Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Three words: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp. Four ingredients: shrimp, bacon, brown sugar, paprika. That’s all it takes to make something that everyone goes shrimpy for. This Bacon Wrapped Shrimp is absolutely delicious – juicy on the inside, with a hint of sweet and savory on the outside. And this is a recipe that I can get my older kiddos to help out with, too, while I am working on fixin’ the rest of dinner. The process of wrapping the bacon around the shrimp is simple enough for them to follow, and they get a boost of confidence in the kitchen, encouraging their interest in cooking.
As the bacon begins to sizzle and the smell fills the kitchen, it’s a signal that our collective effort is about to pay off. Seriously, the smell alone makes this bacon wrapped shrimp recipe worth making. I typically serve it with Cacio E Pepe and steamed broccoli, and all 5 of the kids eat it without complaint. Which, is a rare thing in my house.
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Overview
Cuisine Inspiration: American
Number of Ingredients: 4
Total Cook Time: 35 – 40 minutes
Primary Cooking Method: Baking and broiling
Dietary Info: Dairy-Free
Key Flavor: Sweet and savory with a smoky kick
Skill Level: Beginner
Notable mentions
- Versatility at Its Best: These bacon wrapped shrimp can be served with sooo many things. Serve them up on a platter as a fancy appetizer, pass ’em around as a finger-licking party snack, or lay them over a bed of fluffy butter rice and fresh veggies!
- Foolproof and Showstopping: Even if you’re new to the kitchen, this recipe is a cinch to pull off, but the results? Absolutely stunning! Each shrimp comes out perfectly cooked, glistening with that caramelized coating.
- A Flavor Powerhouse: In the world of easy-to-make appetizers that don’t skimp on taste, this bacon wrapped shrimp recipe is a clear winner. The combination of juicy shrimp, sweet brown sugar, and smoky paprika hits all the right notes.
- Simple Ingredients: Only 4 ingredients, everybody! We’re just talking shrimp, bacon, a little brown sugar, a dash of paprika, and some lemon wedges for that fresh kick. Less time shopping and more time enjoying the good stuff!
Ingredients to make Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
- Shrimp: You can pick any size you want, from small to jumbo, but I’m a big fan of using large shrimp. They’re not too little, not too big – just right. Plus, you can choose between regular or wild-caught shrimp. I usually grab them cleaned, peeled, and deveined to save some time. But hey, if you want to clean them yourself, I’ve got some tips for you later on!
- Bacon: Whether you’re into smoked or maple bacon, any kind will do. Also, go for the regular cut here. It gives enough time to get that shrimp perfectly cooked inside while the bacon crisps up on the outside in the oven.
- Brown Sugar: This is where that lovely caramelization comes into play! It adds a touch of sweetness that’ll make your shrimp pop.
- Paprika: It brings a mild, smoky flavor and a beautiful color to your shrimp.
- Lemon Wedges: For serving. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before you take a bite? Chef’s kiss. It adds that bright, zesty finish to your bacon wrapped shrimp with brown sugar.
How to make Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
- Carefully wrap each shrimp with a half-strip of bacon, securing it in place with a toothpick.
- Add brown sugar and paprika to a small bowl.
- Mix until well combined.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped shrimp on a baking sheet.
- Generously sprinkle the brown sugar and paprika mixture over each piece.
- Place the baking sheet on the lower oven rack and let the shrimp bake until the bacon is golden and crispy.
Popular substitutions & additions
- Switch Up the Sweet: If you’re out of brown sugar or just want to try something different, drizzle some honey or maple syrup over the shrimp before they hit the oven. Both go great with the smoky bacon!
- Garlic Punch: For my garlic lovers out there, sprinkle a little garlic powder on your shrimp together with or instead of the paprika. It’s amazing how a bit of garlic can add so much flavor!
- Turn Up the Heat: Like a bit of a kick? Try using chipotle powder, chili seasoning, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes instead of the paprika.
- Butter It Up: Imagine mixing a little melted butter with your brown sugar and paprika… Yep, it’s as good as it sounds! The butter brings a rich, creamy flavor that makes the bacon wrapped shrimp taste even more yummy.
Tips for making the best bacon wrapped shrimp in the oven
- Skewers Hack: If you find yourself out of toothpicks just when you’re about to secure that bacon around the shrimp, grab some skewers (if you have ’em) and cut them into shorter lengths. They work just as well to keep that bacon snugly wrapped around your shrimp.
- Don’t Go Overboard with the Seasoning: You want enough brown sugar and paprika to create a gorgeous caramelized crust as the shrimp bakes, but not so much that it overshadows the shrimp’s natural flavor. A light, even coating does the trick!
- Prep Your Shrimp Right: If you’re up for cleaning and prepping your shrimp, it’s pretty straightforward. Just grab a paring knife, gently remove the shells (leaving the tail on if you like), then make a shallow cut along the back to take the vein out. Give them a good rinse, pat them dry, and you’re good to go.
- Watch the Broil: Keep a close eye on your bacon wrapped shrimp during that final broil in the oven. This step is what gets you that irresistible crispiness, but things can go from perfectly golden to burnt pretty quick under that high heat!
How to store & reheat Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
You’re in luck if you have leftover bacon wrapped shrimp! To store, pop them in an airtight container and slide them into the fridge. To reheat, you can microwave them, use the oven (at 350°F), or broil them. Just heat them for a few minutes or until they’re warmed through.
How long will Bacon Wrapped Shrimp last in the fridge?
These bacon-wrapped delights will stay tasty in your fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that seafood is delicate, so if you sense any funky smells, discard the shrimp ASAP!
Can i freeze bacon wrapped shrimp with brown sugar?
Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap them individually or place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Remember to label your container with the date, so you know when they’re best enjoyed by.
Once you want more of that sweet, smoky goodness, thaw the shrimp overnight in the fridge and reheat using one of the methods above.
What to serve with Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
- Dive Into Dips: My go-to? A creamy garlic aioli that brings out the shrimp’s flavor in the best way. A kick of spicy sriracha mayo also does the trick. Just play around with the dips, it’s half the fun!
- Rice & Veggies: You can’t go wrong with a side of sautéed zucchini or a bunch of colorful veggies. And rice? Absolutely. Simple, but so, so good.
- Pasta: If you’re looking to make it a meal, pasta’s your answer. I whipped up some cacio e pepe, and the creamy pasta with these crispy shrimp on top was chef’s kiss.
- Top Salads: On those days when I’m trying to keep things “light,” I’ll throw these shrimp on top of a big, fresh salad. Adds just the right amount of crunch and flavor.
- Other Bacon-Wrapped Goodies: Ever since I tried making a platter of bacon wrapped everything for a family BBQ, it’s been my go-to party trick! Throw in some asparagus, ham roll-ups, and, why not, some carrots, all wrapped in bacon alongside these shrimp. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and, honestly, so much fun to make.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?
While you technically can use pre-cooked shrimp, I don’t recommend it. Pre-cooked shrimp tend to overcook and become rubbery when you bake them again. So stick with raw shrimp for that perfect, juicy bite!
Is there a way to make this recipe a bit healthier?
You can switch to turkey bacon for a leaner option. It’s lower in fat compared to regular bacon and still adds a nice, smoky flavor to the shrimp.
Can I grill these instead of baking them?
Absolutely! Just make sure to preheat your grill and cook them over medium heat to avoid flare-ups from the bacon fat. Keep an eye on them, turning once, until the shrimp are pink and the bacon is crispy.
If you’re all about that bacon and can’t resist the charm of perfectly cooked shrimp, this Bacon Wrapped Shrimp recipe is a must-try! It’s straightforward, but trust me, the flavors are anything but simple. Perfect for bacon aficionados and seafood lovers eager to combine their passions into one dish but don’t have the time to whip up complicated stuff.
More Easy recipes:
- Broiled Salmon
- Octopus Salad
- Slow Cooker Lentil Curry (5 Ingredients)
- Baked Hamburgers
- Slow Cooker Greek Chicken (5 Ingredients)
- Swiss Steak
- Broiled Cod
- Baked Cheese Crisps (3 Ingredients)
I want to hear from you! If you try this easy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp recipe or any other of my easy recipes on Dinner in 5, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! I read all the comments and respond!
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Equipment
Ingredients
- 30 peeled and deveined large shrimp thawed if frozen
- 12 oz package of bacon cut in half
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F.
- Carefully wrap each shrimp with a half-strip of bacon, securing it in place with a toothpick.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and paprika.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped shrimp on a baking sheet. Generously sprinkle the brown sugar and paprika mixture over each piece.
- Place the baking sheet on the lower oven rack and let the shrimp bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is golden and crispy. After the initial baking, transfer the sheet to the middle rack and broil the shrimp for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Serve the shrimp warm with fresh lemon wedges, and enjoy!
Notes
- Skewers Hack: If you find yourself out of toothpicks just when you’re about to secure that bacon around the shrimp, grab some skewers (if you have ’em) and cut them into shorter lengths. They work just as well to keep that bacon snugly wrapped around your shrimp.
- Don’t Go Overboard with the Seasoning: You want enough brown sugar and paprika to create a gorgeous caramelized crust as the shrimp bakes, but not so much that it overshadows the shrimp’s natural flavor. A light, even coating does the trick!
- Prep Your Shrimp Right: If you’re up for cleaning and prepping your shrimp, it’s pretty straightforward. Just grab a paring knife, gently remove the shells (leaving the tail on if you like), then make a shallow cut along the back to take the vein out. Give them a good rinse, pat them dry, and you’re good to go.
- Watch the Broil: Keep a close eye on your bacon wrapped shrimp during that final broil in the oven. This step is what gets you that irresistible crispiness, but things can go from perfectly golden to burnt pretty quick under that high heat!
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.