Bacon-wrapped shrimp are a fun and tasty treat! Juicy shrimp wrapped in crispy bacon create a perfect flavor combo that everyone loves.
These little bites are a hit at parties! I always keep some ready for guests because they vanish in no time—who can resist bacon, right? 🥓😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large or jumbo shrimp for this recipe. They hold up well against the bacon. If you’re allergic or can’t find shrimp, try using chicken or a plant-based protein like tofu.
Bacon: I love using thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon works too, but it may not crisp up the same way. Vegans can opt for a plant-based bacon substitute!
Olive Oil or Butter: Both add great flavor. Melted butter provides richness, while olive oil adds a light touch. Fragrant oils, like garlic-infused olive oil, can enhance the taste further.
Seasonings: Paprika gives a nice smoky flavor, but if you want a kick, try using cayenne or chili powder. Fresh herbs can be swapped with dried ones, but fresh parsley is best for garnish.
How Do You Get Bacon Crispy While Cooking Shrimp?
Achieving crispy bacon while ensuring shrimp is perfectly cooked can be tricky, but here are some tips:
- Use a wire rack: This allows hot air to circulate all around the shrimp, making sure the bacon cooks evenly and becomes crispy.
- Preheat the oven: A hot oven helps the bacon to render its fat and crisp up faster.
- Don’t overcrowd: Give each skewer enough space on the rack. This helps them cook evenly without steaming.
- Finish with broiling: Broil for a minute or two at the end to get an extra crispy finish, but watch it closely to avoid burning.
These tips can help you get that ideal crunch while keeping the shrimp tender and juicy. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left on
- 8 slices bacon, cut into halves or thirds (depending on shrimp size)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes (to prevent burning)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious dish will take you about 15 minutes for prep and around 20-25 minutes to cook. So, in total, you can have the Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp ready in under an hour, perfect for a quick appetizer or a fancy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your shrimp and bacon cook evenly. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top, so the hot air can circulate around the shrimp.
2. Prepare the Seasoning:
In a medium bowl, mix together the olive oil or melted butter with the minced garlic, paprika, black pepper, salt, and oregano. This mixture will give your shrimp a delicious flavor and a nice golden color!
3. Wrap the Shrimp:
Take the shrimp, and wrap each one with a slice of bacon. If your bacon is particularly long, you can cut it into halves or thirds depending on the size of your shrimp. Then, secure the bacon in place by threading the shrimp onto a wooden skewer. This makes them easy to handle while cooking!
4. Arrange the Skewers:
Place the bacon-wrapped shrimp skewers on the wire rack on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they have some space between each skewer for even cooking.
5. Brush with Seasoning:
Using a brush or spoon, generously coat the shrimp and bacon with the garlic and oil mixture. This step is essential for adding that yummy flavor and helping the bacon crisp up nicely!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Flip the skewers halfway through cooking to ensure they get crispy all around. You’ll know they are done when the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are pink and opaque.
7. Optional Broiling:
If you want an extra crispy finish, you can broil the shrimp for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. Just keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Once cooked, take the skewers out of the oven and transfer them to a serving plate. Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.
9. Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp warm, either as an appetizer or as a main dish. They pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces like cocktail sauce, ranch, or a spicy aioli!
Enjoy these succulent shrimp wrapped in savory, crispy bacon with a garlic-paprika kick! They’re sure to impress anyone you serve them to!
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Shrimp?
It’s best to use raw shrimp for this recipe to ensure they cook through properly and absorb all the flavors. If you only have pre-cooked shrimp, you can still wrap them in bacon, but reduce the cooking time to about 10-12 minutes just to heat through and crisp the bacon.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
If you’re looking for a healthier or vegetarian option, turkey bacon or plant-based bacon can be great substitutes. The cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them while baking to achieve the desired crispiness.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This will help keep them crispy!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the shrimp by wrapping them in bacon and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. Just make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When ready to cook, you’ll need to add a couple of minutes to the baking time to ensure everything is heated thoroughly.