entertaining.
For every gathering or simple family night, these bacon wrapped shrimp are sure to dazzle. The balance of flavors makes them unforgettable, and the ease of preparation allows you to focus more on enjoying your time with loved ones. Don’t hesitate to switch things up by experimenting with different spices or adding your twist!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use smaller shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use smaller shrimp, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Smaller shrimp will likely cook faster, so keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking.
What can I serve with bacon wrapped shrimp?
These shrimp make a fantastic appetizer alone or you can serve them with a dipping sauce such as a sweet chili sauce, spicy aioli, or a zesty cocktail sauce. They pair beautifully with cocktails or chilled white wine too!
Can I make these in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the shrimp, wrap them in bacon, and marinate them up to a day ahead. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve, making your life that much easier!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the oven to bring back some of that festive crunch!
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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
This bacon wrapped shrimp is a standout dish packed with irresistible flavors. Juicy shrimp encased in crispy bacon make for a quick, delightful meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 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.
- Marinate shrimp in melted butter, lemon juice, salt, pepper, cayenne, and garlic powder for 15 minutes.
- Wrap each shrimp with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick, and place on the baking tray.
- Sprinkle half of the brown sugar over the shrimp.
- Bake for 7-8 minutes until bacon begins to crisp and shrimp turns pink.
- Flip shrimp, add remaining brown sugar and bake for another 7-8 minutes until fully cooked and crispy.
Notes
Using thick-cut bacon adds extra flavor.
Make sure shrimp are completely thawed before marinating.
You can prepare these in advance and bake just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 shrimp
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
