Quick Summary
This blog post provides a comprehensive recipe and instructions for making delicious bacon-wrapped BBQ shrimp skewers. The shrimp are seasoned, wrapped in bacon, and grilled to perfection, while a maple bourbon glaze adds a sweet and tangy flavor. With tips, variations, and serving suggestions, this dish is perfect for any occasion.
Introduction
Bacon-wrapped BBQ shrimp skewers are a mouthwatering dish that combines the smoky and savory flavors of bacon with succulent grilled shrimp. This delightful combination creates an explosion of taste in every bite, making it a perfect appetizer or main course for any occasion.
In this blog post, we will provide you with a comprehensive recipe and step-by-step instructions on how to make these delectable bacon-wrapped BBQ shrimp skewers. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply looking to elevate your weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress both family and friends alike.
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds as we guide you through the process of preparing perfectly seasoned large shrimps wrapped in crispy strips of bacon. We’ll also show you how to create a luscious maple bourbon glaze that adds an extra layer of flavor complexity.
So let’s fire up those grills and get cooking! Follow along as we take you on an epic culinary journey filled with irresistible aromas, sizzling sounds, and ultimately – pure gastronomic bliss.
Ingredients
To make these mouthwatering bacon-wrapped BBQ shrimp skewers, you will need the following ingredients:
- Large shrimp
- Bacon slices
- BBQ seasoning
- Oil (for seasoning)
- Unsalted butter
- Maple syrup
- Hot sauce
- Chopped chives
Optional variations:
Feel free to get creative and add your own twist to this recipe. Here are a few optional ingredients that can be used:
- Garlic powder or minced garlic for an extra kick of flavor.
- Lemon juice or zest to brighten up the dish.
- Smoked paprika for a smoky undertone in every bite.
Remember, cooking is all about personal preference, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors and spices according to your taste buds!
Heading: Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the Shrimp
- Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp. Remove the shells and tails, leaving only the clean meat.
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water to remove any remaining debris or impurities.
- Pat dry with a paper towel to ensure that they are completely dry before seasoning.
Step 2: Seasoning with Oil and BBQ Seasoning
- In a bowl, drizzle some oil over the prepared shrimp. Use your hands or tongs to toss them gently until each piece is coated evenly in oil.
- Sprinkle BBQ seasoning generously over all sides of each seasoned shrimp. Make sure every inch is covered for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Wrapping with Bacon and Securing Skewers
- Take half a slice of bacon per shrimp skewer. Wrap one end around an individual seasoned shrimp tightly but not too tight as it may cause uneven cooking.
- Secure both ends of bacon-wrapped shrimps onto wooden skewers carefully so that they stay intact during the grilling process.
Maple Bourbon Glaze
To take your bacon-wrapped BBQ shrimp skewers to the next level, we recommend preparing a delicious maple bourbon glaze. This sweet and savory glaze adds an irresistible depth of flavor that perfectly complements the smoky bacon and succulent shrimp.
Here’s how you can make this mouthwatering maple bourbon glaze:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ¼ cup of unsalted butter, ½ cup of maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of Buffalo Trace Bourbon (or any other bourbon whiskey), and a dash or two of hot sauce for some added kick.
- Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking or burning at the bottom.
- Allow it to simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly into a rich and glossy consistency.
The aroma will be absolutely tantalizing as these flavors meld together!
Once your maple bourbon glaze has reached its desired thickness, remove it from heat and set aside momentarily before using on your grilled bacon-wrapped shrimp skewers.
This delectable combination brings out both sweetness from the syrup along with subtle notes provided by Buffalo Trace Bourbon – creating an unforgettable taste experience! The touch of hot sauce gives just enough spice without overpowering those delicate seafood flavors.
Note: If you prefer less alcohol in your dish or are serving children/non-alcohol consumers; feel free substitute non-alcoholic vanilla extract mixed with water instead.
Stay tuned as we move onto grilling our beautifully prepared bacon-wrapped BBQ shrimp skewers – but first let’s not forget one final step… garnishing them with freshly chopped chives!
Grilling the Skewers
Grilling is a fantastic way to cook bacon-wrapped BBQ shrimp skewers, as it imparts a smoky flavor and adds that perfect charred touch. Follow these simple instructions to achieve deliciously grilled skewers:
1. Preheat your grill:
Before you start grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that the skewers will cook evenly and develop those beautiful grill marks.
2. Place the skewers on the hot grill:
Carefully place each bacon-wrapped shrimp skewer onto the preheated grill grates. Make sure there’s enough space between them for even cooking.
3. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side:
Cook the bacon-wrapped shrimp over direct heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are cooked through and nicely browned.
- The exact cooking time may vary depending on your specific setup, so keep an eye on them while they’re grilling.
- Turning them halfway through helps ensure even browning and prevents any burning of one side.
4. Baste with maple bourbon glaze:
While grilling, take some time to brush both sides of each shrimp with our flavorful maple bourbon glaze using a silicone brush or spoon. This step not only enhances their taste but also keeps them moist during the cooking process.
5. Check doneness:
To determine if your bacon-wrapped BBQ shrimp are done perfectly:
- The shrimps should turn opaque white in color throughout, indicating thorough cooking.
- Bacon should be crispy yet tender without being burnt.
Once you’ve achieved this ideal combination of juicy shrimps wrapped in crisp smokey-flavored bacon, you can remove them from the heat.
Remember, the key here is balance; you want succulent well-cooked shrimp along with crispy smokey-flavored bacon. So make sure not to undercook or overcook them.
Now that you have mastered the art of grilling bacon-wrapped BBQ shrimp skewers, it’s time to serve and enjoy this mouthwatering dish.
Serving and Garnishing
Bacon-wrapped BBQ shrimp skewers are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or main course. The combination of smoky bacon, succulent shrimp, and tangy glaze makes them perfect for any occasion.
Serving as an Appetizer
For those looking to enjoy these skewers as an appetizer, consider serving them alongside a refreshing side salad. A crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette dressing would complement the flavors perfectly. Alternatively, you could opt for grilled vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers to add some color and texture to your plate.
Serving as a Main Course
If you prefer making this dish the star of your mealtime spread by serving it as a main course option instead of just an appetizer, pair it with steamed rice or quinoa pilaf along with roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts on the side. This will create a well-rounded meal that is both satisfying and delicious.
Garnishing
To elevate the presentation further while adding freshness to each bite, garnish your bacon-wrapped BBQ shrimp skewers with chopped chives before serving! Chopped chives not only provide vibrant green accents but also bring their mild onion-like flavor which complements the savory notes from bacon beautifully!
Remember that when presenting these delectable treats at gatherings or parties, they make excellent finger foods too! Arrange them neatly on platters accompanied by toothpicks so guests can easily grab one without getting messy fingers – ensuring everyone gets in on this mouthwatering delight!
Whether enjoyed alone as an indulgent snack during game night festivities or showcased among other dishes at dinner parties – Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Shrimp Skewers are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Tips and Variations
Tips for Making Perfect Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Shrimp Skewers:
- Soak the skewers: Before grilling, soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Precook bacon slightly: To ensure that both the shrimp and bacon are cooked perfectly, consider precooking the bacon slices partially before wrapping them around the shrimp. This will help achieve a crispy texture without overcooking or undercooking either component.
- Use jumbo-sized shrimp: Opt for larger-sized shrimps as they hold up better when wrapped with bacon and grilled. Jumbo-sized shrimps work best because they won’t get lost amidst all that delicious smoky flavor of cooking on an open flame.
- Securely wrap each piece of shrimp with half a slice of bacon using toothpicks or double-skewering method to keep everything intact during grilling process.
Variations to Customize Your Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Shrimp Skewers:
- Add spice rubs or marinades:
- Experiment with different spice blends such as Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper etc., by adding it directly onto your seasoned raw shrimps.
- Alternatively you can marinate your prepared skews overnight in flavors like teriyaki sauce, honey mustard glaze etc., which adds depth & complexity while infusing additional moisture into every bite!
- Try different types of bacons:
- While traditional pork belly is commonly used due its rich fat content; feel free explore other options too! Turkey-bacon offers leaner alternative whereas maple-cured varieties add hint sweetness complementing well against savory notes imparted through spices/marinade choices made earlier!
Remember these tips & variations next time you decide make some mouthwatering barbecue goodness at home! Whether serving guests appetizer main course alike – this dish is sure impress everyone with its smoky, savory flavors and succulent shrimp wrapped in crispy bacon. Enjoy experimenting different combinations to find your perfect flavor profile!
Conclusion
Bacon-wrapped BBQ shrimp skewers are a mouthwatering dish that combines the smoky flavors of bacon with succulent grilled shrimp. In this blog post, we have provided you with a comprehensive recipe and instructions to create these delectable skewers at home.
By seasoning large shrimp with oil and BBQ seasoning, then wrapping each one in half a slice of bacon before securing them on skewers, you’ll achieve an irresistible combination of textures and tastes. The maple bourbon glaze adds another layer of flavor complexity as it simmers Buffalo Trace Bourbon, unsalted butter, maple syrup, and hot sauce into a rich glaze.
Grilling the bacon-wrapped shrimp skewers for just 3-4 minutes per side ensures perfectly cooked seafood while allowing the crispy bacon to infuse its savory essence throughout every bite. Basting them generously with the homemade maple bourbon glaze will keep them moist and add even more depth to their taste profile.
Whether served as an appetizer or main course alongside fresh salads or grilled vegetables is entirely up to your preference – either way guarantees satisfaction! To elevate presentation further garnish your finished creation by sprinkling chopped chives over each delicious morsel for added freshness.
We encourage you not only to try our suggested recipe but also experiment freely using different spices or marinades according to your personal preferences. Bacon-wrapped BBQ shrimp skewers offer endless possibilities when it comes down customizing flavors!
Thank you so much for visiting Brood today! We hope this article has inspired culinary adventures in your kitchen. Don’t forget there’s plenty more recipes waiting here on our website; feel free explore other tantalizing options available! Happy cooking!