Bacon wrapped shrimp is a mouthwatering appetizer or main dish that combines juicy shrimp with crispy, smoky bacon. It’s simple to make, impressive to serve, and perfect for parties or a cozy dinner. If you’re wondering how to make bacon wrapped shrimp, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know-from ingredients to cooking tips-to create this tasty treat at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– Fresh shrimp (peeled, deveined, tail-on)
– Bacon strips (regular cut works best)
– Olive oil or a neutral cooking oil
– Salt and pepper
– Optional marinade or glaze ingredients (like honey, garlic, soy sauce, or chili powder)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
1. Prepare the Shrimp
Start with peeled and deveined shrimp, leaving the tails on for a nice presentation and easy handling. Toss the shrimp in olive oil, salt, and pepper to lightly season them. If you want extra flavor, you can marinate the shrimp in a mixture of melted butter, honey, garlic powder, and chili powder for about 15 minutes before cooking.
2. Pre-Cook the Bacon
To ensure the bacon crisps up perfectly without overcooking the shrimp, partially cook the bacon first. Cut each bacon strip in half crosswise and lay them on a baking rack set over a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 5 to 10 minutes until the bacon is just starting to cook but still pliable.
3. Wrap the Shrimp
Wrap each shrimp with a half strip of the pre-cooked bacon. Secure the bacon with a toothpick through the shrimp’s center to hold it in place.
4. Cook the Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Place the wrapped shrimp back on the baking rack over the baking sheet. Bake at 425°F for about 10 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and the bacon is cooked through but not yet crispy. Then, switch your oven to the broil setting and broil the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes to crisp up the bacon perfectly. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
5. Optional Glaze or Sauce
For a sweet and smoky twist, brush the shrimp with a honey-soy glaze or a sticky chili honey sauce right after broiling. This adds a beautiful shine and extra flavor. Serve with extra sauce for dipping if you like.
Tips for the Best Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
– Use jumbo shrimp (10-15 per pound) for a hearty bite.
– Pre-cooking bacon prevents it from being chewy and helps it crisp nicely during broiling.
– Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; cook shrimp in batches if needed.
– Experiment with different seasonings or sauces like BBQ, sriracha mayo, or blackened seasoning to customize the flavor.
– Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
What to Serve with Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
– Fresh green salads or coleslaw
– Garlic butter pasta or rice
– Roasted vegetables
– Dipping sauces like spicy mayo, cocktail sauce, or honey mustard
Bacon wrapped shrimp is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for weeknights but fancy enough for entertaining guests. With just a few simple steps, you can create a flavorful, crispy, and juicy dish that everyone will love.
Give it a try and enjoy the perfect balance of smoky bacon and tender shrimp in every bite!