There’s an exquisite allure in the combination of sweet and savory that never fails to excite my taste buds, and that’s precisely why I’m thrilled to share my Bacon Wrapped Shrimp recipe with you. Picture this: succulent shrimp, nestled between crispy bacon, glazed with a hint of honey, creating an irresistible melody of flavors dancing on your palate.
I first experimented with this dish during a cozy evening at home, and the moment I took that first bite, the satisfying crunch and the rich, smoky notes had me hooked. What I love most about this recipe is its remarkable simplicity – it comes together in a flash, making it the perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer for a gathering with friends.
Whether you’re restless from yet another night of takeout or eager to impress your guests with something special, Bacon Wrapped Shrimp is the answer. Let’s dive into the delightful world of this quick, flavorful dish that balances elegance with comfort, turning any meal into a celebration.
Why is Bacon Wrapped Shrimp a Game Changer?
Irresistible Flavor Combination: The mix of sweet honey and smoky bacon creates a symphony of tastes that will charm your taste buds.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is designed for busy home cooks, allowing you to create a stunning dish in just 30 minutes!
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect as an appetizer for gatherings or a delightful treat for family dinners, everyone will be reaching for more.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a standalone dish, or pair it with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
A Fun Twist on Seafood: Elevate your seafood game with this playful recipe that transforms ordinary shrimp into a gourmet delight!
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Ingredients
• Get ready for a delightful culinary adventure!
For the Shrimp
• 1 pound shrimp – peeled and deveined for a tender bite.
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning – or Old Bay seasoning for that extra kick of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper – for a bit of warmth in every bite.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – enhances all the wonderful flavors.
• ½ teaspoon cayenne (optional) – adds a spicy touch if you like it hot!
For the Bacon
• 8 pieces bacon – cut into quarters to wrap around the shrimp perfectly.
For the Glaze
• 2 tablespoons honey – brings a sweet richness that beautifully complements the shrimp.
• ¼ cup olive oil – for sautéing, providing a subtle fruitiness.
For Garnish
• Fresh parsley – adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Feel free to drizzle a bit more honey on top when serving, making your Bacon Wrapped Shrimp extra luscious!
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
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Preheat your skillet over medium heat. The key to perfectly cooked shrimp starts with the right temperature, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
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Cook the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove it from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel. This will create a delightful crunch that perfectly contrasts the juicy shrimp.
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Sauté the shrimp in the same skillet with olive oil. Season them generously with the Cajun seasoning, black pepper, kosher salt, and cayenne (if you like a bit of heat). Cook until they’re pink and opaque, around 2-3 minutes per side.
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Drizzle honey over the shrimp, and gently stir to coat. This sweet glaze will enhance the shrimp and tie all the flavors together.
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Serve elegantly by topping the shrimp with the crispy bacon pieces. Garnish with fresh parsley for a splash of color and drizzle additional honey for that irresistible finish.
Optional: Serve with a side of lemon wedges for an extra zest!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Fridge: Store leftover Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure you let them cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooked shrimp individually by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until heated through, or pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Wrap Carefully: When storing, ensure the shrimp are wrapped or contained properly to maintain their flavor and texture.
Make Ahead Options
These Bacon Wrapped Shrimp are an absolute triumph for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish with minimal last-minute work! You can cook the bacon up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, ensuring it stays crispy. Additionally, you can season the shrimp and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking, preventing them from becoming rubbery. When you’re ready to serve, simply sauté the shrimp as directed, drizzle with honey, and top with your pre-cooked bacon. With this prep, you’ll have a flavorful dish on the table in no time—perfect for impressing guests or a cozy night in!
What to Serve with Bacon Wrapped Shrimp?
Elevate your dining experience by creating a symphony of flavors alongside this sweet and savory dish.
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Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The richness of buttery potatoes balances the smoky bacon beautifully, making each bite a delightful experience.
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Zesty Citrus Salad: A fresh salad with vibrant citrus notes adds a refreshing contrast, cleansing the palate between bites of rich shrimp.
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Seasoned Rice Pilaf: The nutty flavors of rice pilaf provide a satisfying base, soaking up the luscious honey glaze and savory seasoning.
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Roasted Asparagus: Tender, roasted asparagus brings a crisp texture and a light earthiness that brightens the meal while offering a pop of color.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, smoky flavors from grilled corn complement the bacon, enhancing the overall enjoyment of your meal outdoors or in.
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Sparkling Citrus Mocktail: A fizzy drink with lemon and lime elevates the occasion, refreshing your taste buds while pairing perfectly with every sweet and spicy bite.
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Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: End on a high note with these charming desserts, their sweetness and richness a perfect counterpart to the shrimp’s flavors.
These serving suggestions will turn your Bacon Wrapped Shrimp into a stunning feast that will be remembered long after the meal is over!
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Variations
Feel free to take this delicious recipe and make it your own with these exciting twists!
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Spicy Kick: Add additional cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra layer of heat that will ignite your palate.
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Sweet & Smoky: Mix maple syrup with honey for a deeper sweetness and smoky flavor profile. It’s a delightful twist that elevates the dish!
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Herb-Infused: Experiment by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the olive oil before sautéing the shrimp for a fragrant lift.
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Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle crumbled feta or shredded cheddar on top of the shrimp before serving to introduce a creamy, rich base that complements the flavors beautifully.
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Veggie Add-In: Toss in some bell peppers or asparagus while cooking the shrimp to add vibrant colors and extra nutrients to your dish.
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Coconut Bliss: Use coconut oil instead of olive oil for a tropical flavor and garnish with toasted coconut flakes for texture. It’s like a mini vacation on your plate!
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Bacon-Free Option: Replace bacon with turkey bacon or pancetta for a leaner option; it still adds a great crunch and flavor, minus some of the grease.
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Gluten-Free: Make sure your seasonings and honey are certified gluten-free to keep this dish accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
Each variation allows you to put your personal stamp on this fabulous recipe, transforming it into something uniquely yours! Enjoy the adventure of flavor!
Expert Tips for Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
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Perfectly Crisp Bacon: Cook bacon until it’s crispy for that satisfying texture. If undercooked, it may become chewy once wrapped around the shrimp.
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Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the Cajun seasoning! A solid seasoning ensures every bite of your Bacon Wrapped Shrimp is bursting with flavor.
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Check Shrimp Doneness: Avoid overcooking shrimp; they should be pink and opaque, typically requiring just 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
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Honey Glaze Magic: Drizzling honey while the shrimp cook helps develop a rich flavor. Brush some more honey on before serving for added sweetness!
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Garnish Brightly: Fresh parsley not only looks great but adds fresh notes that balance the rich flavors of bacon and shrimp, making your dish a visual and tasty delight.
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting shrimp?
Absolutely! When selecting shrimp, look for ones that are firm and translucent without any dark spots or strong odor. Fresh shrimp will have a slight ocean scent, while shrimp that smell overly fishy or have dark spots should be avoided.
How should I store leftover Bacon Wrapped Shrimp?
For best results, store leftover Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. They can be stored for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup, which can compromise their delightful texture.
Can I freeze Bacon Wrapped Shrimp?
Very! If you want to store your Bacon Wrapped Shrimp for a longer period, you can freeze them. Start by laying the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually until they’re firm. This usually takes about 1-2 hours. Afterward, transfer them to a sealed freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What’s the best way to reheat Bacon Wrapped Shrimp?
To reheat your delicious shrimp, the golden rule is to do so gently. Thaw them overnight in the fridge if frozen. Then, warm them in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until heated through, or if you prefer the oven, pop them in at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. This will help maintain their succulent flavor and crispy bacon texture!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Bacon Wrapped Shrimp recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just be mindful of your Cajun or Old Bay seasoning, as some brands may contain gluten. Confirm your seasoning is gluten-free, and you’re all set for a delightful dish everyone can enjoy!
Is it safe to feed shrimp to my pet dog?
When cooked properly and without any seasoning or additives, shrimp can be a treat for your dog! Just ensure that the shrimp is fully cooked, peeled, and deveined. Keep it in moderation; don’t feed them too much at once! Always check with your vet if you’re unsure.
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp: Sweet, Spicy, and Irresistibly Good!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the shrimp in the same skillet with olive oil. Season generously and cook until pink and opaque, around 2-3 minutes per side.
- Drizzle honey over the shrimp and stir to coat.
- Serve by topping the shrimp with crispy bacon and garnish with fresh parsley.