Bacon Wrapped Shrimp are the perfect combination of savory, smoky, and juicy flavors. Each plump shrimp is wrapped in crispy bacon, creating a mouthwatering bite with every piece. Serve them as an appetizer or a main dish.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
- Precook the Bacon: Always precook the bacon until it’s just starting to brown but still flexible. This ensures the bacon gets crispy without overcooking the shrimp, which can become rubbery.
- Pat Shrimp Dry: Make sure your shrimp are completely dry before seasoning and wrapping. This will help the seasonings stick and the bacon to crisp up.
- Use a Baking Rack: If baking, elevate the shrimp on a wire rack over your baking sheet to allow air to circulate and prevent soggy bacon.
- Toothpicks: Soak wooden toothpicks in water for 20-30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning in the oven or on the grill.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Garlic Butter Shrimp: Toss the shrimp in melted garlic butter before wrapping with bacon for a rich, garlicky flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a slice of jalapeño or a dash of sriracha to the shrimp before wrapping for some heat.
- Sweet and Spicy: Glaze the bacon wrapped shrimp with a mix of honey and chili flakes for a mouthwatering contrast of flavors.
- Pineapple Bacon Wrapped Shrimp: Place a small piece of pineapple alongside the shrimp before wrapping with bacon for a tropical twist.
- Maple Glazed: Brush with maple syrup or sprinkle with brown sugar for a caramelized finish.
How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Bacon wrapped shrimp are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:
- Appetizer: Arrange on a platter with dipping sauces like spicy aioli, cocktail sauce, or a tangy BBQ sauce.
- Main Course: Serve alongside rice pilaf, a fresh green salad, or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Surf and Turf: Pair with a perfectly cooked steak for a decadent dinner experience.
How to Store and Reheat
- Storing Leftovers: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating Tips: To keep the bacon crispy, reheat in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the bacon soggy.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before use. You can do this quickly by placing the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes.
What type of bacon is best?
Thin-cut bacon is the way to go. It cooks faster and crisps up nicely, balancing perfectly with the tender shrimp.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the bacon wrapped shrimp up to a day in advance. Store them covered in the fridge, then bake or grill just before serving.
How do I keep the bacon from unraveling?
Use toothpicks to secure the bacon in place. Alternatively, you can tuck the ends of the bacon under the shrimp.
Can I cook these on the stovetop?
Yes, you can pan-sear them in a skillet. However, be sure to use a splatter guard, as the bacon grease can splatter.
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp are the perfect combination of savory, smoky, and juicy flavors. Each plump shrimp is wrapped in crispy bacon, creating a mouthwatering bite with every piece. Serve them as an appetizer or a main dish.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bacon, halved crosswise (see note below)
- 16 large shrimp, peeled (leave those beautiful tails on) and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt (or 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Fire it up to 425˚F. Trust me, we need that high heat to get things perfectly crispy.
- Lay out the bacon slices on an oven-safe rack set over a baking sheet. Make sure there’s some space between each slice for even cooking.
- Bake for 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon. The goal here is pliable, not crispy.
- While the bacon’s in the oven, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Give them a good coating!
- Once your bacon has cooled for about 5 minutes, wrap each piece around a shrimp and secure it with a toothpick. Place them back on the oven-safe rack.
- Return the shrimp to the oven and bake for about 10 more minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and the bacon is perfectly cooked. Serve hot and watch them disappear in minutes!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 164Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 69mgSodium 728mgCarbohydrates 1gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 13g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Bacon wrapped shrimp are the perfect blend of flavors and textures, and they’re sure to impress your guests at any event. With the right techniques and a few creative twists, you can make this appetizer truly unforgettable. Whether you like them spicy, sweet, or classic, there’s a variation for everyone to enjoy. Give this recipe a try and watch them disappear off the plate in no time!
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