Name: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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

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The enticing aroma of crispy bacon wafting through the air paired with succulent shrimp is truly a match made in heaven. Imagine sinking your teeth into juicy shrimp that bursts with flavor, enveloped in perfectly crisp bacon. Each bite brings a delightful crunch, complemented by a hint of sweetness from the brown sugar and a warm kick from cayenne pepper. It’s an unforgettable experience that will instantly liven up any gathering or cozy night in.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

This recipe for Bacon Wrapped Shrimp isn’t just any ordinary dish; it’s a cherished memory for me. I remember hosting my first holiday party, nervously pacing the kitchen, trying to impress friends and family. When I pulled these little treasures from the oven, they disappeared within minutes! The laughter, joy, and satisfied smiles around the table are moments I’ll always treasure. Whether for game day, a festive celebration, or simply as a delicious treat for family movie night, these Bacon Wrapped Shrimp will never let you down. Let’s get started and bring some delicious memories to life!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a last-minute snack or appetizer.
Irresistible Flavor: The sweet and spicy combination makes each bite a flavor explosion.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These shrimp are not just tasty; they’re adorable and will wow your guests at any gathering.
Flexible Serving: Great for parties, BBQs, or even a fun weeknight dinner.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjust for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free bacon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined, thawed): Make sure to choose large, fresh shrimp for the juiciest bites. If frozen, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
1 lb sliced bacon (cut into thirds): Use thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness that contrasts wonderfully with the tender shrimp.
4 tablespoons butter (melted): This not only adds richness but helps the seasonings stick to the shrimp.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: A splash of freshness that brightens the flavors of the dish.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural taste of the shrimp.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat that complements the bacon.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Gives a subtle kick; adjust to your preference for spiciness.
¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Provides an aromatic backdrop that elevates the flavor profile.
⅓ cup brown sugar: Sweetens the dish and helps achieve that lovely caramelized exterior.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Preheat and Prepare: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking tray with foil for easy cleanup and give it a light spray of cooking spray to prevent sticking. This will set the stage for perfectly crisp bacon and shrimp.

Mix Butter & Marinade: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk this mixture well to marry the flavors together. You’ll want to coat each shrimp in this tasty goodness, so layering is key!

Marinate Your Shrimp: Pour the savory marinade over the shrimp and let them sit for about 15 minutes while your oven preheats. This soaking time is crucial; it allows the shrimp to absorb those enticing flavors.

Wrap and Secure: Grab a piece of bacon and wrap it around each marinated shrimp, ensuring the shrimp is mostly covered. Secure it with a toothpick to hold everything together. Place your bacon-wrapped shrimp neatly on the prepared baking tray. It’s okay to be a little snug; they’ll shrink as they cook!

Add Sweetness: Once all your shrimp are wrapped, sprinkle half of the brown sugar over the top. This will caramelize beautifully as they bake, creating that irresistible sweet and savory contrast everyone loves!

Bake & Flip: Bake the shrimp for about 7-8 minutes, then use tongs to flip each piece carefully. Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar on top of the shrimp and return them to the oven. Trust me; the aroma will make your mouth water!

Finish Baking: Bake for another 7-8 minutes until the shrimp are pink and the bacon is crispy. You’ll know they’re done when the bacon has a slight golden hue along the edges, and the kitchen smells heavenly.

Storing & Reheating

To store your leftover Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, keeping an eye on them so that the bacon stays crispy. Keep in mind that reheating may slightly alter the crispness, but adding a few minutes in the oven can help restore some of that texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Watch for their color change to pink and opaque.
If your bacon is particularly fatty, consider par-cooking it in the microwave for a minute or two to reduce grease during baking.
Use toothpicks to secure your bacon tightly around the shrimp — this will help keep everything together while cooking.
Feel free to switch things up by adding spices to the brown sugar, such as smoked paprika, for an extra layer of flavor.
Make a double batch! They vanish quickly, and they’re just as delightful cold as they are hot.

If you’re looking to impress a crowd or simply enjoy a scrumptious treat, these Bacon Wrapped Shrimp are the way to go. Sweet, spicy, and utterly satisfying, they encapsulate everything good about party food. Don’t hesitate to try your own variations by incorporating different spices or glazes — the sky’s the limit. Whether they’re part of a festive spread or a cozy dinner, they promise a flavor-packed experience. Gather your friends, fire up that oven, and make this dish soon!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly before marinating. The best way to do this is to place the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also place them in a sealed plastic bag under cold running water for quick thawing.

What can I serve with Bacon Wrapped Shrimp?

These scrumptious bites pair well with a variety of dipping sauces such as cocktail sauce, garlic aioli, or a zesty lime vinaigrette. You can also serve them alongside fresh salads or grilled vegetables for a more rounded meal.

How do I make these shrimp crispy without drying them out?

To achieve crispy bacon while keeping the shrimp juicy, ensure you don’t overbake them. Keep an eye on both the bacon and shrimp, aiming for 8-10 minutes on each side — this will yield a perfect balance of texture.

Can I make these shrimp ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the shrimp and bacon a few hours ahead and place them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just bring them back to room temperature before popping them in the oven for the best texture.

Enjoy discovering just how versatile and delicious these Bacon Wrapped Shrimp can be!