BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe: Smoky Sweetness in Every Bite

As a pitmaster, I can tell you that BBQ bacon-wrapped shrimp is a game-changer for any gathering. The combination of smoky BBQ, crispy bacon, and succulent shrimp creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. 🔥

With just a few simple ingredients and some basic grilling skills, you’ll be able to create a dish that’s sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details and get started on making this delicious BBQ bacon-wrapped shrimp recipe that’s perfect for your next backyard cookout or party.

Ingredients for Bbq Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Game-changer ingredients for your next BBQ: shrimp, bacon, and sweet BBQ sauce.

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For the best shrimp, look for wild-caught from Costco or your local fish market. Freshness matters—they should smell like the ocean, not fishy. If using frozen, make sure they’re properly thawed. Bacon? Thick-cut, smoked bacon from Trader Joe’s is my go-to. Gives that perfect crisp.

No BBQ sauce on hand? Mix ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar for a quick substitute. Want more heat? Sriracha or hot sauce adds a nice kick. The smoked paprika is worth the trip to specialty stores—it adds that authentic smokiness. Regular paprika works too, just not the same depth.

These keep well in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat on the grill or in a skillet to crisp back up. You can prep the bacon-wrapped shrimp ahead, just store them on a baking sheet covered in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. Freezing works too—just thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.

Step-by-Step Instructions for BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Here’s the method that’ll get you perfectly cooked shrimp every time.

🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp and Bacon

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, wrap each of the 12 pieces Large Shrimp with a slice of Thick-Cut Bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed. I like to make sure the bacon is wrapped tightly around the shrimp to prevent it from unraveling during cooking.

Once wrapped, brush the 1 tbsp Olive Oil evenly over the bacon-wrapped shrimp. This helps the bacon crisp up nicely on the grill. Make sure they’re all coated lightly – you don’t want too much oil, just enough for a nice sheen.

👨‍🍳 Step 2: Season with Spices and Sugar

In a small bowl, mix together the 1 tsp Smoked Paprika, 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder, 0.25 tsp Black Pepper, and 0.25 tsp Salt. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over the bacon-wrapped shrimp, making sure they’re all coated with the smoky, savory goodness.

Next, sprinkle the 2 tbsp Brown Sugar over the shrimp. This will create a delicious caramelized glaze when grilled. I like to use packed brown sugar for this recipe as it gives a richer flavor.

🔥 Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Place the bacon-wrapped shrimp on the preheated grill. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are pink and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when the bacon is golden brown and the shrimp are opaque throughout.

During the last minute of grilling, brush the 0.5 cup BBQ Sauce over the shrimp. This will give them a sweet and tangy glaze. Keep an eye on them as BBQ sauce can burn quickly – you want it to be caramelized, not charred.

🍽️ Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle with 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley for a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the smoky bacon and sweet BBQ sauce.

Serve immediately while the shrimp are still warm and the bacon is crispy. I like to serve these with additional BBQ sauce on the side for those who want extra sauciness. Enjoy the combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite!

Storing and Reheating This Dish

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover BBQ bacon-wrapped shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. They’ll keep for up to 3 days. I like to use glass containers with tight-fitting lids to maintain freshness.

Freezer Storage

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked shrimp. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating Tips

The key to reheating BBQ bacon-wrapped shrimp is to maintain their crispy texture. I recommend reheating them in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until the bacon crisps up again. You can also reheat them on a preheated grill for 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bacon soggy. 🔥

Reheating from Frozen

If you’re reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw them first in the refrigerator overnight. Then reheat as described above. If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat them directly from frozen on the grill or in a skillet, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Serving After Reheating

Once reheated, serve the BBQ bacon-wrapped shrimp immediately. You can brush them with a little extra BBQ sauce if you like. They’re great as is, or you can serve them with a side of coleslaw or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.