Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

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The savory combination of smoky bacon and juicy shrimp makes this recipe a must try for any occasion. It’s the kind of dish that looks elegant but is secretly simple, making you look like a culinary genius with minimal effort. A zesty garlic lemon marinade adds brightness to balance the richness of the bacon, creating a perfect bite every time.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking for a quick weeknight appetizer, these Bacon Wrapped Shrimp deliver on flavor, texture, and presentation. They crisp up beautifully in the oven or on the grill, and they’re versatile enough to pair with your favorite dipping sauces or serve alongside salads, grains, or greens. A true surf and-turf star that shines on any table!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
10 slices of bacon, cut in half
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Optional: chopped parsley or chives for garnish
Toothpicks or skewers

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or grill to medium-high heat.
In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, pepper, and salt.
Add shrimp, toss well, and marinate for 10–15 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook bacon slices halfway in a skillet for 3–4 minutes until slightly rendered. Drain on paper towels.
Wrap each shrimp with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick or skewer.
Place on a foil-lined baking sheet or grill.
Bake or grill for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until shrimp are opaque and bacon is crispy.
Garnish with parsley or chives if desired. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Ultimate Guide to Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp: Flavor, Technique & Serving Inspiration

Bacon wrapped shrimp is one of those rare culinary creations that strikes the perfect balance between elegance and ease. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, prepping appetizers for a dinner party, or simply looking for a quick yet impressive weeknight bite, this dish has the versatility to suit every occasion. It’s no wonder this classic appetizer continues to make waves across both home kitchens and upscale menus.

So, what makes bacon-wrapped shrimp such a beloved staple? It’s all about contrasts and complementing flavors crispy, smoky bacon wrapped around tender, juicy shrimp, brought together with just a touch of seasoning or a bold marinade. Let’s dive deeper into what elevates this simple recipe into something unforgettable.

A Marriage of Land and Sea

At its core, bacon-wrapped shrimp is a “surf and turf” concept. It pairs the rich, fatty flavors of pork with the light, slightly sweet notes of shellfish. While steak and lobster often steal the surf-and-turf spotlight, shrimp and bacon offer a more casual and accessible version of this culinary fusion.

The appeal lies in the textural contrast shrimp cooks quickly and remains moist when done right, while bacon adds a crispy, savory crunch that enhances every bite. But it’s more than just taste; it’s about the mouthfeel and the sensory experience of each chew.

A Brief History of the Combo

The idea of wrapping meat around seafood isn’t new. Historical records and culinary traditions from various cultures have used similar concepts for centuries whether it’s Japanese kushiyaki skewers, Mediterranean grilled prawns with pancetta, or Southern U.S. dishes where bacon-wrapping has long been a tradition.

In American cuisine, bacon-wrapped dishes began gaining momentum in the mid-20th century when home cooks and restaurant chefs alike started embracing appetizers that combined protein, fat, and salt for crowd-pleasing flavor. Dishes like bacon-wrapped scallops and dates paved the way for bacon-wrapped shrimp to find a permanent place on party platters and restaurant menus.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

There’s a reason bacon-wrapped shrimp is more than just a passing trend. It checks all the boxes for flavor, presentation, and practicality:

Speed & Simplicity: From marinating to wrapping and cooking, the process can be completed in under 30 minutes. This makes it an excellent option for last-minute hosting or weeknight meals.
Flavor Layers: The shrimp absorbs marinade beautifully, while the bacon adds a bold, smoky richness. Together, they create a satisfying umami explosion.
Texture Game: The outside has a crispy crunch from the bacon, while the inside stays tender thanks to the shrimp’s short cooking time.
Customization: You can alter the marinade, change the seasoning, use different kinds of bacon, or finish it with dipping sauces or glazes.

Techniques for Perfect Results

Achieving perfect bacon-wrapped shrimp depends on a few simple techniques:

Marinate for Flavor (but not too long): A quick marinade with citrus and spices enhances the shrimp without overpowering it. A 10–15 minute soak is ideal longer than that and the acid may begin to “cook” the shrimp, resulting in an unwanted rubbery texture.
Precook the Bacon: This step is essential. Cooking the bacon partially before wrapping ensures it becomes crisp during the short cook time of the shrimp. If you wrap raw bacon around the shrimp, it won’t have time to fully crisp before the shrimp is overcooked.
Choose the Right Shrimp Size: Larger shrimp (16–20 count per pound) are the best choice. They’re meaty enough to stay juicy through cooking and big enough to support the bacon wrap without being overwhelmed by it.
Secure Properly: Toothpicks or skewers not only hold the bacon in place but also make the shrimp easier to serve and eat ideal for finger food at parties.

Cooking Methods: Oven vs. Grill vs. Air Fryer

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility in cooking methods. Here’s how each method affects the outcome:

Oven-Baked

This is the most straightforward method and ensures even cooking. Place your shrimp on a foil-lined tray for easy cleanup. Flip them halfway through to crisp all sides, and use the broiler for the last 1–2 minutes for extra crunch.

Grilled

This method imparts a beautiful smoky char and is perfect for summer gatherings. Skewering the shrimp helps prevent them from falling through the grates and makes turning them easier. Be sure to monitor closely, as open flames can cook the shrimp quickly.

Air Fryer

Quick and mess-free, the air fryer delivers crisp bacon and tender shrimp in under 10 minutes. It’s an excellent option for small batches or when you don’t want to heat up the whole kitchen.

Choosing the Best Ingredients

While shrimp and bacon are the stars of the show, quality matters:

Shrimp: Fresh or frozen both work, but ensure they are properly thawed, peeled, and deveined. Leaving the tails on not only looks better but also gives guests something to grip.
Bacon: Thin-cut is ideal because it crisps up quickly without needing extra time that could overcook the shrimp. Avoid thick-cut bacon unless you like a chewier bite or take extra care in pre-cooking it.
Seasonings: A mix of garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and pepper is classic. However, you can experiment with cumin, cayenne, soy sauce, or even maple syrup depending on your preferred flavor profile.

Creative Variations to Try

Want to put your own twist on bacon-wrapped shrimp? Try these ideas:

Sweet & Spicy: Brush with honey sriracha glaze before the final minute of cooking.
Tropical Flair: Use a pineapple or mango marinade with a hint of ginger.
Herbaceous: Wrap with basil or sage leaves under the bacon for earthy aromas.
Dipping Sauces: Pair with chipotle aioli, cocktail sauce, chimichurri, or lemon garlic butter.

How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. Serve it in a variety of ways depending on the setting:

Appetizer: Skewer several on a toothpick or serve individually with dipping sauces.
Main Dish: Plate them with grilled vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh garden salad.
Party Tray: Arrange on a platter with herbs, lemon wedges, and small bowls of dipping sauces.
Brunch: Serve over creamy grits or on a toasted English muffin with a poached egg.

This dish also pairs beautifully with beverages crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, a light pilsner, or even sparkling lemonade for non alcoholic refreshment.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Hosting a crowd? You can prep these ahead of time. Wrap the shrimp and store them in the fridge for up to 12 hours before cooking. You can also freeze them raw (after wrapping) and cook from frozen, simply adding a few minutes to the cook time.

Leftovers, if you have any, should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eaten within 1–2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to maintain the bacon’s crispness.

Health & Dietary Notes

Bacon-wrapped shrimp is a great option for many diets, including:

Low-Carb/Keto: Naturally low in carbs and high in protein and healthy fats.
Paleo & Whole30: Use clean bacon with no sugar or nitrates, and natural seasonings.
Gluten-Free: Just make sure all seasonings and bacon are certified gluten-free.

Despite being indulgent in flavor, this dish is relatively low in calories per serving and packed with protein, making it a satisfying option for balanced eating.

Conclusion:

Bacon wrapped shrimp is the ultimate crowd-pleaser: flavorful, fast, and flexible. It’s a dish that feels luxurious yet requires minimal effort, and it’s adaptable enough to match any meal, season, or dietary preference.

With just a few pantry ingredients and a handful of shrimp, you can create something that looks as good as it tastes. From casual cookouts to elegant dinners, this recipe is your go-to when you need something reliable, impressive, and undeniably delicious.

So next time you’re staring at a pack of shrimp and wondering what to make, grab some bacon and get wrapping because some combinations just never go out of style.