Dinner

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Recipe Image 8

These bacon wrapped shrimp are basically the ultimate crowd-pleaser that makes you look like a culinary genius without actually requiring genius-level skills.

The sweet and savory maple-soy glaze creates this incredible caramelized coating that’ll have people licking their fingers and asking for the recipe.

Each bite delivers that perfect contrast of crispy bacon and tender, juicy shrimp with just enough heat from the chili powder to keep things interesting.

This is the kind of appetizer that disappears within minutes at parties, but it’s also substantial enough to serve as a main course with some sides.

The best part is that most of the work happens in the oven while you’re free to prep other dishes or actually enjoy your guests’ company.

Fair warning: once you serve these, you’ll become the person everyone expects to bring “those amazing bacon shrimp” to every gathering.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

16 extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 slices bacon, preferably thick-cut for better wrapping
Cooking spray for preventing sticking

For the Sweet and Savory Glaze

5 tablespoons pure maple syrup (avoid pancake syrup for best flavor)
3 tablespoons soy sauce, low-sodium preferred
1 teaspoon chili powder for a subtle heat
Salt and pepper to taste

For Finishing

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped for color and freshness

Instructions

Prepare the Bacon

1 Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a sheet pan with aluminum foil, then coat generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2 Lay the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared pan, ensuring they don’t overlap for even cooking.
3 Bake for 8-10 minutes until the bacon is partially cooked but still flexible enough to wrap around the shrimp without breaking.
4 Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes, then cut each slice in half crosswise using a sharp knife or kitchen shears.

Create the Marinade

5 While the bacon cooks, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste in a medium mixing bowl until well combined.
6 Remove 2 tablespoons of this marinade and set aside in a small bowl for brushing on the finished shrimp later.
7 Add the shrimp to the remaining marinade in the bowl and toss gently with tongs to ensure even coating.
8 Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor penetration.

Assemble and Cook

9 Preheat your broiler and position the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source for optimal browning.
10 Coat a clean sheet pan with cooking spray to prevent the bacon from sticking during the high-heat broiling process.
11 Remove one shrimp at a time from the marinade and wrap each with a piece of the pre-cooked bacon, securing with a wooden toothpick through the thickest part.
12 Place the wrapped shrimp on the prepared pan with space between each piece for even heat circulation.
13 Broil for 5 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and the bacon develops crispy, golden edges.
14 Carefully flip each shrimp using tongs and broil for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side until the bacon is fully crispy.
15 Remove from oven immediately and brush each piece with the reserved marinade using a pastry brush or spoon.
16 Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while the bacon is still crispy and the shrimp are hot.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Recommended Tools (for best results)

Sheet pans – Having two allows you to cook bacon and shrimp simultaneously without transferring
Aluminum foil – Essential for easy cleanup and preventing sticking during the bacon pre-cooking phase
Instant-read thermometer – Ensures shrimp reach the safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) without overcooking
Silicone pastry brush – Perfect for applying the reserved glaze evenly without tearing delicate shrimp

Helpful Upgrades

Cast iron skillet – Can substitute for a sheet pan and provides excellent heat retention for extra crispy bacon
Kitchen tongs – Makes flipping the wrapped shrimp much easier and safer than using a fork
Parchment paper – Premium alternative to foil that provides non-stick surface without cooking spray

Nice-to-Have Options

Digital kitchen scale – Ensures consistent shrimp sizes for even cooking times
Microplane grater – Perfect for adding fresh ginger to the marinade for extra flavor complexity
Storage containers – Glass containers with tight lids are ideal for marinating shrimp safely

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos in equal amounts
Verify that your bacon doesn’t contain gluten-containing fillers or seasonings
Use certified gluten-free chili powder to avoid cross-contamination

Dairy-Free Modifications

This recipe is naturally dairy-free as written
Ensure your bacon doesn’t contain milk proteins if serving to those with severe dairy allergies
Check that cooking spray is dairy-free (most are, but some contain milk derivatives)

Low-Carb/Keto Version

Replace maple syrup with sugar-free maple syrup or 2 tablespoons erythritol dissolved in 3 tablespoons water
This modification reduces carbs from approximately 8g to 2g per serving
The bacon and shrimp are naturally keto-friendly as the main components

Flavor Variations

Asian-inspired: Add 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger and 1 clove minced garlic to the marinade
Spicy version: Increase chili powder to 2 teaspoons or add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Honey garlic: Replace maple syrup with honey and add 2 cloves minced garlic
Brown sugar glaze: Substitute maple syrup with 3 tablespoons brown sugar dissolved in 2 tablespoons water

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights

Each serving (4 pieces) contains approximately 280 calories with 22g protein, 18g fat, and 8g carbohydrates. The high protein content makes this an excellent choice for muscle maintenance and satiety. The bacon provides B vitamins, particularly B12 and niacin, while contributing to the dish’s satisfying fat content that helps with nutrient absorption.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients

Shrimp are an excellent source of selenium, providing over 40% of daily needs per serving, which supports thyroid function and acts as a powerful antioxidant. They’re also rich in omega-3 fatty acids that support heart and brain health. The chili powder contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Maple syrup offers trace minerals like manganese and zinc, though in small amounts, while being less processed than refined sugar.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp) and pork (bacon), making it unsuitable for those with these specific allergies or dietary restrictions. The sodium content is moderate at approximately 520mg per serving, primarily from the bacon and soy sauce. For those watching sodium intake, choose low-sodium bacon and soy sauce alternatives. The dish is naturally gluten-free when made with tamari instead of soy sauce.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

Maple syrup → Honey or brown sugar (use same amount for honey, or 3 tablespoons brown sugar dissolved in 2 tablespoons water)
Soy sauce → Tamari, coconut aminos, or Worcestershire sauce for different flavor profiles
Chili powder → Paprika for mild heat, or cayenne pepper (use ¼ teaspoon) for more intensity
Fresh parsley → Green onions, cilantro, or chives for different finishing flavors

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Extra large shrimp → Large shrimp (adjust cooking time to 4 minutes first side, 1 minute second side)
Thick-cut bacon → Regular bacon (works fine, just may be slightly less substantial)
Pure maple syrup → Pancake syrup (though flavor will be less complex)

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

No maple syrup → 2 tablespoons brown sugar + 3 tablespoons water + ½ teaspoon vanilla
No chili powder → ½ teaspoon paprika + ¼ teaspoon cumin + pinch of cayenne
No fresh parsley → 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 2 tablespoons chopped green onion tops

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

When using honey instead of maple syrup, watch carefully during broiling as honey burns more quickly
Store leftover coconut aminos in the refrigerator after opening for best flavor retention
If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry before marinating for best results

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Sugar Substitutions:

Replace 5 tablespoons maple syrup with 2 tablespoons sugar-free maple syrup plus 3 tablespoons water
Alternative: Use 2 tablespoons erythritol dissolved in 3 tablespoons warm water with ½ teaspoon maple extract
This reduces carbohydrates from 8g to approximately 2g per serving

Carb Reduction Strategies:

The recipe is naturally low in carbs with most coming from the maple syrup glaze
Serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to keep the meal low-carb
Pair with roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts for fiber without significant carbs

Portion & Timing Tips:

Stick to 4 pieces per serving for consistent carb counting
Total carbs with sugar-free modification: approximately 2-3g per serving
Pair with healthy fats like avocado slices or lean proteins like a side salad with olive oil dressing
The high protein content (22g per serving) helps stabilize blood sugar levels

Total Carb Reduction: From 8g to 2-3g per serving with sugar-free maple syrup substitution

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the sweet-savory glaze without overwhelming the delicate shrimp flavor. For beer lovers, a light lager or wheat beer provides refreshing contrast to the rich bacon. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water with lime or unsweetened iced tea with a splash of lemon to cleanse the palate between bites.

Side Dish Recommendations

Coconut rice or jasmine rice absorbs the delicious glaze that drips from the shrimp, while roasted asparagus with garlic provides a crisp, fresh contrast. Asian slaw with sesame dressing adds crunch and acidity that cuts through the richness. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice seasoned with ginger and soy sauce maintains the Asian flavor profile without added carbs.

Complete Meal Ideas

Start with cucumber avocado salad as a light appetizer, serve the bacon-wrapped shrimp over stir-fried vegetables, and finish with mango sorbet for a tropical touch. For entertaining, create an Asian-inspired spread with pot stickers, spring rolls, and sesame green beans alongside the shrimp as the star protein.

Occasion Suggestions

Perfect for holiday parties where finger foods are preferred, date nights when you want to impress without stress, or game day gatherings where substantial appetizers are essential. The elegant presentation makes them suitable for dinner parties, while the easy preparation works great for casual weeknight meals.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Cooking Tips

Pre-cooking the bacon is crucial – it should be flexible enough to wrap but cooked enough to crisp up quickly under the broiler. Pat shrimp completely dry before marinating to help the glaze adhere better and prevent excess moisture that can make bacon soggy. When wrapping, start from the tail end and spiral toward the head, securing the toothpick through the thickest part for stability.

Common Mistakes and Solutions

Don’t skip the marinating time – even 10 minutes makes a significant difference in flavor penetration. Watch carefully during broiling as the high sugar content in maple syrup can burn quickly. If your bacon isn’t crisping properly, move the rack closer to the broiler element. Overcrowding the pan prevents proper heat circulation, so use two pans if necessary.

Storage and Reheating

These are best served immediately for optimal texture, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 days. Reheat in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 3-4 minutes to re-crisp the bacon – avoid microwaving as it makes bacon chewy. For meal prep, you can wrap the shrimp and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.

Recipe Scaling

This recipe doubles easily for larger crowds – just use multiple sheet pans and rotate their positions halfway through cooking for even results. For smaller batches, cooking times remain the same. The marinade recipe scales proportionally, but always reserve some glaze for finishing regardless of batch size.