Hey there, fellow grill enthusiasts! I’ve been grilling bacon-wrapped shrimp for over a decade, and let me tell you – this appetizer disappears faster than ice cream on a hot summer day. Today, I’m sharing my tried-and-true method to nail this crowd-pleasing dish every single time.
The Great Bacon Debate: To Precook or Not?
Here’s where things get interesting. Some pitmasters swear by precooking bacon while others (like myself) have found a better way. After countless experiments I’ve discovered that raw bacon actually works better – it acts like a protective blanket for your shrimp, keeping them juicy and tender.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp (16-20 count)
- 1 pound thin-cut bacon
- Your favorite BBQ rub
- BBQ sauce
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper or cayenne pepper
Equipment:
- Grill (charcoal or gas)
- Toothpicks or metal skewers
- BBQ brush
- Tongs
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep Your Shrimp
- Peel and devein the shrimp
- Remove tails (optional, but I prefer them off)
- Pat dry with paper towels
2. Wrap That Bacon
- Cut bacon strips in half
- Wrap each shrimp tightly with half a strip
- Secure with toothpicks
- Pro tip: Don’t let bacon overlap too much – you want even cooking!
3. Season Like You Mean It
- Brush with olive oil or melted butter
- Season generously with your BBQ rub
- Don’t forget both sides!
4. Fire Up the Grill
Two-Zone Setup (This is crucial!)
- Charcoal Grill: Bank coals on one side
- Gas Grill: Light burners on one side only
- Target temp: 400°F
5. Grilling Magic
- Place shrimp on indirect heat side
- Cook for 15-20 minutes
- Flip once or twice for even cooking
- Brush with BBQ sauce in final minutes
- Quick sear on direct heat (30 seconds per side)
Pro Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Shrimp Size Matters: Bigger is better! Look for 16-20 count shrimp
- Bacon Choice: Thin-cut bacon works way better than thick-cut
- Temperature Control: Keep it around 400°F – hot enough for crispy bacon but won’t torch your shrimp
- Don’t Overcook: When shrimp turn pink and bacon gets crispy, you’re done!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t use thick-cut bacon (takes too long to crisp)
- Avoid overcrowding the grill
- Never cook directly over flames the whole time
- Don’t forget to secure bacon with toothpicks
Perfect Pairings
Wondering what to serve with these bad boys? Here’s what works great:
- Classic BBQ sauce
- Spicy remoulade
- Lemon garlic aioli
- Grilled veggies
- Cold beer (hey, that counts as a pairing!)
Troubleshooting Tips
Having issues? Here’s what might be wrong
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Bacon not crispy | Cook longer on indirect heat |
| Shrimp overcooked | Reduce cooking time, maintain temp |
| Bacon unwrapping | Use more toothpicks |
| Flare-ups | Keep on indirect heat longer |
Wrap-Up
Listen, I’ve made these babies hundreds of times, and they’re always a hit. The key is patience and that two-zone cooking setup. Trust me once you nail this method you’ll be the hero of every backyard BBQ.
Got questions? Hit me up in the comments! And don’t forget to share your grilling victories – we’re all in this together!
Happy grilling, y’all!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this guide in more detail?
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Bacon Wrapped Grilled Shrimp Recipe | Grilled Bacon Wrapped In Shrimp on PK Grill
FAQ
How long does it take to grill bacon-wrapped shrimp?
Grill uncovered for 3 minutes on each side (less or more time depending on the heat of your grill), or bake in the 400°F oven for 8 to 11 minutes, or until …
How long does it take to grill shrimp on the grill?
What do you put on shrimp before grilling?
Treating the shrimp with salt and baking soda helps them stay plump and juicy and brown more efficiently as they grill. Drying the shrimp out in the refrigerator gives them a jump-start on browning. Squeezing the shrimp together on a skewer gives them less surface area, which helps them stay juicier as they cook.
Is it better to grill cooked or uncooked shrimp?
Shrimp, like most seafood, becomes gross when overcooked. I’d go with raw for frying or barbequing. If you haven’t cooked shrimp before then don’t make your first big batch your first time – try small amounts at home.
Can you cook bacon wrapped shrimp on a grill?
If you use toothpicks, you will need a pair of tongs for turning the bacon-wrapped shrimp over while grilling. Fire up your grill to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place your bacon-wrapped shrimp skewers to cook. It takes about eight minutes to grill shrimp to optimal readiness so turn them over at the halfway mark or after four minutes.
How long does a bacon wrapped shrimp take to cook?
The secret to a perfect bacon-wrapped shrimp appetizer is to precook the bacon to prevent your shrimp from overcooking as the bacon is grilling. Shrimp cooks in approximately eight minutes tops while bacon easily takes a little over ten minutes to get to a crisp doneness.
What to do with bacon wrapped shrimp skewers?
These bacon wrapped grilled shrimp skewers make a great appetizer, but you can also turn it into a meal by adding some sides for bacon wrapped shrimp! Try one of these: If you love bacon wrapped shrimp kabobs on the grill, you might also like some of these other easy grilled recipes:
What temperature should Bacon Wrapped Shrimp be grilled?
The best temperature for grilling bacon-wrapped shrimp is a high of 400 – 450 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, the wrapped shrimp should cook for a maximum of four minutes on either side or until the grilled shrimp appears white and opaque.
How do you cook raw shrimp on a grill?
Sprinkle shrimp with Cajun seasoning lightly. Wrap bacon around shrimp. Starting at one end of the bacon, roll slice of bacon around shrimp and thread onto skewer to secure. Spritz with olive oil. Grill shrimp and bacon skewers. Preheat grill over medium heat and grill for 2-3 minutes per side. Use raw shrimp.
Can You Wrap shrimp in bacon?
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp You can pretty much wrap anything in bacon, and shrimp is no exception. This high-protein snack is perfect when you’re busy, active, or trying to keep your blood sugar stable. Recipe: Primal Palate | Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp