Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp: A Perfect Fusion of Smoky and Sweet

Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp is the epitome of culinary indulgence. With its delicate sweetness and firm texture, shrimp takes on a whole new level of flavor when paired with the smoky, crispy goodness of bacon. This dish effortlessly brings together the richness of bacon and the natural sweetness of shrimp, resulting in a satisfying and irresistible treat. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or serving it as a special appetizer, Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp is always a crowd-pleaser.

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What makes this dish so special is its ability to bring together two very different ingredients in a harmonious way. The shrimp, with its tender bite and subtle sweetness, contrasts beautifully with the smoky, salty crunch of bacon. The result is a culinary experience that excites the taste buds and leaves you craving more. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. You don’t need to be an expert chef to whip up this simple yet elegant dish that impresses with every bite.

The Appeal of Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp holds an undeniable appeal. For many, bacon is a universally loved ingredient, bringing a depth of flavor and a satisfying crunch to almost any dish. Shrimp, on the other hand, is known for its delicate sweetness and slightly chewy texture. The combination of these two ingredients creates an incredible contrast, making every bite more enjoyable than the last. What’s more, bacon imparts a smoky, savory essence that elevates the naturally sweet shrimp, adding layers of flavor and complexity to each mouthful.

This dish offers the perfect balance of flavors—salty, sweet, smoky, and savory—all in one bite. Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp is ideal for any occasion, whether you’re preparing it for a formal dinner, a casual family meal, or a party with friends. It also makes for a fantastic appetizer, offering a bite-sized portion of pure satisfaction that’s sure to be a hit among your guests. Its versatility allows it to pair with a variety of sides, making it a go-to recipe for any meal.

But it’s not just the flavor combination that makes this dish stand out. The crispy bacon provides a satisfying crunch while the shrimp remains tender and juicy. As the bacon cooks, it renders out its fat, making the shrimp even more succulent and perfectly cooked. This contrast in textures—crisp bacon and tender shrimp—adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience. Furthermore, the dish’s simplicity makes it an accessible recipe for home cooks of all skill levels. With just a few ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen.

Ingredient Breakdown

To create this Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp, you don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients. This recipe uses only a few key items, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the final product. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• 1 pound center-cut bacon (not thick-cut) – The bacon is the star of the show, providing the perfect smoky, salty flavor and crispy texture. Center-cut bacon is ideal for this recipe because it’s leaner, allowing the bacon to crisp up beautifully while still giving you that full bacon flavor. Avoid thick-cut bacon, as it may not crisp up as nicely and could overpower the delicate shrimp.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Olive oil helps the seasoning mix adhere to the shrimp, ensuring that every bite is flavorful. It also helps prevent the shrimp from sticking to the baking sheet, making cleanup easier.
• 1 tablespoon honey – Honey adds a subtle sweetness that complements the smoky bacon and balances out the savory flavors. It also enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness, creating a perfect flavor harmony.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt – Salt enhances the natural flavors of both the bacon and shrimp, ensuring each ingredient shines without overwhelming the dish. The amount of salt can be adjusted depending on your taste preferences.
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Black pepper provides a mild heat and a slightly earthy note, balancing the richness of the bacon and the sweetness of the shrimp. It’s an essential seasoning that rounds out the flavor profile.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Garlic powder imparts a savory, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the other seasonings. It adds depth to the overall taste, giving the dish an extra layer of savory goodness.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor to the shrimp, which complements the bacon. It also gives the shrimp a beautiful reddish hue, enhancing its visual appeal.
• 1 pound raw extra-jumbo shrimp (16 to 20 per pound), thawed if frozen, peeled and deveined but tails left on – The shrimp is the other essential component of this dish. You’ll need large, plump shrimp for the best results. The shrimp’s natural sweetness is the perfect counterpoint to the smoky bacon. Make sure to leave the tails on for better presentation and easier handling.
• Toothpicks – Toothpicks are used to secure the bacon around the shrimp, ensuring the bacon stays in place while cooking. These small skewers also help the shrimp cook evenly.
• Lemon wedges or dipping sauce (optional) – A fresh squeeze of lemon adds a bright, zesty kick to the dish, cutting through the richness of the bacon and shrimp. You can also serve the shrimp with a dipping sauce, such as a rich lemon butter sauce, for an extra layer of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp is an easy and enjoyable process, and the results are simply delicious. Follow these simple steps to create this flavor-packed dish:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Bacon

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and positioning the rack in the center. A well-heated oven is essential for achieving perfectly crispy bacon. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier. Next, slice the 1 pound of center-cut bacon into thin strips that will wrap around each shrimp. Lay the strips on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap.

2. Bake the Bacon

Place the baking sheet with the bacon in the preheated oven and bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the bacon begins to brown but is still pliable. You don’t want it to become too crispy at this stage, as you’ll be wrapping it around the shrimp shortly. Keep an eye on the bacon to ensure it doesn’t cook too much.

3. Prepare the Shrimp

While the bacon is baking, it’s time to prep the shrimp. In a mixing bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Stir the mixture until well combined, creating a flavorful marinade for the shrimp. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss them gently, making sure each shrimp is evenly coated in the seasoning.

4. Drain the Bacon

Once the bacon has cooked, remove it from the oven and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. Pour off any leftover grease from the baking sheet and line it with fresh parchment paper. This ensures that your shrimp won’t stick to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easier. At this point, you can also turn the oven to broil, which will help the bacon crisp up during the final cooking stage.

5. Wrap the Shrimp in Bacon

Take each seasoned shrimp and wrap it with a strip of bacon, starting at the thick end and securing it with a toothpick. Place the wrapped shrimp on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down, spacing them evenly apart. Make sure the bacon is wrapped tightly around the shrimp to ensure it stays in place during cooking.

6. Broil the Shrimp

Place the baking sheet under the broiler and cook for 4-6 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are fully cooked. Halfway through, rotate the baking sheet to ensure the shrimp cook evenly. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque, while the bacon should crisp up and caramelize to a golden brown.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once the Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a moment. Serve the shrimp hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or pair it with a dipping sauce such as lemon butter sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips and Variations

• Substituting Ingredients: If you don’t have center-cut bacon, regular bacon works just fine. Just keep in mind that it may take a little longer to cook due to its thicker cut. For a healthier alternative, turkey bacon can be used, though it won’t be quite as crispy or flavorful as traditional pork bacon. If you prefer a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
• Serving Suggestions: Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides. Serve it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even a light pasta dish. If you want to create a more indulgent meal, consider pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter dipping sauce.
• Make-Ahead Tips: If you want to prepare the dish in advance, you can wrap the shrimp with bacon and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before broiling. This allows the flavors to marinate and intensify, making the dish even more flavorful.

Conclusion

Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp is a simple yet elegant dish that combines two beloved ingredients—bacon and shrimp—into one irresistible bite. The smoky, salty bacon and the tender, sweet shrimp complement each other perfectly, creating a flavor explosion in every mouthful. With its ease of preparation and ability to impress, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer or as part of a main meal, Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp will undoubtedly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. So why not give this delicious recipe a try? You won’t be disappointed!