Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe: If you’re looking to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to something flavorful, juicy, and a little crispy, then bacon-wrapped shrimp is the way to go. This dish is an explosion of flavor in every bite—the smoky, salty crunch of bacon paired with the sweet, tender bite of shrimp? It’s a match made in foodie heaven.
This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, and it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner or preparing appetizers for a fancy gathering, these shrimp bites are guaranteed to be a hit. Let’s walk through everything you need to know—from ingredients and prep to cooking and serving.
Benefits of Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
So, why bacon-wrapped shrimp? Let’s break it down.
- Flavor Explosion: Bacon adds a smoky, salty richness, while shrimp brings a natural sweetness and tender texture. Together? Magic.
- Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep and short cook times, you can have these ready in under 30 minutes.
- Impressively Simple: It looks gourmet but is easy enough for a beginner.
- Customizable: You can spice it up, glaze it with BBQ sauce, or make it keto-friendly with sugar-free sauces.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it as a main, an appetizer, or a party snack—it fits anywhere.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s get started with a clear list of what you’ll need to make this delicious dish.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined
- 8 slices of bacon (cut in half)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Toothpicks (soaked in water if baking or grilling)
Optional Add-Ons:
- Lemon juice (for brightness)
- BBQ sauce or hot sauce (for glaze)
- Brown sugar (for a sweet-savory twist)
- Cayenne pepper (for heat)
These ingredients give you a solid base. From here, you can modify to match your flavor cravings.
Choosing the Right Shrimp
The quality of your shrimp can make or break this recipe.
Fresh vs. Frozen:
- Fresh shrimp is best when available, but high-quality frozen shrimp works great too. Just make sure it’s raw and deveined.
- Avoid pre-cooked shrimp—these will overcook and become rubbery when wrapped and heated.
Shrimp Size:
- Use large or jumbo shrimp (16–20 per pound). This size holds up well during cooking and matches the bacon’s cook time better.
How to Prep:
- Peel the shell (leave the tail on or off—your choice).
- Devein the shrimp (run a paring knife along the back and remove the dark vein).
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Moisture will prevent browning.
Choosing the Right Bacon
Your bacon choice is just as important as the shrimp.
Thin vs. Thick Cut:
- Thin-cut bacon is ideal. It cooks faster and crisps up nicely, which is important since shrimp cooks quickly.
- Thick-cut bacon often stays chewy unless partially cooked first.
Flavor Tips:
- Smoked bacon adds depth.
- Peppered bacon adds a spicy kick.
- Maple bacon creates a sweet-savory combo.
Bacon Prep Tip:
If using thick bacon, partially cook it for 3–4 minutes before wrapping shrimp. This gives it a head start and avoids undercooked bacon.
Optional Marinade for Extra Flavor
Want to elevate the taste even more? Marinate your shrimp before wrapping.
Simple Marinade Recipe:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Dash of cayenne or hot sauce
How to Marinate:
- Place shrimp in a bowl, coat with marinade, and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes.
- Avoid over-marinating, especially with acidic ingredients like lemon, as it can start “cooking” the shrimp.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
Let’s walk through each step so you can make it like a pro.
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Rinse, peel, and devein your shrimp. Pat them dry—this helps the bacon stick and ensures proper cooking.
Step 2: Prep the Bacon
If using thick-cut bacon, cook it halfway. If using thin bacon, leave it raw. Cut each slice in half crosswise.
Step 3: Wrap the Shrimp
Take one shrimp and one half-strip of bacon. Wrap the bacon around the shrimp tightly, starting near the tail.
Step 4: Secure with Toothpicks
Stick a soaked toothpick through the center to hold the bacon in place. This prevents it from unraveling while cooking.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Brush the shrimp with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle with garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also drizzle with lemon juice or honey if you’re feeling fancy.
Step 6: Choose Your Cooking Method
Let’s explore your options based on your kitchen setup:
Cooking Methods:
Oven-Baked (Easy & Hands-Off)
- Preheat to 400°F (200°C)
- Place shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through
- Broil the last 2 minutes for extra crisp
Pan-Fried (Quick & Crispy)
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat
- Add wrapped shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side
- Drain on paper towels
Grilled (Smoky & Charred)
- Preheat grill to medium
- Oil grates and grill shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side
- Close lid for even cooking
Air Fryer (Crispy & Convenient)
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C)
- Air fry in batches for 8–10 minutes, flipping once
Cooking Times and Temperatures
Perfectly cooked bacon-wrapped shrimp is all about balance—shrimp that’s juicy and tender inside and bacon that’s crispy on the outside. Here’s what you need to know to hit that sweet spot every time:
Temperature Guidelines:
- Shrimp is done when it turns opaque and pink and forms a slight “C” shape.
- Internal temperature should reach about 120°F to 130°F (49°C to 54°C) for perfectly cooked shrimp.
- Bacon should be golden-brown and crisp, not chewy or underdone.
Time by Method:
- Oven: 15–18 minutes at 400°F, flip halfway, broil last 2 minutes
- Pan-fry: 2–3 minutes per side on medium-high heat
- Grill: 2–3 minutes per side with lid closed
- Air fryer: 8–10 minutes at 390°F
Keep an eye on both the shrimp and the bacon during the final minutes of cooking—this is when everything can go from perfect to overcooked very fast.
Serving Suggestions
Your bacon-wrapped shrimp is ready—but what should you serve with it?
Perfect Side Dishes:
- Garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta
- Grilled veggies like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini
- Fresh salads—Caesar, garden, or arugula with lemon vinaigrette
- Rice pilaf or buttery couscous
- Cornbread or crusty garlic bread for a southern twist
Dipping Sauces to Try:
- Garlic aioli (creamy and rich)
- Cocktail sauce (classic and zesty)
- Spicy mayo (great kick!)
- Honey mustard (sweet and tangy)
- Chimichurri (herby and fresh)
Pro tip: Serve on a wooden platter with lemon wedges and some chopped parsley for a beautiful presentation.
Variations of Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
Want to mix it up and add your own flair? Try one of these flavor-packed variations:
Spicy Sriracha Bacon Shrimp
- Add sriracha to the marinade or brush it on before baking.
- Sprinkle with chili flakes for an extra kick.
BBQ Glazed Shrimp
- After wrapping, brush shrimp with BBQ sauce before cooking.
- Use hickory or honey BBQ sauce for different flavor profiles.
Honey Garlic Bacon Shrimp
- Mix 2 tbsp honey with 1 tbsp soy sauce and minced garlic.
- Brush halfway through cooking for a sweet, sticky glaze.
Maple Brown Sugar
- Sprinkle brown sugar over the bacon-wrapped shrimp before baking.
- Drizzle with maple syrup during the last few minutes for caramelized perfection.
These variations keep the base recipe fun and exciting every time you make it.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
1. Use the Right Tools
- Soak your toothpicks in water if grilling or baking—this prevents burning.
- Use foil or parchment to make cleanup a breeze.
2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
- Shrimp cook FAST. Keep an eye out for that “C” shape and doneness.
- Remember: Curled into a tight “O” = Overcooked. Loose “C” = Cooked Just Right.
3. Crisp the Bacon Without Overcooking the Shrimp
- Use thin-cut bacon or partially cook thick-cut bacon first.
- Broil at the end for a crispy finish if needed.
4. Make It Ahead
- Prep and wrap shrimp ahead of time, store covered in the fridge.
- Cook just before serving to keep bacon crispy.
5. Make It a Meal
- Serve over pasta, salad, or rice to turn it into a full meal.
- You can even skewer several and serve as kabobs!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Have leftovers (though it’s rare)? Here’s how to store and reheat them properly.
Storage:
- Let shrimp cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips:
- Oven: Reheat at 375°F for 6–8 minutes.
- Air fryer: 5 minutes at 375°F (great for restoring crispiness).
- Microwave: Not recommended—it makes the bacon chewy and shrimp rubbery.
Freezing:
- Not ideal. Bacon and shrimp don’t hold texture well after thawing.
- Better to cook fresh for the best taste and texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Shrimp
- Shrimp become rubbery if overdone. Stick to cook times and check often.
Bacon Not Cooking Fully
- Avoid using thick-cut bacon unless it’s partially cooked first.
- Thin slices cook evenly with the shrimp.
Skipping the Toothpicks
- Don’t skip this step! Toothpicks hold everything together and make serving easier.
Not Drying the Shrimp
- Waterlogged shrimp = soggy bacon. Always pat dry before wrapping.
Cooking on Too High Heat
- Moderate heat helps the bacon crisp up while the shrimp cooks gently. Too high and it’ll burn before it’s done.
Nutritional Information (Per 2-Piece Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140-160 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 0-3g (depending on glaze) |
Note: Nutrition varies depending on bacon type and seasoning or glaze added.
FAQs about Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe
1. Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a great leaner alternative. Just be aware it may not get as crispy, and the flavor is milder.
2. How long can I marinate the shrimp?
Marinate shrimp for 15–30 minutes. Any longer, especially with acidic ingredients, can start to “cook” the shrimp.
3. What if I don’t have toothpicks?
You can use small skewers or wrap the bacon tightly and place shrimp seam-side down on a baking tray. Just be gentle when flipping.
4. Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can wrap the shrimp and store them uncooked in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just cook when ready to serve.
5. What dipping sauce works best with bacon-wrapped shrimp?
Try garlic aioli, spicy mayo, BBQ sauce, or lemon herb butter—they all pair beautifully depending on your flavor profile.
Conclusion
Bacon-wrapped shrimp is one of those recipes that hits every craving—crispy, juicy, salty, sweet, and savory—all in one little bite. It’s the ultimate finger food that works just as well at a backyard BBQ as it does at a holiday party. Plus, it’s so easy to customize with your favorite seasonings and sauces.
Whether you bake, grill, fry, or air-fry them, one thing’s for sure: these little bites of heaven will disappear fast. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
