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; 1 lb sliced bacon, thin-cut; 4 tablespoons melted butter; 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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As you step into the kitchen, imagine the mouthwatering aroma of crispy bacon enveloping plump, juicy shrimp, each piece glistening with a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. The sound of sizzling bacon fills the air, creating an enticing ambience that draws you in. You can almost taste the delightful blend of savory and sweet – it’s simply irresistible! These bacon wrapped shrimp have a special place in my heart, reminding me of cozy gatherings with friends, where laughter fills the room and delicious food ignites wonderful conversations. Whether it’s game day or an intimate dinner party, these tasty bites bring joy and comfort to any occasion.

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

There’s something so playful and nostalgic about small bites of food. Each shrimp wrapped snugly in savory bacon provides the perfect balance of flavors, making them a delightful appetizer for gatherings. With only a short prep time, you can whip these up in no time and watch as they disappear off the platter! So grab your apron and let’s get to making these fabulous bacon wrapped shrimp that are sure to steal the show!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, including prep and cooking time!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of crispy bacon and sweet shrimp creates a flavor explosion.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These petite treats are as fun to look at as they are to eat.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, game days, or even as a fun family dinner.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by choosing the right brown sugar and bacon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Jumbo shrimp (1 lb): Opt for peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience. They cook quickly, making them tender and juicy. If you can’t find jumbo, large shrimp will work too, but adjust cooking time slightly.
Sliced bacon (1 lb): Use thin-cut bacon for a crispy texture that wraps beautifully around the shrimp. If you’re after a healthier option, turkey bacon can also serve as a substitute, though it may alter the flavor.
Butter (4 tablespoons, melted): This adds moisture and richness. If your heart leads you there, olive oil is a great alternative for a lighter option.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavors perfectly. If fresh isn’t available, bottled will do in a pinch.
Salt & Black pepper (½ teaspoon each): Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the shrimp.
Cayenne pepper (¼ teaspoon): A pinch of spice delivers that little kick. You can adjust this to your taste; for milder heat, reduce or even omit it.
Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon): This aromatic addition brings a savory, comforting flavor to the mix.
Brown sugar (⅓ cup): The star of the show! It caramelizes during baking, creating that sweet crust that perfectly complements the savory bacon and shrimp.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F, creating a warm atmosphere for cooking. Line a large, rimmed baking tray with foil for easy cleanup and lightly grease it with cooking spray. This ensures the bacon doesn’t stick, making for easier removal and a crispier finish.

Marinate the Shrimp: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Pour this flavorful marinade over the shrimp, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let them marinate for about 15 minutes while the oven preheats, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully.

Wrap and Secure: Take a piece of bacon and wrap it around one marinated shrimp, securing it with a toothpick at both ends. Place the wrapped shrimp on the prepared baking tray, repeating this process until all shrimp are wrapped. The presentation is charming and inviting—perfect for your guests!

Sprinkle the Sweetness: Once all the shrimp are on the tray, sprinkle half of the brown sugar evenly across the bacon-wrapped shrimp. This simple step is key; it caramelizes beautifully and gives that sweet, savory flavor balance.

Bake and Flip: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the shrimp for 7–8 minutes. After that, flip each shrimp over with tongs to ensure even cooking, and scatter the remaining brown sugar on top. Return to the oven for another 7–8 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and the bacon is crisp, fragrant, and delightful.

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftovers, let the bacon wrapped shrimp cool to room temperature, then transfer them into an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing too much of their charm. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the leftovers—just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. They’ll last up to three months. For reheating, pop them back into the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, just until warmed through. Keep in mind, the texture may change slightly, but a quick bake can help refresh their crispiness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the shrimp. They cook very quickly; once pink and firm, they’re done!
Opt for thicker cut bacon for a chewier texture, but remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Keep shrimp at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking; it helps them cook evenly.
If some of your shrimp are larger than others, consider cutting them in half to maintain uniform cooking times.
For an added punch, feel free to experiment with your favorite spices or sauces for marinating.

Each bite of these bacon wrapped shrimp promises layers of flavor, and the experience of whipping them up is just as delightful as enjoying them. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or savoring them alone, they are a treat to enjoy. Experiment with different spice levels or perhaps even add a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving to elevate their presentation and flavor.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly before marinating. Place them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water until they’re no longer icy. This helps to ensure even cooking and keeps the shrimp tender and juicy.

How can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can wrap the shrimp in bacon and prepare them up to a day in advance. Simply store them in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to cook, just sprinkle the brown sugar and pop them in the oven.

What dipping sauces pair well with bacon wrapped shrimp?

These shrimp are delicious on their own but serve them with a zesty cocktail sauce, a tangy chimichurri, or a rich garlic aioli for a fun twist. Each adds its own unique flavor profile that complements the shrimp wonderfully.

Can I cook these on the grill instead?

Absolutely! If you prefer grilled bacon wrapped shrimp, prepare them the same way and cook them on a medium-high grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side, ensuring the bacon is crispy and the shrimp is cooked through. Just keep an eye on them to avoid flare-ups!