BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Welcome to 79th St BBQ, where we bring you mouthwatering recipes to elevate your grilling game. Today, we’re diving into a crowd favorite: BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Skewers.

This delicious combination of juicy shrimp, crispy bacon, and savory BBQ sauce is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to backyard gatherings. Let’s explore why this recipe should be at the top of your grilling list.

BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Skewers Recipe — *Credits to Life, Love, and Good Food*

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a lot to love about BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Skewers. Here are a few reasons why this recipe is a must-try:

Irresistible Flavor: The salty, smoky flavor of bacon perfectly complements the natural sweetness of shrimp. When combined with a rich BBQ sauce, it creates an explosion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Easy Preparation: This recipe is simple to prepare, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. It’s a great option for both seasoned grillers and beginners looking to try something new.
Versatility: These skewers are incredibly versatile. They can be served as appetizers, main dishes, or even as a tasty side. Plus, they’re perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.
Quick Cooking Time: Shrimp cook quickly, making this recipe perfect for those who want to whip up a delicious meal in no time. The skewers can be ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients for BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Skewers

To create these delicious skewers, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Ingredients

Shrimp: Large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, with tails on for easy handling and presentation.
Bacon: Thin-cut bacon is ideal as it wraps easily around the shrimp and cooks evenly without overpowering the delicate seafood flavor.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for basting and flavor. Whether it’s sweet, spicy, or smoky, pick one that suits your taste.
Olive Oil: A light coating of olive oil will help prevent sticking and add a nice sheen to the shrimp.
Seasonings: A blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika will enhance the natural flavors of the shrimp and bacon.

Ingredients for BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Skewers — *Credits to It Starts With Good Food*

Optional Add-Ons and Substitutions

Jalapeños: Add a slice of jalapeño to each skewer for a spicy kick.
Pineapple: Pineapple chunks add a sweet and tangy contrast to the smoky flavors.
Alternative Sauces: Try using a maple bourbon glaze or a spicy sriracha mayo for a unique twist.
Vegetables: Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini slices can be added to the skewers for a colorful presentation and added nutrition.

Additional Ingredients for BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Skewers — *Credits to The Copper Table*

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating the perfect BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Skewers is a breeze with these step-by-step instructions.

Preparing the Shrimp and Bacon

Peel and Devein the Shrimp: Begin by peeling the shrimp, leaving the tails on. This not only makes for a prettier presentation but also provides a handle for easy eating. Ensure the shrimp are deveined to remove any grit.
Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This simple seasoning will enhance the shrimp’s natural flavors without overpowering them.
Prepare the Bacon: Partially cook the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes. This step ensures that the bacon will be fully cooked by the time the shrimp is done grilling, without making the shrimp rubbery.

Assembling the Skewers

Wrap the Shrimp: Take a partially cooked bacon strip and wrap it around each shrimp, starting from the tail end and working your way up. The bacon should fit snugly around the shrimp.
Secure with Skewers: Carefully thread each bacon-wrapped shrimp onto a skewer. If using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.
Add Optional Ingredients: If you’re adding jalapeños, pineapple, or vegetables, alternate them with the shrimp on the skewers for a delightful mix of flavors.

Grilling the Skewers

Grilling Skewers for BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Skewers — *Credits to Fox News*

Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F.
Place the Skewers on the Grill: Arrange the skewers in a single layer on the grill grates. Close the lid and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side.
Baste with BBQ Sauce: During the last minute of cooking on each side, generously baste the shrimp with your chosen BBQ sauce. Be careful not to over-baste, as the sauce can burn due to the sugar content.
Check for Doneness: The shrimp should be opaque and pink, and the bacon should be crisp. If using a thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 145°F.

Tips for Grilling Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

Pre-cook the Bacon: This ensures the bacon is crispy without overcooking the shrimp.
Use Regular-Cut Bacon: Thick-cut bacon takes longer to cook, which can lead to overcooked shrimp.
Monitor the Grill Temperature: Keep the grill at medium-high to avoid burning the bacon while ensuring the shrimp cooks through.
Avoid Overcrowding the Skewers: Leave space between each shrimp on the skewers to ensure even cooking.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Results

How to Make BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Skewers — *Credits to Yellow Bliss Road*

Selecting Shrimp: Opt for large or jumbo shrimp for this recipe. Smaller shrimp are harder to wrap and may dry out quickly on the grill.
Choosing the Right Bacon: Use thin-cut bacon for a quick and even cook. Thick-cut bacon is not recommended as it may remain undercooked by the time the shrimp is done.
Alternative Cooking Methods: If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the skewers in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake the skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet for 8-10 minutes, turning once halfway through.
Smoker Method: For a smoky flavor, cook the skewers in a smoker at 225°F for about 45 minutes, basting with BBQ sauce in the last 10 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Skewers turn out perfect every time:

Using Thick-Cut Bacon: As mentioned, thick bacon takes longer to cook, leading to undercooked bacon or overcooked shrimp.
Not Soaking Wooden Skewers: If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Overcooking Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly; overcooking can make them tough and rubbery. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the grill as soon as they turn opaque.
Skipping the Pre-Cook Step for Bacon: This step is crucial for ensuring crispy bacon and perfectly cooked shrimp.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Flavor Variations

Maple Bourbon Glaze: For a sweet and savory twist, brush the skewers with a maple bourbon glaze instead of BBQ sauce. The sweetness of the maple syrup and the depth of the bourbon pair wonderfully with the smoky bacon and shrimp.
Spicy BBQ: Add some heat by mixing hot sauce or sriracha into your BBQ sauce before basting the skewers. This adds a spicy kick that complements the smoky, savory flavors.
Garlic Butter: After grilling, brush the skewers with a garlic butter sauce for an extra layer of flavor. This is especially great if you prefer a less sweet finish.

Serving Ideas

Grilled Vegetables: Serve the skewers alongside a mix of grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes for a complete, colorful meal.
Salads: A fresh garden salad or a tangy coleslaw complements the rich flavors of the bacon-wrapped shrimp.
Cheesy Potatoes: Baked or mashed cheesy potatoes make a delicious side dish, adding a creamy contrast to the grilled skewers.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob with a bit of butter and seasoning pairs perfectly with the skewers for a classic BBQ feel.

FAQs

It’s best to use raw shrimp for this recipe. Pre-cooked shrimp can become rubbery when grilled, and they don’t absorb flavors as well as raw shrimp. If you only have pre-cooked shrimp, reduce the grilling time and focus on heating them through rather than cooking them from scratch.

Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

Yes, you can freeze the skewers before or after grilling. If freezing before grilling, assemble the skewers and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. If freezing after cooking, let them cool completely before transferring them to a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating or grilling.

Conclusion

BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Skewers are a fantastic addition to any BBQ menu. With their irresistible flavor, ease of preparation, and versatility, they’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a novice, this recipe provides a straightforward and delicious way to impress your guests. So fire up the grill and give these skewers a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe