What To Know
- Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want to indulge in a delicious treat, learning how to bacon wrap shrimp is a culinary skill that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
- Place a shrimp in the center and wrap the bacon around it, starting from the tail end.
- Drizzle the shrimp with a balsamic glaze after baking for a sweet and tangy kick.
Bacon-wrapped shrimp is an irresistible appetizer or main course that combines the savory flavors of bacon with the delicate sweetness of shrimp. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want to indulge in a delicious treat, learning how to bacon wrap shrimp is a culinary skill that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound (450 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 slices bacon, cut in half
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Shrimp
In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Create the Bacon Wrap
Lay a bacon strip flat on a cutting board. Place a shrimp in the center and wrap the bacon around it, starting from the tail end. Secure with a toothpick if necessary. Repeat with the remaining bacon and shrimp.
3. Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika.
4. Glaze the Shrimp
Brush the glaze evenly over the bacon-wrapped shrimp.
5. Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the shrimp on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp is cooked through.
6. Broil (Optional)
For an extra crispy bacon, broil the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the shrimp from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Tips for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp:
- Use large shrimp for a more substantial appetizer or main course.
- Cut the bacon strips in half to ensure they wrap around the shrimp snugly.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp, as they will become tough.
- If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can substitute regular paprika for a milder flavor.
- Serve the shrimp with a variety of dipping sauces to cater to different tastes.
Variations:
- Add a sprinkle of garlic powder or chili flakes to the glaze for extra flavor.
- Wrap the shrimp with prosciutto or pancetta for a more sophisticated touch.
- Stuff the shrimp with a mixture of cream cheese, herbs, and spices before wrapping in bacon.
- Drizzle the shrimp with a balsamic glaze after baking for a sweet and tangy kick.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve bacon-wrapped shrimp as an appetizer with a side of crackers or crostini.
- Add them to a salad for a protein-packed lunch or dinner.
- Wrap them around asparagus spears for a grilled side dish.
- Make a bacon-wrapped shrimp cocktail with a spicy tomato sauce.
Final Thoughts: Culinary Triumph
Mastering the art of bacon-wrapped shrimp is a testament to your culinary prowess. This delectable dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire, impressing your family and friends with its irresistible flavors. Experiment with different variations and serving suggestions to create your own unique culinary masterpieces.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely before using.
Q: How do I know when the shrimp is cooked through?
A: The shrimp should be opaque and slightly pink in the center when cooked through.
Q: What is the best way to reheat bacon-wrapped shrimp?
A: To reheat bacon-wrapped shrimp, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
Q: Can I make bacon-wrapped shrimp ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make bacon-wrapped shrimp ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Bake them as directed before serving.
Q: What are some good dipping sauces for bacon-wrapped shrimp?
A: Some good dipping sauces for bacon-wrapped shrimp include ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, cocktail sauce, and sweet and sour sauce.
