These bacon-wrapped shrimp are a tasty treat! The juicy shrimp wrapped in crispy bacon make for a fun and flavorful snack. Perfect for parties or even a cozy night in!
Honestly, who can resist that sizzle? I love popping these in the oven and enjoying them with a spicy dip. They disappear fast, so make sure to save some for yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are best because they’ll hold up well to the bacon wrapping. If you can’t find large ones, medium shrimp work too. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as smaller shrimp will cook faster.
Bacon: I suggest using thin-cut bacon. It crisps nicely around the shrimp without being too chewy. If you prefer, turkey bacon is a lighter alternative, but it may not get as crispy.
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps the seasoning stick to the shrimp. You can swap it with melted butter or avocado oil for a different flavor!
Spices: Smoked paprika adds a nice depth. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder could work in a pinch. Just remember to adjust the amount if you prefer less heat.
How Do You Wrap Shrimp in Bacon So It Stays Tight?
Wrapping shrimp in bacon snugly is key to getting a good, crispy result. Here’s how to do it right:
- Take a piece of bacon and place it at the top of the shrimp, letting it overlap a little.
- Wrap it around the shrimp tightly, ensuring there’s minimal space between the bacon pieces.
- Secure the bacon with a skewer. You might find it helpful to pierce the bacon and shrimp together to keep it in place while cooking.
Cooking these on skewers will also help keep them together as they cook. Just remember to soak the skewers in water beforehand to prevent them from burning!
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
For the Seasoning:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
For Assembly:
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley or mixed greens, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and another 12-15 minutes to cook. So, set aside about 30 minutes in total, including the time to let the skewers soak!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Cooking Surface:
Start by preheating your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is important for ensuring your bacon gets crispy and your shrimp cook perfectly!
2. Prepare the Seasoning:
In a medium bowl, mix together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This will create a flavorful coating for your shrimp.
3. Coat the Shrimp:
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl with the seasoning. Toss everything together until the shrimp are completely coated in that delicious spice mix.
4. Wrap the Shrimp:
Take half a slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around each shrimp. Make sure to secure it well. After wrapping, thread 3-4 of these bacon-wrapped shrimp onto each skewer, leaving a bit of space between them for even cooking.
5. Cook the Shrimp:
Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil (for easy cleanup) or on the grill. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, turning them halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the bacon is crispy and the shrimp is opaque and cooked through.
6. Let Them Rest:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. This will help keep them juicy!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your bacon-wrapped shrimp warm, garnished with fresh lemon wedges and greens if you like. They make for a fantastic appetizer or a fun party dish!
Enjoy your crispy, smoky, and juicy bacon-wrapped shrimp! 🌟
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before wrapping them in bacon. Place the frozen shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or quickly thaw under cold running water. Pat them dry before seasoning for the best results.
What Can I Use Instead of Smoked Paprika?
If you don’t have smoked paprika on hand, regular paprika or even cayenne pepper can be used as substitutes. Just keep in mind that cayenne will add more heat, so use it sparingly if you’re sensitive to spice.
How Do I Store Leftover Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until heated through and the bacon is crispy again.
Can I Make These Shrimp on a Skillet Instead?
Absolutely! You can cook the wrapped shrimp in a skillet over medium heat. Just be sure to turn them often to achieve an even crispness until the bacon is cooked and the shrimp are done, usually about 8-10 minutes.
