If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer or a flavorful main course that combines smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, the Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Lemon and Brown Sugar Recipe is an absolute must-try. Juicy jumbo shrimp get a tangy lemon butter marinade before being kissed by crispy bacon and caramelized brown sugar, creating a perfect bite bursting with contrasting textures and layers of flavor. This dish is effortlessly impressive, perfect for entertaining friends or elevating your weeknight dinner with something special and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Lemon and Brown Sugar Recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing sweet, savory, and zesty notes while delivering a wonderful texture combination from tender shrimp and crispy bacon.
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined, thawed): Choose large shrimp for a hearty bite that stands up to the bacon wrapping.
- 1 lb sliced bacon (cut into thirds): Thin slices work best to crisply wrap around each shrimp without overpowering.
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted): Adds richness and helps carry the marinade flavors evenly.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brings brightness and a fresh tanginess to cut through the richness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overwhelming.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Gives a subtle kick that wakes up your palate.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic undertone.
- â…“ cup brown sugar: Provides the perfect caramelized sweetness that crisps around the bacon.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Lemon and Brown Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Tray
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking tray with foil to catch all those delicious drippings later. Lightly grease the foil with cooking spray to keep the shrimp from sticking, ensuring an easy cleanup and flawless cooking surface.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, fresh lemon juice, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. This vibrant marinade brings together creaminess, tang, and a touch of heat that will soak into the shrimp for enhanced flavor. Pour it over the peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp, allowing them to absorb these wonderful flavors as you let them sit for about 15 minutes while your oven preheats.
Step 3: Wrap Shrimp with Bacon
Now for the fun part—take one shrimp and tightly wrap a piece of bacon around it, securing everything with a toothpick to keep the magic intact during cooking. Place each wrapped shrimp on your prepared baking tray and repeat until all shrimps are wrapped beautifully. This process ensures each bite bursts with that incredible bacon crispiness.
Step 4: Add the First Layer of Brown Sugar
Generously sprinkle half of the brown sugar evenly over the bacon-wrapped shrimp. This step starts the caramelization process, preparing to give the bacon that signature sweet, crispy glaze you’ll adore.
Step 5: Bake and Flip
Pop your tray into the oven and bake for 7 to 8 minutes. Then, carefully flip each shrimp over, allowing even cooking and caramelization on both sides. Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar on top so every angle gets that golden sugary crust.
Step 6: Final Bake for Crispy Perfection
Return the shrimp to the oven and bake for another 7 to 8 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and succulent and the bacon crisps up beautifully. At this point, you’ll have a dish that’s both sweet and savory, tender and crispy, guaranteed to delight anyone lucky enough to try it.
How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Lemon and Brown Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the finished shrimp. A few thin lemon slices or a zest sprinkle brightens the dish with a fresh, citrusy pop, perfectly complementing the bacon’s smoky richness.
Side Dishes
This Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Lemon and Brown Sugar Recipe pairs splendidly with light side dishes like a crisp green salad, roasted asparagus, or even creamy garlic mashed potatoes. These sides balance the bold flavors of the shrimp and add color and freshness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or elegant dinners, consider serving these shrimp on skewers or alongside a dipping sauce like a tangy aioli or spicy remoulade. You could also arrange them on a bed of wild rice or couscous, transforming a simple appetizer into a stunning main course centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bacon-wrapped shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to place paper towels between layers to keep the bacon as crispy as possible and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to store these beauties for longer, freeze them unbaked on a tray first so they don’t stick, then transfer to a sealed plastic bag. This way, shrimp maintain their fresh flavor and texture, ready to be tossed in the oven straight from the freezer when you’re craving something special.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to revive the crispiness of the bacon without drying out the shrimp. Microwaving isn’t recommended, as it tends to make bacon chewy rather than delightfully crisp.
FAQs
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon can be used, but keep in mind it tends to be leaner and less crispy than traditional pork bacon. You might want to watch the cooking time closely to avoid over-drying the shrimp.
How do I prevent the bacon from unraveling during cooking?
Securing the bacon with toothpicks is key to keeping everything tight. Also, cutting bacon into thirds helps wrap the shrimp snugly. Baking on a foil-lined tray minimizes movement that could cause unwrapping.
Can I grill the bacon-wrapped shrimp instead of baking?
Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky char that works brilliantly. Just keep a close eye to prevent flare-ups from the bacon fat, and turn often for even cooking and browning.
Is it better to use fresh or frozen shrimp?
Fresh jumbo shrimp is ideal for maximum flavor and texture, but properly thawed frozen shrimp works just fine. Make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture.
What can I serve as a dipping sauce?
Try a classic cocktail sauce, garlic aioli, or a sweet chili sauce. These dips add an extra dimension of taste that complements the Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Lemon and Brown Sugar Recipe perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Lemon and Brown Sugar Recipe, it will become one of those beloved staples you pull out for celebrations, casual dinners, or whenever you want to wow yourself and others. The combination of smoky bacon, juicy shrimp, tangy lemon, and sweet caramelized sugar is genuinely irresistible. So go ahead and give it a whirl—your taste buds will thank you endlessly!
Print
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Lemon and Brown Sugar Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Bacon Wrapped Shrimp are a flavorful and easy appetizer, featuring jumbo shrimp marinated in a zesty butter and spice mix, then wrapped in crispy bacon and baked to perfection with a touch of brown sugar for a sweet and savory finish.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Bacon
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (thawed)
- 1 lb sliced bacon, cut into thirds
Marinade
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Finishing
- â…“ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking tray with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Marinade and Marinate Shrimp: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Pour this mixture over the shrimp and toss well to coat evenly. Let the shrimp marinate for 15 minutes while the oven heats up to allow them to absorb the flavors.
- Wrap Shrimp with Bacon: Take one marinated shrimp and wrap a piece of bacon around it securely. Use a toothpick to hold the bacon in place. Place each bacon-wrapped shrimp on the prepared baking tray, spacing them slightly apart. Repeat until all shrimp are wrapped.
- Apply Brown Sugar and Bake: Evenly sprinkle half of the brown sugar over the bacon-wrapped shrimp to add sweetness and help caramelize the bacon during baking.
- Flip and Add More Brown Sugar: Bake the shrimp for 7 to 8 minutes. Then carefully flip each shrimp over using tongs or a fork. Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar over the other side to continue the sweet glaze.
- Finish Baking: Place the shrimp back in the oven and bake for another 7 to 8 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully pink and opaque, and the bacon is crisped to your liking. Serve hot as a delicious appetizer or party snack.
Notes
- Make sure to use thawed shrimp for even cooking.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount based on your spice preference.
- Use toothpicks to hold the bacon securely to avoid unraveling during baking.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
- You can use turkey bacon for a leaner option, but cooking times may vary slightly.
