Honey Garlic Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

Honey Garlic Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp is the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors. Succulent shrimp are wrapped in crispy bacon, brushed with a sticky honey garlic glaze, and baked or grilled to perfection. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it an excellent choice for parties, game nights, or an indulgent appetizer at any gathering. With its irresistible balance of textures—crispy bacon, tender shrimp, and a glossy glaze—this recipe is easy to make, yet sophisticated enough to impress your guests. Whether served as a starter or paired with sides for a meal, these shrimp are simply unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: Sweet honey, garlicky goodness, smoky bacon, and tender shrimp create a perfect medley of flavors.
• Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet appearance, this recipe is surprisingly simple and quick to prepare.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties or family gatherings, everyone loves the bite-sized, bacon-wrapped shrimp.
• Versatile Cooking Options: You can bake, grill, or air-fry these shrimp for equally delicious results.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the sweetness, spice, or type of bacon to suit your preferences.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 shrimp (6–8 servings)
• Serving size: 3–4 shrimp

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 180
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 6g

Ingredients

• 1 pound (24 large) shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
• 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Lightly season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to enhance their natural flavor.

Step 2: Partially Cook the Bacon

1. In a skillet or microwave, partially cook the bacon slices until they are slightly cooked but still pliable. This ensures they become crispy in the same amount of time it takes the shrimp to cook.
2. Set the bacon aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.

Step 3: Wrap the Shrimp

1. Take one shrimp and wrap it tightly with a half slice of bacon, starting from the top and securing the end with a toothpick.
2. Repeat with the remaining shrimp and bacon slices.

Step 4: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, soy sauce, melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
2. Stir until the mixture begins to simmer. Reduce the heat and let it cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Brush and Cook

Oven-Baking Option:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
2. Arrange the bacon-wrapped shrimp on the rack, ensuring they don’t touch. Brush the shrimp generously with the honey garlic glaze.
3. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through and brushing with more glaze, until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are cooked through.

Grilling Option:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
2. Place the bacon-wrapped shrimp on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, brushing with glaze as they cook.

Air Fryer Option:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the basket, brushing with glaze.
2. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway and applying more glaze, until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are cooked through.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the toothpicks from the shrimp and arrange them on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor. Serve warm with additional honey garlic glaze for dipping.

Ingredient Background

• Shrimp: Large shrimp are ideal because they stay juicy and tender while the bacon crisps up. Keep the tails on for a decorative touch and easy handling.
• Bacon: Thin-cut bacon works best as it crisps up more quickly than thick-cut varieties. You can use turkey bacon or plant-based alternatives for a different twist.
• Honey Garlic Glaze: The combination of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic creates a glaze that complements both the shrimp and the smoky bacon.
• Paprika and Chili Flakes: These spices add depth and a touch of heat, balancing the sweetness of the honey.

Technique Tips

• Cook the Bacon First: Partially cooking the bacon ensures it crisps up without overcooking the shrimp.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn opaque and pink.
• Brush Generously: Apply plenty of honey garlic glaze during cooking to infuse the shrimp and bacon with flavor.
• Use a Wire Rack: For oven-baking, a wire rack allows air to circulate around the shrimp, ensuring even cooking and crispy bacon.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Shrimp Skewers: Thread several bacon-wrapped shrimp onto a skewer for easy serving and grilling.
• Appetizer Platter: Serve the shrimp alongside other bite-sized appetizers like stuffed mushrooms, deviled eggs, or cheese-stuffed jalapeños.
• Shrimp Cups: Arrange a few bacon-wrapped shrimp in small serving cups with a drizzle of glaze and a garnish of parsley for an elegant appetizer.
• Surf and Turf Platter: Pair the shrimp with grilled steak or roasted vegetables for a hearty and impressive main course.

Additional Tips for Success

• Keep Toothpicks Handy: Use toothpicks to secure the bacon around the shrimp, but remember to remove them before serving.
• Reheat with Care: Reheat leftovers in an air fryer or oven to maintain the crispiness of the bacon. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bacon soggy.
• Make Extra Glaze: Double the glaze recipe for extra dipping sauce—it’s too good not to have more on the side!
• Choose Large Shrimp: Medium or large shrimp work best for wrapping, as they hold their shape and cook evenly.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Honey Glaze: Add more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a spicier kick.
• Pineapple Shrimp: Place a small piece of pineapple between the shrimp and bacon for a tropical, sweet-and-savory twist.
• Herb-Infused Glaze: Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary to the honey garlic glaze for an herby flavor profile.
• Maple Bacon Shrimp: Swap the honey for maple syrup for a rich, smoky-sweet alternative.
• Vegan Alternative: Use plant-based shrimp and bacon substitutes, and replace the honey with agave syrup for a vegan-friendly version.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Assemble the shrimp and bacon (uncooked) and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through and crispy.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Turkey Bacon: Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a lower-fat option.
• Light Honey Glaze: Replace half the honey with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit syrup for reduced sugar content.
• Lean Protein: Use chicken tenderloin strips instead of shrimp for a high-protein alternative.
• Vegetable Addition: Wrap the shrimp with a thin slice of zucchini or bell pepper alongside the bacon for added nutrients.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Game-Day Appetizer: Pair these shrimp with buffalo wings, loaded potato skins, and sliders for the ultimate game-day spread.
• Elegant Dinner Party Starter: Serve the shrimp on individual appetizer plates with a drizzle of glaze and a side of arugula salad.
• Holiday Platter: Arrange the shrimp on a large platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary for a festive presentation.
• BBQ Side Dish: Add these shrimp to a barbecue spread alongside grilled corn, coleslaw, and baked beans.

Special Equipment

• Wire Rack: Ensures even cooking and crispy bacon when baking.
• Basting Brush: Useful for applying the honey garlic glaze generously.
• Toothpicks: Essential for securing the bacon around the shrimp.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping the shrimp during cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well in this recipe. Thaw them completely and pat them dry before wrapping with bacon.

2. What’s the best type of bacon to use?
Thin-cut bacon is ideal because it crisps up quickly without overcooking the shrimp.

3. Can I grill these shrimp?
Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the honey garlic glaze.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add extra chili flakes, a splash of hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to the glaze for more heat.

5. Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Partially pre-cooked bacon works best, as fully cooked bacon won’t wrap securely around the shrimp.

6. What dipping sauces pair well with this dish?
Garlic aioli, sweet chili sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo are all excellent choices.

7. How do I prevent the bacon from falling off?
Secure the bacon with toothpicks and place the seam-side down when cooking.

8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This recipe doubles easily for larger gatherings. Prepare the shrimp in batches if necessary.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp is the perfect bite-sized indulgence that combines bold, balanced flavors and stunning presentation. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing an appetizer for a holiday feast, or simply treating yourself to a luxurious snack, this recipe delivers every time. The versatility of cooking methods, ease of preparation, and customizable flavors make it a must-try dish. Pair it with your favorite sides and sauces, experiment with creative variations, and enjoy the crispy, sweet, and savory perfection of these irresistible shrimp!

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