This simple Bacon Wrapped Shrimp recipe is fun to make and always impresses hungry guests as an appetizer. The bacon flavors the shrimp and keeps everything moist while also creating an amazing crunchy outer layer.
The key to this Bacon Wrapped Shrimp recipe is Guide’s Choice Spice Rub – the spices balance out the fatty savory taste of the shrimp and bacon and the granulated dehydrated honey helps draw water out of the bacon and caramelize the outer crust.
We usually go with more rub if we are grilling because it burns off in the flames, we can use less and still get a good caramelization when cooking at lower temps in the oven or smoker.
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 1lb. Extra-Large Shrimp (26/30 count) (We prefer shell-on deveined and with the shell split – the kind made for steamed ‘peal and eat’ shrimp dishes)
- 1lb. Standard Cut Bacon
- Guide’s Choice Spice Rub
- 1 cup Ranch Dressing
- Skewers
Preparation
- Remove bacon from packaging, cut block of strips in half (widthwise) and plate to bring temperature up closer to room temperature. This makes it easier to wrap the bacon around the shrimp because it stretches better at warmer temperatures.
- Rinse shrimp and remove shells if needed, drain well
- Pat shrimp dry with paper or clean cloth towels to remove all surface moisture
- Wrap 1/2 strips of bacon around shrimp, head to tail, and skewer from heat to tail through the curve of the shrimp to hold everything securely in place
- Spread shrimp and bacon skewers onto a tray and coat both sides liberally with Guide’s Choice Spice Rub. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Whisk ranch dressing together with about 1/2 tablespoon of Guide’s Choice Spice Rub. Add more spice to adjust to your heat preferences). Cover & refrigerate.
Cooking
- Grill: Cook on indirect heat until the bacon is mostly cooked, then sear over direct heat to finish – keep flames to a minimum with a closed grill lid.
- Smoker: Smoke cook at 250 degrees for 2 hour or until bacon is crisp and caramelized.
- Oven Baked: place shrimp and bacon skewers on a broiler rack and bake in preheated over at 250 degrees for 2 hours or until bacon is crisp and caramelized.
- Remove spicy ranch dipping sauce from refrigerator and re-whisk to blend the ingredients.
Serving Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe
Serve with spicy ranch dressing as a dipping sauce.
Here’s to tight lines and smoked meats!! Cheers.
Guide’s Choice Spice Rub is available on this website and through these online retail partners:
Recent Comments