Barbecue Marinated Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Recipe

Introduction

At Love With Recipes, we believe that grilling is an art form that transforms simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces. Today’s recipe for Barbecue Marinated Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp exemplifies this philosophy, combining the smoky allure of bacon, the tender sweetness of shrimp, and the vibrant punch of a homemade marinade. Perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or elegant appetizer platters, these bites deliver a harmonious balance of flavors, textures, and visual appeal. The secret lies in the marinade, which infuses the shrimp with a delightful tangy-sweet profile, while the bacon adds a crispy, savory layer that complements the juicy seafood beneath. This recipe is designed to serve a crowd, with straightforward steps that even novice grillers can master, making it an ideal choice for those looking to impress with minimal effort. As always, our aim at Love With Recipes is to provide you with detailed, comprehensive guidance to elevate your culinary skills and ensure every dish turns out perfect.

Time

The total preparation and cooking time for this dish is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, broken down as follows:

• Marinating Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes

It’s advisable to allocate some additional time for setup, preheating the grill, and arranging the skewers, bringing the overall commitment to about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Needed Equipment

To successfully prepare and grill the Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp, gather the following equipment:

• Grill: A charcoal or gas grill capable of maintaining steady medium heat (~350°F to 400°F)
• Skewers: 8 small metal skewers (preferably stainless steel) to hold the shrimp and bacon wraps securely
• Tongs: For turning and removing skewers from the grill
• Sharp Knife: To cut bacon into thirds and handle shrimp
• Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for prep work
• Small Mixing Bowls: For preparing marinade and holding marinated shrimp
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: For precise measurement of ingredients
• Cooking Skillet: To pre-cook bacon pieces (preferably cast iron or non-stick)
• Paper Towels: To drain cooked bacon and shrimp
• Refrigerator: For marinating shrimp
• Brush (optional): For applying additional marinade or oil to the shrimp during grilling
• Aluminum Foil or Grill Mat (optional): To prevent small pieces from falling through the grill grate

Tags

Grill, Appetizer, Seafood, Bacon, Easy, Party Food, Summer Recipes, Crowd-Pleaser, Marinated, Skewers

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 8 servings, with each serving consisting of one bacon-wrapped shrimp skewer. Adjust the serving size according to your event’s needs, whether as an appetizer, main course, or part of a larger platter.

Difficulty Level

This recipe is rated as Easy to Moderate, suitable for home cooks with basic grilling skills. The most involved steps are marinating and wrapping the shrimp, both of which are straightforward. Attention to detail during cooking ensures perfect crispy bacon and tender shrimp every time.

Allergen Information

Note: Always verify ingredient labels for potential cross-contamination or allergen presence, especially if serving to sensitive individuals.

Dietary Preference

This recipe is not suitable for vegetarians, vegans, or those following strict plant-based diets. It can be adapted for gluten-free diets by selecting gluten-free teriyaki sauce and checking bacon ingredients. For low-sodium diets, reduce or omit salt and opt for low-sodium marinades where possible.

Course

This dish is ideally served as an appetizer or starter, but can also be a delightful addition to a main course or party platter.

Cuisine

American barbecue with international flavor influences from Asian-inspired marinade and classic grilling techniques.

Ingredients

Preparation of Ingredients

Optional Additional Ingredients

For enhanced flavor, consider adding minced garlic to the marinade, fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, or a splash of sesame oil for an Asian twist.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a small mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice with 2 tablespoons of teriyaki marinade. Add 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk or fork to thoroughly mix all ingredients until well incorporated. This marinade will serve as the flavor foundation for your shrimp, imparting a tangy, sweet, and mildly spicy profile that pairs beautifully with the smoky bacon.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Place the peeled and deveined shrimp into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the shrimp, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the seafood deeply. This marination step is crucial for enhancing taste and ensuring the shrimp remain tender and flavorful during grilling.

Step 3: Pre-cook the Bacon

While the shrimp are marinating, prepare the bacon. Cut each slice into thirds, which makes wrapping easier and ensures the bacon crisps evenly. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon pieces in batches for about 3–5 minutes per batch. The goal is to start rendering the fat and developing a slight brown color—precooking prevents excessive flare-ups on the grill. Turn the bacon pieces occasionally for even cooking. Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Shrimp for Wrapping

Remove the marinated shrimp from the refrigerator. Drain any excess marinade gently, so the shrimp are moist but not dripping. Take each shrimp and carefully wrap a piece of pre-cooked bacon around it. Secure the bacon in place by threading the bacon-wrapped shrimp onto small metal skewers. Use one skewer per shrimp, or if you prefer, thread multiple shrimp per skewer for easier handling, but individual skewers offer better control and presentation.

Step 5: Preheat the Grill

Prepare your grill by heating it to a consistent medium heat, approximately 350°F to 400°F. This temperature range ensures the bacon crisps without burning and the shrimp cook through evenly. Clean the grill grates thoroughly to prevent sticking, and lightly oil the grates using a high-heat oil or a paper towel dipped in oil, held with tongs. Proper preheating is essential for achieving a perfect sear and preventing the skewers from sticking or tearing during flipping.

Step 6: Grill the Shrimp

Place the skewers on the grill rack directly over medium-hot coals or burners. Close the lid if your grill design allows, to maintain consistent heat. Grill the shrimp for about 8–10 minutes, turning once halfway through. Keep a close eye on the bacon to prevent flare-ups; if flames appear, move the skewers to a cooler part of the grill temporarily. The shrimp are done when they turn opaque and firm, and the bacon is crispy and browned. Use tongs to flip the skewers gently, ensuring even cooking throughout. Optionally, brush the shrimp with a little additional marinade during grilling for extra flavor and moisture.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Once cooked to perfection, carefully remove the skewers from the grill. Let them rest for a minute to allow juices to redistribute. Serve hot, arranged beautifully on a platter. These bacon-wrapped shrimp are fantastic as an appetizer, party snack, or even as part of a larger seafood platter. Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for an added touch of brightness.

Preparation Tips

• Marinate thoroughly: For maximum flavor, marinate the shrimp for the full 1 hour, but avoid exceeding 2 hours to prevent the seafood from becoming overly soft.
• Pre-cook bacon carefully: Partial cooking prevents flare-ups during grilling and ensures bacon achieves a crispy texture.
• Skewer handling: Use small, sturdy skewers and thread the shrimp tightly to avoid spinning during grilling.
• Temperature control: Maintain consistent grill temperature to prevent burning of bacon or undercooking of shrimp.
• Adjust heat zones: For larger grills, set up hot and cool zones to control flare-ups and ensure even cooking.

Nutritional Information

Note: These values are approximate and depend on the specific brands and sizes of ingredients used.

Tips and Tricks

• Use quality ingredients: Fresh, high-quality shrimp and crispy bacon make a significant difference in flavor and texture.
• Flavor variations: Experiment with adding minced garlic, ginger, or sesame oil to the marinade for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
• Presentation: Serve skewers upright in a decorative holder or on a bed of greens for an elegant presentation.
• Alternative proteins: For non-meat eaters, substitute bacon with prosciutto or omit entirely for a lighter version.
• Marinate in advance: For even more flavor, marinate the shrimp overnight, but ensure they are kept refrigerated.

Add-ons

• Fresh lemon wedges or lime slices for squeezing over grilled shrimp
• Chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or green onions for garnish
• Sweet chili sauce or a tangy dipping sauce for extra flavor
• Sprinkles of sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal

Side Dishes

Complement these bacon-wrapped shrimp with a variety of side dishes to create a well-rounded meal:

• Asian Slaw: Crisp cabbage, shredded carrots, and scallions tossed in a sesame-ginger dressing
• Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and corn on the cob brushed with herbs and olive oil
• Rice or Quinoa: Light and fluffy grains seasoned with lime and cilantro
• Fresh Fruit Salad: Watermelon, pineapple, and berries for a refreshing contrast
• Crusty Bread: Baguette or artisan bread to soak up any juices or dipping sauces

Improvements and Variations

• Spice Level: Adjust cayenne or add chopped jalapeños to the marinade for extra heat.
• Sweetness: Incorporate honey or brown sugar into the marinade for a caramelized finish.
• Different Marinades: Try citrus-based marinades or Asian soy-garlic blends for diverse flavor profiles.
• Cooking Method: Bake in the oven at 400°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet if outdoor grilling isn’t available.
• Vegetarian Option: Use firm tofu or tempeh, marinated similarly, and wrapped in vegan bacon or eggplant slices.

Save and Store

Leftover cooked shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven or on a skillet to preserve crispiness. Raw shrimp and uncooked bacon should be kept separate and stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator, ideally consumed within 24 hours of purchase. For marinated shrimp, discard any unused marinade after removing the seafood to prevent cross-contamination.

FAQ

Can I prepare these in advance?

Yes, marinate the shrimp up to 2 hours in advance. Wrap and skewer them just before grilling. However, avoid assembling too early to prevent the bacon from becoming soggy or the shrimp from over-marinating.

Can I use turkey bacon or vegan bacon?

Absolutely. Turkey bacon provides a leaner alternative, while vegan bacon options work well for plant-based diets. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as these may differ from traditional pork bacon.

What if I don’t have skewers?

You can use toothpicks or small, reusable grilling baskets. Alternatively, wrap the shrimp in bacon and place directly on the grill grates, though skewers offer easier handling and presentation.

My bacon isn’t crispy enough—what can I do?

Ensure the grill is at the proper temperature and avoid overcrowding, which can lower heat. Partially pre-cook the bacon to render fat and crisp up faster during grilling. Also, flipping frequently helps achieve even crispiness.

Is it necessary to pre-cook the bacon?

Pre-cooking is recommended to prevent flare-ups, ensure even crisping, and reduce grilling time. Raw bacon can cause excessive flare-ups and uneven cooking.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of combining marinade, grilling, and wrapping techniques results in a show-stopping dish that elevates any barbecue. The Barbecue Marinated Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp recipe from Love With Recipes is perfect for impressing guests with minimal fuss. Its harmonious blend of smoky, tangy, sweet, and savory flavors encapsulates the essence of outdoor dining at its finest. Whether served as a starter or a main attraction, these bites promise to become a staple in your grilling repertoire. Remember, attention to detail—from marinating to grilling—ensures every bite is as delicious and visually appealing as intended. Happy grilling!

References

For further inspiration and variations, consider consulting sources such as “The Barbecue Bible” by Steven Raichlen or exploring online culinary forums dedicated to grilling techniques and seafood recipes. Both offer valuable insights into perfecting marinade compositions and grilling methods that enhance flavor and texture.