If you’re craving a dish that sparkles with flavor, texture, and a little touch of sweetness and spice, the Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Spicy Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe is a total game-changer. Imagine juicy, tender shrimp snugly wrapped in smoky, crispy bacon, all cloaked in a rich, caramelized glaze that dances between sweet and spicy — this recipe delivers it all with minimal fuss and maximum wow factor. It’s perfect for impressing guests or savoring a cozy night in with something extraordinary on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing its role in building the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the smoky saltiness of bacon to the warm spices, every element is carefully chosen to elevate the shrimp to next-level deliciousness.
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the show, these provide a tender, juicy bite that pairs beautifully with smoky bacon.
- Bacon slices, cut in half: Wrapping the shrimp, bacon crisps up and adds a savory, irresistible crunch.
- Brown sugar: This adds the sweet base for the glaze that caramelizes to perfection during baking.
- Paprika: A subtle smoky note that enhances both the bacon and shrimp flavor.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a gentle, savory depth without overpowering the other spices.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat to awaken the glaze.
- Cayenne pepper: Kicks up the spice level with a lively warmth.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the natural flavors.
- Toothpicks: Essential for securing the bacon around the shrimp for even cooking.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Spicy Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C), perfect for getting that bacon crisp and the shrimp just cooked through without drying out. While the oven warms up, you can mix the glaze ingredients to save time.
Step 2: Whip Up the Spicy Brown Sugar Glaze
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. This spice blend is what transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering glaze that sticks to every crevice of the shrimp and bacon.
Step 3: Wrap the Shrimp
Take each peeled shrimp and wrap it tightly with half a slice of bacon. Secure the bacon in place with a toothpick so it doesn’t unravel during baking. This little step ensures every bite has a perfect ratio of shrimp to bacon.
Step 4: Coat in the Glaze
Dredge the bacon-wrapped shrimp in your spicy brown sugar mixture, pressing gently so the glaze sticks well. This coating caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a sticky, flavorful crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the coated shrimp on a baking sheet and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp is cooked all the way through, bubbling with that gorgeous glaze.
How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Spicy Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds a burst of color and a fresh contrast to the smoky sweetness. A wedge of lemon on the side brightens the rich flavors wonderfully when squeezed over just before eating.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that won’t compete with the glaze’s boldness. Think fluffy jasmine rice, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables to round out your meal with fresh, salty, and textural balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve these bacon-wrapped shrimp on a wooden skewer as an elegant appetizer or alongside a dipping sauce like a cooling ranch or spicy aioli for extra indulgence. Arranging them on a platter with fresh herbs and citrus slices gives a festive, inviting look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen overnight, though the bacon may lose some crispness.
Freezing
For longer storage, arrange the uncooked wrapped shrimp on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the shrimp in a hot oven (around 375°F/190°C) for 5-7 minutes to revive the bacon’s crispiness without drying out the shrimp. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of seafood instead of shrimp?
Absolutely! While shrimp works perfectly here, scallops or even small pieces of firm fish wrapped in bacon can offer a delicious twist on this recipe.
What can I do if I want less spice?
Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and adjust the black pepper to your taste. The brown sugar glaze will still be wonderfully flavorful and sweet.
Is it necessary to cook the shrimp fully before wrapping with bacon?
No need to pre-cook the shrimp; baking them wrapped in bacon is enough to cook shrimp perfectly while crisping the bacon simultaneously.
Can I grill these instead of baking?
Yes! Grilling gives a fantastic smoky flavor. Just keep a close eye to prevent flare-ups from the bacon fat and turn frequently for even cooking.
How do I prevent bacon from shrinking too much?
Using bacon that is not too thin and wrapping the shrimp snugly can reduce shrinking. Starting with room temperature bacon rather than cold from the fridge also helps it cook more evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Spicy Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe is one of those irresistible dishes that feel special but are surprisingly easy to pull together. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main event, it’s sure to make your taste buds sing and your guests ask for seconds. Give it a try and enjoy the magic of smoky bacon, succulent shrimp, and a glaze that sings with sweet heat!
Print
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Spicy Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 6 shrimp each)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Shrimp Wrapped in Bacon recipe combines succulent shrimp with crispy bacon, coated in a spicy-sweet brown sugar seasoning for a perfect appetizer or party snack. The shrimp are individually wrapped in bacon, seasoned, and baked to golden perfection, offering a flavorful bite that’s both smoky and slightly sweet with a hint of heat.
Ingredients
Seafood and Meat
- 24 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 slices bacon, cut in half
Seasoning Mix
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Other
- 24 toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to crisp the bacon and fully cook the shrimp.
- Prepare Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly to create a balanced sweet and spicy seasoning.
- Wrap Shrimp: Take each peeled and deveined shrimp and wrap it tightly with a half slice of bacon. Secure the bacon in place by inserting a toothpick through the shrimp and bacon to hold it firmly.
- Coat Shrimp: Dredge each bacon-wrapped shrimp in the prepared brown sugar seasoning mix, covering all sides evenly. This helps the shrimp develop a flavorful crust while baking.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the coated shrimp onto a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch to allow even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are fully cooked through.
Notes
- For best results, use large shrimp to balance with the bacon size and ensure proper cooking.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity if you prefer milder or spicier shrimp.
- Ensure bacon is wrapped tightly to prevent it from unraveling during baking.
- You can serve these as appetizer skewers or as a side dish with your favorite dips.
- Allow shrimp to cool slightly before serving as toothpicks will be hot immediately after baking.
