These bacon-wrapped shrimp are a tasty treat! They combine juicy shrimp with crispy bacon for a perfect bite. Great for parties or just a fun dinner at home!
I love how easy they are to make. Just wrap the shrimp, bake, and enjoy! They’re always a hit, and let’s be honest, bacon makes everything better! 🥓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large shrimp for the best results. If shrimp is hard to find or you prefer something different, try scallops or even chicken pieces as an alternative. Just adjust cook times as needed!
Bacon: Regular bacon works great, but feel free to use turkey bacon for a lighter option or prosciutto for a gourmet twist. Just be aware that cooking times may vary with different types of bacon.
Olive Oil: While olive oil adds great flavor, you can use any oil with a high smoke point, like avocado oil, if that’s what you have on hand.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a lovely depth, but if you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder can work. For a spicy kick, adjust the cayenne based on your heat preference!
How do I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, but getting it just right is simple. The key lies in timing and temperature.
- Make sure your oven is preheated to the right temperature (400°F) before placing the shrimp inside.
- Keep an eye on them while baking—around 15-20 minutes should do, but every oven is different.
- To tell when shrimp is cooked, look for it to turn pink and opaque. If you have a meat thermometer, shrimp should reach an internal temp of 120°F.
If you want crispy bacon, broil them for 1-2 minutes at the end, but be sure to watch closely to prevent burning!
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- 8 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Toothpicks for securing bacon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep, plus 15-20 minutes of cook time in the oven. If you want to broil them for extra crispiness, add 1-2 more minutes. In total, you should expect around 30 minutes to enjoy these tasty bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This will make cleaning up super easy later.
2. Season the Shrimp:
In a mixing bowl, toss the large shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy), and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Mix well until the shrimp are all covered with the spices!
3. Wrap the Shrimp:
Take each shrimp and wrap it with a half slice of bacon. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon so it doesn’t unwrap while cooking. This way, every bite is packed with deliciousness!
4. Arrange and Bake:
Place all the bacon-wrapped shrimp on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching each other. This will help them cook evenly. Pop them into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes!
5. Get That Bacon Crispy:
If you like your bacon extra crispy, turn on the broiler for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end. Just be sure to stand by and watch closely so they don’t burn!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, take the shrimp out of the oven and carefully remove the toothpicks. Add fresh chopped parsley on top for a bit of color and freshness. Serve these tasty bites immediately with a side of greens, your favorite dipping sauce, or as part of a fun appetizer spread!
Enjoy your delicious, savory bacon-wrapped shrimp! They’re sure to impress!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before using them. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or quickly thawing them in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
What if I Don’t Have Smoked Paprika?
No worries! If you don’t have smoked paprika on hand, you can substitute it with regular paprika or even chili powder for an extra kick. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Yum!
Can I Make Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp on the Grill?
Yes! If you’d like to grill them, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the wrapped shrimp for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the bacon is crispy and shrimp are cooked through. Just be careful not to overcook them!
