Hey there, seafood lovers! Today we’re gonna dive deep into one of my absolute favorite ways to prepare shrimp – the amazing shrimp brochette. As someone who’s been cooking and experimenting with seafood recipes for years, I’m super excited to share everything you need to know about this mouthwatering dish.
What Exactly is Shrimp Brochette?
Shrimp brochette (pronounced bro-SHET) is basically a fancy French way of saying “skewered shrimp.” But trust me, it’s way more delicious than it sounds! The term “brochette” comes from the French word “broche” which means “skewer” or “spit.”
In its simplest form shrimp brochette consists of
- Large, peeled and deveined shrimp
- Threaded onto skewers
- Often wrapped with bacon
- Seasoned with various spices and marinades
- Grilled or broiled to perfection
Why You’ll Love Making Shrimp Brochette
Here’s why I think you should give this dish a try:
- Quick & Easy: Takes less than 30 minutes from prep to plate
- Versatile: Works great as an appetizer or main course
- Impressive: Looks fancy but requires minimal cooking skills
- Customizable: Can be seasoned countless ways to match your taste
- Perfect for Entertaining: Easy to make in large batches
Essential Ingredients for Amazing Shrimp Brochette
Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make restaurant-quality shrimp brochette at home:
The Main Stars:
- Large or jumbo shrimp (16-20 count per pound is ideal)
- Thin-cut bacon
- Wooden or metal skewers
Common Seasonings:
- Garlic powder
- Cajun seasoning
- Black pepper
- Sea salt
- Paprika
- Cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy!)
Optional Add-ins:
- Bell peppers
- Onions
- Mushrooms
- Cherry tomatoes
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Perfect Shrimp Brochette
Preparation:
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes
- Peel and devein shrimp (unless using pre-prepped)
- Cut bacon strips in half lengthwise
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels
Assembly:
- Wrap each shrimp with a half strip of bacon
- Thread wrapped shrimp onto skewers
- Season generously on both sides
- Add vegetables between shrimp if desired
Cooking Methods:
Grilling Method:
- Preheat grill to medium-high (375-400°F)
- Oil grates to prevent sticking
- Grill 3-4 minutes per side
- Look for pink, opaque shrimp and crispy bacon
Broiling Method:
- Position oven rack 6 inches from broiler
- Preheat broiler on high
- Broil 4-5 minutes per side
- Watch carefully to prevent burning
Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp Brochette
After making this dish countless times, here are some tricks I’ve learned:
- Choose the Right Shrimp: Fresh is best, but quality frozen shrimp works great too
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cooks quickly – overcooked shrimp gets tough and rubbery
- Even Spacing: Leave small gaps between items on skewers for even cooking
- Double Skewer: Use two parallel skewers to prevent spinning while grilling
- Bacon Tips: Partially cook bacon before wrapping for extra crispiness
Serving Suggestions
Here’s how we love to serve our shrimp brochette:
Accompaniments:
- Steamed rice
- Grilled vegetables
- Fresh lemon wedges
- Garlic butter sauce
- Cajun remoulade
Perfect Occasions:
- Summer BBQs
- Dinner parties
- Holiday appetizers
- Family dinners
- Beach cookouts
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from my oopsies:
- Not prepping skewers: Wooden skewers will burn if not soaked
- Overcrowding: Leave space between items for even cooking
- Wrong size shrimp: Too small = overcooking, too large = undercooking
- Uneven bacon: Thick-cut bacon won’t crisp properly
- Forgetting to season: Season both sides for maximum flavor
Variations to Try
Get creative with these tasty twists:
Cajun Style:
- Cajun seasoning
- Andouille sausage pieces
- Bell peppers
- Onions
Mediterranean:
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Lemon
- Fresh herbs
- Cherry tomatoes
Asian Fusion:
- Teriyaki sauce
- Ginger
- Sesame oil
- Green onions
Storing and Reheating
Got leftovers? Here’s what to do:
- Store in airtight container in fridge (up to 2 days)
- Reheat gently in oven at 350°F
- Remove skewers before storing
- Best consumed fresh (but still yummy as leftovers!)
Health Benefits of Shrimp Brochette
While we’re mainly here for the taste, shrimp brochette can be pretty healthy too:
- High in protein
- Low in calories (without bacon)
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Good source of vitamins and minerals
- Can be made keto-friendly
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make shrimp brochette ahead of time?
A: You can prep and assemble up to 24 hours ahead, but cook just before serving.
Q: What size shrimp should I use?
A: 16-20 count per pound is ideal for even cooking.
Q: Can I skip the bacon?
A: Absolutely! Though it adds amazing flavor, plain shrimp brochette is still delicious.
Conclusion
Y’all, shrimp brochette isn’t just another seafood dish – it’s a game-changer that’ll have your friends and family begging for more! Whether you’re grilling up a storm for a summer BBQ or looking for an impressive yet easy dinner option, this dish has got you covered.
Remember, the key to perfect shrimp brochette is using quality ingredients, not overcooking the shrimp, and seasoning generously. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and make it your own!
Note: This article was written based on personal experience and research about shrimp brochette preparation and cooking techniques.
How to Store and Reheat
Shrimp brochette can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to eat again, reheat it in the microwave for several minutes until the shrimp are thoroughly heated.
Ingredients You Will Need
Even though this dish looks like a handful, it actually doesn’t require too many ingredients. Most of them also don’t need too much preparation, so it won’t be too time-consuming to assemble.
As the main ingredient of this recipe, we recommend medium to large shrimp. They will become incredibly juicy and plump once cooked, plus their size makes them easy to stuff.
For preparation, we peeled and deveined the shrimp but kept the tail on. Remove the shell by gently pulling at the legs. As for deveining, use a paring knife to make a shallow slit along the back and pull out the vein using either the blade or your finger.
This recipe wouldnt be complete if there werent bacon to wrap around the shrimp. Not only does it infuse the shrimp with a smoky taste, but its crispy texture also contrasts quite nicely with the shrimps tenderness.
This isn’t the first time we’ve paired bacon with shrimp. Our Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe is also worth a try!
Stuffed inside the shrimp, these peppers bring a surprise twist to the flavor that makes this dish even more irresistible.
For preparation, we cut the jalapeño in half, then removed the seeds and white ribs with gloves. After which we julienned them into 1/8-inch strips that are thin and small enough to be used for stuffing.
If you’re concerned about the jalapeño’s spiciness, there’s no need because the cream cheese will soften the heat with its mild and sweet taste. If you’re lactose intolerant, go for the dairy-free variety. Monterey Jack cheese is another great choice that restaurants often use.
To make the dish more satisfying, we served the shrimp over a fluffy bed of rice. Since the shrimp are already quite flavorful, we went with white rice for its mellow and lightly fragrant taste that keeps the dish from being too overwhelming.
We used canned chickpeas for convenience. All you need to do is drain the water and add them to the dish.
This herb is used mainly for garnishing and sprinkling for a green pop of color. However, its peppery taste also gives the dish a nice kick.
We used pepper, paprika, and Cajun powder for seasonings to give the shrimp a hearty and slightly spicy taste. Olive oil and lime juice are also used to tie the various spices together.