Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Recipe

Zesty Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Recipe for Unforgettable Dinners

Crispy bacon wrapped around succulent shrimp creates a mouthwatering appetizer that promises pure indulgence.

Succulent seafood meets smoky pork in a delectable combination that melts in you mouth.

Salt and pepper provide simple seasoning for this irresistible dish.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum flavor with every single bite.

Elegant yet effortless, these little nibbles work perfectly as party starters or casual snacks.

Seafood enthusiasts and meat lovers will absolutely adore this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Serve these delightful morsels and watch everyone’s eyes light up with anticipation.

What Makes Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Addictive

  • These bacon-wrapped shrimp deliver restaurant-quality appetizers that look incredibly sophisticated but take minimal effort to prepare.
  • Enjoy flexible preparation methods including oven-baking or grilling, making this recipe perfect for indoor or outdoor cooking scenarios without compromising taste or texture.
  • With just 15-20 minutes total cooking time, this recipe provides a speedy protein-packed dish that works wonderfully as an appetizer, party snack, or quick dinner component.
  • Combining smoky bacon, zesty spices, and succulent shrimp creates an irresistible taste profile that appeals to multiple palates and elevates simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.

All You Need for These Savory Shrimp Bites

Protein Base:
  • Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood perfect for quick cooking, best when fresh or thoroughly thawed.
  • Bacon: Crispy, smoky meat that adds rich flavor and wraps around the shrimp.
Main Seasoning Blend:
  • Olive Oil: Helps seasonings stick and promotes even cooking, choose extra virgin for best flavor.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds deep smoky notes without heat.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides concentrated garlic flavor without moisture.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Optional spicy kick for heat lovers.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile of the dish.
  • Black Pepper: Provides subtle warmth and traditional seasoning.
Garnish and Serving:
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds visual appeal and fresh flavor.
  • Lemon Wedges: Provides zesty citrus accent to cut through rich bacon and shrimp.

How to Wrap and Roast Bacon and Shrimp Together

Step 1: Prep The Spicy Seafood

  • Grab fresh shrimp
  • Olive oil
  • Smoked paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blot shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Toss seafood in a mixing bowl with all seasonings until each piece is evenly coated with vibrant spices.

Step 2: Bacon Wrap Magic

Select crispy bacon strips and lovingly wrap each shrimp, ensuring the meat hugs the seafood tightly. Secure the wrap with small toothpicks if needed.

Step 3: Cooking Adventure

Oven Method:

Arrange wrapped shrimp on parchment-lined baking sheet. Slide into preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Roast for 12-15 minutes, flipping midway to guarantee crispy bacon and perfectly cooked shrimp.

Grill Method:

Place seafood bundles directly on medium-high grill grates. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until bacon turns golden and shrimp transform into pink, succulent morsels.

Step 4: Gorgeous Presentation

Remove toothpicks. Scatter fresh parsley or squeeze lemon wedges over the top. Serve immediately while hot and wonderfully aromatic.

Tips to Keep the Shrimp Juicy and Bacon Crisp

  • Dry Shrimp Thoroughly: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring crispy bacon and better seasoning absorption.
  • Choose Quality Bacon: Select thin-cut bacon that will crisp up quickly and cook evenly with the shrimp.
  • Control Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper amount to match your heat preference, or omit for a milder version.
  • Prevent Burning: Watch carefully during cooking to avoid overcooking shrimp or burning bacon, which can make the dish tough and bitter.
  • Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bacon and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

Store and Reheat Without Losing Texture

  • Store leftover bacon-wrapped shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Warm shrimp at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make bacon soggy and shrimp rubbery.
  • Enjoy cold on salads or quickly reheat to maintain texture. Discard any leftovers that smell off or look discolored.
  • Always check internal temperature reaches 145F when reheating to ensure food safety and prevent potential foodborne illness.

Great Pairings for Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

  • Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich bacon and complement the shrimp's delicate flavor, creating a refreshing balance on your palate.
  • Create a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette that helps cleanse the palate and provides a bright contrast to the smoky, salty bacon-wrapped shrimp.
  • Whip up a quick sriracha mayo or chipotle aioli that enhances the dish's existing cayenne kick and adds an extra layer of creamy, tangy excitement to each bite.
  • Toast crispy French bread slices brushed with garlic butter to soak up any delicious bacon drippings and provide a perfect crunchy side that echoes the dish's texture.

Flavor Twists to Try Next Time

  • Gluten-Free Bacon Lovers: Replace regular bacon with certified gluten-free bacon and ensure all spices are gluten-free certified to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Keto-Friendly Option: Use uncured, nitrate-free bacon and add extra spices like smoked salt or chipotle powder to enhance flavor while maintaining low-carb requirements.
  • Seafood Allergy Alternative: Swap shrimp with chicken tenders or cauliflower florets, keeping the bacon wrapping technique and seasoning profile intact for similar taste experience.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Create a plant-based version using king oyster mushrooms or tempeh strips wrapped with coconut bacon or seasoned rice paper bacon for a meat-free alternative.

FAQs for Shrimp and Bacon Fans

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely, pat them dry thoroughly, and remove excess moisture before seasoning and wrapping with bacon.

  • What type of bacon works best for wrapping shrimp?

Thin-cut bacon is ideal because it crisps up nicely and cooks evenly with the shrimp. Avoid thick-cut bacon as it might not cook through by the time the shrimp is done.

  • How do I know when the shrimp is fully cooked?

The shrimp will turn pink and opaque, and the bacon should be crispy. The internal temperature of the shrimp should reach 145F. Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture.

  • Can I prepare bacon-wrapped shrimp ahead of time?

You can assemble the bacon-wrapped shrimp a few hours before cooking and store them covered in the refrigerator. Do not leave them for more than 2 hours to maintain food safety.

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Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Recipe

Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling bacon-wrapped shrimp bring coastal flavors and smoky indulgence to your dinner table. Rich coastal ingredients combine with crispy bacon for an irresistible seafood experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 12 large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails on)
  • 6 slices of bacon, cut in half

Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) black pepper

Garnish:

  • Optional garnish: fresh parsley or lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the seasoning mixture by combining smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
  2. Thoroughly dry the shrimp using clean kitchen towels to ensure optimal seasoning adherence and crispy bacon.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the shrimp and toss gently to coat evenly with the spice blend, ensuring complete coverage.
  4. Select thin-cut bacon slices and carefully wrap each shrimp, slightly overlapping the bacon to create a secure covering.
  5. Secure the bacon wrapping with toothpicks if needed to prevent unraveling during cooking.
  6. For oven preparation, arrange the wrapped shrimp on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing space between each piece for even heat circulation.
  7. If using an oven, roast at 400F (200C) for 12-15 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through to promote uniform crispiness.
  8. For grilling enthusiasts, place the bacon-wrapped shrimp directly on a preheated medium-high grill, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until bacon turns golden and crisp.
  9. Check for doneness by ensuring shrimp appear pink and opaque, with bacon displaying a rich, crispy texture.
  10. Remove toothpicks carefully before serving and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or squeeze of lemon for added brightness.
  11. Present immediately while the bacon remains crisp and shrimp are succulent and warm.

Notes

  • Check shrimp freshness by ensuring they smell like the ocean, not fishy or ammonia-like, and have a firm, translucent appearance.
  • Choose thick-cut bacon to prevent burning and ensure crispy texture when cooking bacon-wrapped shrimp.
  • Avoid overcooking shrimp by removing them from heat when they turn pink and slightly curl; this prevents rubbery texture.
  • Use sugar-free bacon for low-carb or keto diets, and select wild-caught shrimp for more sustainable seafood options.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 160 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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