Ultimate BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp: Your Go-To Grilling Appetizer

If you’re searching for an appetizer that’s both incredibly easy to prepare and bursting with unforgettable flavor, look no further than this sensational BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp recipe. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, delivering a delightful combination of smoky bacon, succulent jumbo shrimp, and a sweet, caramelized barbecue glaze. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, looking for a quick weeknight treat, or need an impressive party starter, these bacon-wrapped delights are guaranteed to be a hit. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll achieve grilling perfection every time, making you the hero of any gathering!

Sizzle and Savor: Why This BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe Shines

There’s something inherently delightful about bacon-wrapped anything, but when it’s juicy, tender shrimp enveloped in crispy, smoky bacon and glazed with a rich barbecue sauce, you’ve hit a culinary jackpot. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for both seasoned grill masters and novice cooks. The magic lies in the contrasting textures – the delicate snap of perfectly cooked shrimp against the savory crunch of bacon – all harmonized by a sweet and tangy BBQ finish. It’s an appetizer that transcends occasions, fitting right in at casual backyard get-togethers, elegant dinner parties, or even as a standout component of a surf ‘n’ turf main course. You’ll love how quickly it comes together and the rave reviews it receives.

Ingredient Spotlight: Choosing the Best for Your Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

The success of any great recipe starts with quality ingredients. For this BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, selecting the right shrimp and bacon is crucial for achieving that perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Jumbo Shrimp: The Foundation of Flavor

We recommend using jumbo shrimp for this recipe, specifically peeled and deveined varieties. The larger size of jumbo shrimp is key because it allows them to cook at a similar rate to the bacon. Smaller shrimp would likely overcook and become rubbery before the bacon has a chance to crisp up. Leaving the tails on not only provides a convenient “handle” for eating but also adds to the presentation. Always ensure your shrimp are fresh or properly thawed for the best results.

Thin-Cut Bacon: The Crispy, Flavorful Embrace

Just as important as the shrimp size is the bacon thickness. Opt for thin-cut bacon slices. Thicker bacon takes considerably longer to cook and crisp, which would lead to overcooked shrimp. Thin-cut bacon, on the other hand, crisps up beautifully in roughly the same time it takes for jumbo shrimp to reach perfection. Trimming the ends of the bacon ensures a neater wrap and helps prevent uneven cooking.

The Perfect Seasoning: “Dad’s All Purpose Rub” and Beyond

A good seasoning rub elevates the natural sweetness of the shrimp and complements the smoky bacon. Our preferred choice is “Dad’s All Purpose Rub” which offers a balanced blend of savory, sweet, and a hint of spice. If you don’t have this specific rub, feel free to use your favorite BBQ seasoning blend. Look for rubs that contain ingredients like brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of cayenne for a little kick. The key is to get a generous, even coating on all sides of the bacon-wrapped shrimp.

The Finishing Touch: Your Favorite BBQ Sauce

The barbecue sauce acts as a final glaze, adding a layer of sweet and tangy caramelization that truly makes this dish sing. While any high-quality store-bought BBQ sauce will work wonders, using a homemade recipe can take it to the next level. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to craft your own, check out our Bourbon BBQ sauce recipe for an irresistible homemade option. Choose a sauce that aligns with your flavor preference – whether it’s sweet and smoky, spicy, or vinegar-based.

Step 1: Preparing and Expertly Wrapping Your Irresistible Shrimp

The first step in creating these delectable bites is all about preparation and technique. Start by ensuring your jumbo shrimp are thoroughly peeled and deveined. While some prefer to remove the tails, leaving them on provides a convenient “handle” for guests and a more appealing presentation. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels; this helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes crispier bacon.

Next, prepare your thin-cut bacon by trimming off any excess fatty ends for a cleaner wrap. Take one strip of bacon and firmly wrap it around each individual shrimp, starting from the thickest part of the shrimp’s body and working your way down, leaving the tail exposed. The goal is to get a snug wrap that will stay in place during grilling. If you find the bacon struggling to stay wrapped, a simple trick is to use a wooden toothpick to secure it. Just pierce through the bacon and shrimp to hold it tight. Once all the shrimp are wrapped, generously season them on all sides with “Dad’s All Purpose Rub” or your preferred seasoning blend. Don’t be shy – an even coating ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 2: Grilling to Perfection: Achieving That Golden Crisp

Grilling is where the magic truly happens, transforming simple ingredients into a smoky, crispy, and tender masterpiece. The key to perfectly cooked bacon-wrapped shrimp is understanding and utilizing indirect heat.

Setting Up for Success: Indirect Heat is Key

Fire up your grill and aim for a consistent temperature around 350°F (175°C). The crucial element here is setting up your grill for indirect cooking. This means you’ll have a heat source (like lit burners or charcoal) on one side, and a cooler zone on the other side where the food will cook without direct flame underneath. For gas grills, this usually means turning off one or more burners. For charcoal grills, bank your coals to one side. Cooking over indirect heat is vital to prevent the bacon from charring or burning before it has a chance to crisp up, and it ensures the shrimp cooks gently and evenly without drying out.

The Grilling Process: Time and Technique

Once your grill is preheated and set for indirect heat, carefully place the bacon-wrapped shrimp directly on the grates in the cooler zone. Close the lid to allow the heat to circulate. The total grilling time will typically range from 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of your shrimp and the exact temperature of your grill. You might be surprised by the longer cooking time, but trust the process. The indirect method, combined with the natural moisture released from the rendering bacon fat, will keep the shrimp incredibly tender and juicy, preventing the dreaded rubbery texture. You’ll know they’re done when the bacon is beautifully crispy and golden brown, and the shrimp have turned opaque pink and curled into a C-shape.

The BBQ Glaze: A Sweet and Smoky Finish

Just before the shrimp are fully cooked and ready to come off the grill – typically in the last 2-3 minutes – it’s time for the final, flavor-packed touch. Open your grill and generously brush your choice of BBQ sauce over each bacon-wrapped shrimp. Close the lid again for a couple of minutes, allowing the sauce to heat through and caramelize slightly around the bacon. This creates a glossy, sticky, and incredibly flavorful glaze that locks in moisture and adds a burst of sweet and tangy goodness to every bite. Be careful not to apply the sauce too early, as the sugars in the BBQ sauce can burn quickly over high heat.

Once cooked to perfection, remove the BBQ bacon-wrapped shrimp from the grill. If you used toothpicks, gently remove them before plating. For a fresh touch and vibrant color, consider garnishing with some freshly chopped parsley. Serve these beauties immediately and watch them disappear!

Serving Suggestions & Delicious Variations

These BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp are fantastic on their own as an appetizer, but they’re also incredibly versatile.

Perfect Pairings

For appetizers, serve them with a side of extra BBQ sauce for dipping, or a creamy ranch or blue cheese dip. As part of a larger meal, they pair wonderfully with a fresh garden salad, grilled corn on the cob, fluffy rice, or even a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers. For a true outdoor feast, consider serving them alongside grilled chicken wings or juicy burgers.

Flavorful Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your rub, or use a spicier BBQ sauce.
• Herb Infusion: Before wrapping, tuck a small sprig of fresh rosemary or a basil leaf under the bacon for an aromatic twist.
• Sweet & Tangy: Experiment with different glazes like a honey-garlic sauce, sweet chili sauce, or even a maple-bourbon glaze.
• Cheesy Delight: Before wrapping, sprinkle a tiny bit of grated Parmesan or a thin slice of jalapeño with cream cheese onto the shrimp.

Storage and Reheating Best Practices

While these shrimp are best enjoyed fresh off the grill, you can certainly store leftovers or prepare them slightly in advance.

Preparing Ahead

You can wrap and season the shrimp up to a few hours before grilling. Store them covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes party prep a breeze!

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Reheating

To reheat, we recommend using an oven or air fryer to maintain the crispy texture of the bacon. Preheat your oven to 300-325°F (150-160°C) and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and the bacon re-crisps. In an air fryer, cook at 325°F (160°C) for 5-7 minutes. Microwaving is not recommended, as it will likely make the shrimp rubbery and the bacon soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

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