Ultimate BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp: Your Go-To Appetizer or Easy Meal

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this sensational recipe for **BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp**. Imagine plump, juicy jumbo shrimp, meticulously wrapped in perfectly crispy bacon, then generously coated with a rich, smoky BBQ sauce, and finally broiled to golden-brown perfection. This dish is not just an appetizer; it’s a statement. It’s elegant enough for a special occasion, yet simple enough for a weeknight treat. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a delicious starter, or craving a unique main course alongside a refreshing cucumber avocado tomato salad, these bacon wrapped shrimp are guaranteed to be a hit.

Perfectly broiled BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, ready to be devoured.

The combination of succulent shrimp, salty bacon, and sweet and tangy BBQ sauce creates an explosion of flavors and textures that is truly irresistible. This recipe takes minimal effort but delivers maximum impact, making it a fantastic choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. If you’re a true shrimp enthusiast, you’ll also love exploring other delicious preparations like these Southern fried shrimp or a comforting bowl of spicy shrimp and grits. But for now, let’s dive into making these incredible bacon wrapped delights!

Essential Ingredients for Your Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Crafting the perfect **bacon wrapped shrimp** starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that sought-after balance of tenderness, crispiness, and irresistible flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need, along with tips for making the best choices. For exact quantities and a printable recipe card, please refer to the section further down the page.

Jumbo Raw Shrimp: The star of our show! It’s crucial to use jumbo-sized, raw shrimp for this recipe. Jumbo shrimp are less prone to overcooking compared to smaller varieties, ensuring they remain tender and succulent. You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp, but if opting for frozen, make sure to thaw them completely before starting. Place them in a colander under cold running water for a quick thaw, or transfer them to the refrigerator overnight. Always avoid pre-cooked shrimp, as they will become rubbery when broiled. You’ll want them peeled and deveined, with tails on or off—tails on often make for a prettier presentation and an easy handle for appetizers.
Bacon: The crispy embrace! For optimal results, I highly recommend using center-cut bacon. This type of bacon has a good meat-to-fat ratio, which helps it crisp up beautifully without becoming too greasy or shriveling excessively. While regular cut bacon can also work, thick-cut bacon might take longer to crisp and could make the shrimp overcook before the bacon is done. If you’re looking for an alternative, turkey bacon can be used, though it might yield a slightly different texture and flavor profile. Slicing your bacon strips in half before wrapping is key for that perfect crispy texture, as we’ll discuss in the tips section.
BBQ Sauce: The flavorful glaze! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility when it comes to BBQ sauce. Use your absolute favorite brand and flavor profile. Whether you prefer a sweet and smoky, tangy, spicy, or classic original, any good quality BBQ sauce will elevate this dish. Feel free to experiment with different varieties to customize the flavor to your liking. This sauce will caramelize beautifully under the broiler, adding a sticky, delicious glaze.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning is best. Given that both bacon and many BBQ sauces contain a fair amount of sodium, it’s important to season your shrimp very lightly with salt. A dash of freshly ground black pepper will complement the flavors without overpowering them.

The simple yet essential ingredients that come together for an unforgettable dish.

How to Create Perfect Bacon Wrapped Shrimp: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these delectable **BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp** is surprisingly simple. Follow these easy steps to achieve a perfectly cooked, flavorful dish every time. Remember to keep an eye on your oven, especially during the broiling phase, as cooking times can vary.

Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to a robust 400°F (200°C). This ensures a hot environment for quickly crisping the bacon. Line a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper is essential here as it prevents the bacon from sticking, makes cleanup a breeze, and helps with even cooking.
Pre-bake the Bacon for Crispiness: This is a crucial step for achieving perfectly crispy bacon without overcooking the shrimp. Slice each strip of bacon in half crosswise. Arrange these bacon pieces in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. This pre-baking renders some of the fat and starts the crisping process. Once the 10 minutes are up, carefully remove the bacon from the oven and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to cool slightly. It won’t be fully crispy yet, but it will be pliable enough to wrap and well on its way to perfection.
Season the Shrimp Lightly: While the bacon cools, gently pat your raw jumbo shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps seasonings adhere and promotes better browning. Season the shrimp very lightly with salt and a generous grind of black pepper. Remember, both the bacon and BBQ sauce contribute significant sodium, so a light hand with the salt is key.
Wrap and Secure the Shrimp: Take one half-strip of partially cooked bacon and wrap it snugly around the body of each seasoned shrimp. The bacon should encircle the shrimp once or twice, depending on its length. Secure the bacon wrap firmly with a toothpick, ensuring it goes through both ends of the bacon and the shrimp to hold everything in place during cooking. Arrange the wrapped shrimp back on the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one for even cooking.
Brush with BBQ Sauce: Now for the flavor boost! Using a pastry brush, generously coat each bacon wrapped shrimp with your favorite BBQ sauce. Ensure all sides are covered for that delicious caramelized glaze.
Broil to Perfection: Place the baking sheet with the sauced shrimp back into the preheated oven. Switch your oven setting to broil (high heat). Broil for 5 minutes. The high heat will quickly crisp the bacon, cook the shrimp, and caramelize the BBQ sauce. After 5 minutes, carefully flip each shrimp over using tongs. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the bacon is beautifully crispy, the shrimp are opaque and pink, and the sauce is bubbling and slightly charred in spots. Watch them closely during this stage, as broilers can vary and food can go from perfectly cooked to burnt very quickly!
Serve Warm and Savor: Once perfectly broiled, remove the toothpicks from the shrimp (be careful, they’ll be hot!). Transfer the **BBQ bacon wrapped shrimp** to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges if desired. Serve them immediately while they’re warm and the bacon is at its crispiest. Enjoy these delightful bites as an appetizer or as part of a fantastic meal!

A visual guide to wrapping and saucing your bacon wrapped shrimp.

Expert Tips for Unbeatable Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Achieving the best possible **bacon wrapped shrimp** involves a few key considerations and tricks. Keep these top tips in mind to ensure your shrimp are perfectly tender, your bacon is delightfully crispy, and your flavors are spot on every time.

Choose the Right Shrimp: Always opt for raw, jumbo shrimp. Small shrimp cook much faster and will likely overcook by the time the bacon is crispy, resulting in a rubbery texture. Similarly, pre-cooked shrimp should be avoided for this recipe. Jumbo shrimp provide a better balance with the cooking time required for the bacon.
Mind Your Seasoning: Both bacon and most BBQ sauces are inherently salty. Therefore, season your raw shrimp very lightly with salt and pepper. A little goes a long way here to prevent your final dish from being overly salty. You can always add more seasoning at the table if needed.
The Bacon Slice Secret: Cutting your bacon strips in half is a game-changer for uniform crispiness. If you use a full strip, you’d need to wrap it around the shrimp multiple times. This extra layering means the inner layers of bacon often steam rather than crisp, leading to unevenly cooked bacon. Halving the strips ensures a single, even layer that crisps up beautifully around the shrimp.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When placing the bacon wrapped shrimp on the baking sheet, ensure there’s enough space between each one. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of broiling, preventing the bacon from getting truly crispy and the shrimp from getting that nice char. Cook in batches if necessary.
Alternative Sauces for Custom Flavors: While BBQ sauce is a classic choice, don’t limit yourself! Feel free to experiment with other delicious glazes. Honey mustard offers a sweet and tangy kick, buffalo sauce provides a spicy zest, or try a creamy, savory Bang Bang sauce for an exciting twist.
Watch the Broiler Closely: Broiling is a fast-cooking method. Ovens can vary, so keep a watchful eye on your shrimp, especially during the last few minutes. They can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a blink. Stay near the oven and check frequently.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. Once they turn opaque and pink, they are done. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery, so pull them out as soon as they reach this point, even if you feel the bacon could be a tiny bit crispier. The pre-baking step helps mitigate this risk significantly.

Serve these delicious shrimp with fresh lemon for an added zing!

Can I Make These Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in the Air Fryer?

Absolutely, yes! The air fryer is a fantastic tool for achieving perfectly crispy bacon and tender shrimp with less oil and often in less time. Here’s how you can adapt this recipe for your air fryer:

Pre-cook the Bacon: Just like with the oven method, you’ll want to pre-cook the bacon slightly. Slice the bacon strips in half. Place about 6 halves (or as many as fit in a single layer without overlapping) into your air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 4 minutes. The bacon should be partially cooked and pliable, but not yet fully crispy. Remove and set aside to cool.
Wrap the Shrimp: Season your jumbo shrimp lightly with salt and pepper. Wrap each shrimp with one strip of the partially cooked bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
Air Fry the Wrapped Shrimp: Arrange the bacon wrapped shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You might need to work in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6 minutes.
Flip and Finish: After 3 minutes, flip the shrimp to ensure even crisping and cooking. Continue air frying for the remaining 3 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are cooked through and opaque. Keep a close eye on them as air fryer cooking times can vary.

The air fryer method is perfect for smaller batches or when you want to avoid heating up your entire oven. The result is just as delicious and satisfying!

Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers

While these **BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp** are undeniably best enjoyed fresh, you might find yourself with a few leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Proper storage and reheating will ensure they remain delicious and safe to eat:

Storage: Allow any leftover shrimp to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best quality, avoid storing them longer than this.
Reheating (Oven/Air Fryer Recommended):
- Oven: To regain some crispiness, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp on a baking sheet and reheat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and the bacon starts to crisp up again.
- Air Fryer: For the crispiest results, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Microwave: While convenient, the microwave is not recommended for reheating as it tends to make the bacon soggy and the shrimp rubbery. If you must use it, heat in short bursts (30 seconds) until just warm.

More Irresistible Bacon and Shrimp Recipes You Might Enjoy…

If you’re a fan of these flavors, you’re in for a treat! Here are some other fantastic recipes featuring the dynamic duo of bacon and delicious seafood or savory bites that you’ll absolutely love:

Air Fryer Goat Cheese Bacon Wrapped Dates: A perfect blend of sweet, salty, and creamy.
Candied Bacon Jalapeno Deviled Eggs: A spicy and sweet twist on a classic appetizer.
Air Fryer BBQ Bacon Wrapped Scallops: Another sensational seafood and bacon combination, made easy in the air fryer.
Fried Shrimp Deviled Eggs: A unique and delicious appetizer for seafood lovers.

We hope you thoroughly enjoy making and devouring this **BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp** recipe! It’s a true crowd-pleaser that brings together simple ingredients for an explosion of flavor. If you tried these fantastic shrimp, please consider leaving a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or sharing your thoughts in the comments section further down the page. Your feedback is invaluable! And don’t forget to follow me on Facebook or Pinterest for more delicious recipe inspiration!

5 from 1 vote

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

By

Julie Maestre

These bacon wrapped shrimp are tender jumbo shrimp wrapped in crispy bacon, brushed with bbq sauce, and broiled to perfection.

Prep:

15 minutes

Cook:

17 minutes

Total:

32 minutes

Servings:
16

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Ingredients

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16
jumbo
raw shrimp
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8
slices
bacon
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bbq sauce
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salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode

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Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice the bacon strips in half, place them on the prepared baking sheet, and bake for 10 minutes. Once the 10 minutes are up, remove the bacon from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
Season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper.
Wrap one strip of bacon around each shrimp and secure it with a toothpick. Brush each bacon wrapped shrimp with bbq sauce.
Broil for 5 minutes then flip the shrimp and broil for 2-3 minutes.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Make sure to use raw jumbo shrimp for this recipe otherwise if you use cooked or small shrimp, they will overcook.
Both the bacon and bbq sauce contain sodium so be careful not to season the shrimp with too much salt. Season very lightly.
I prefer cutting the bacon strips in half because when I use an entire strip for each shrimp, I need to wrap it around the shrimp multiple times. This makes the bacon on the first layer not as crispy.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Julie Maestre

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

17 minutes

Total Time:

32 minutes

Course:
Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
16

Calories:
46

Keyword:
bacon wrapped shrimp, bbq bacon wrapped shrimp

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