Bacon Wrapped Barbeque Shrimp

My Favorite Weeknight Treat: Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Shrimp

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping the household running smoothly, the last thing I want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I’ve become a master of quick, flavorful recipes that are easy to prepare and leave me with more time to spend with my family. And this bacon-wrapped BBQ shrimp recipe is a perfect example.

This recipe isn't just a quick weeknight meal; it's a flavor explosion that rivals anything you'd find at a fancy restaurant. The smoky, salty bacon perfectly complements the sweet and tangy BBQ seasoning, creating a harmonious blend that's utterly irresistible. I've tweaked and perfected this recipe over time, ensuring it's as close to restaurant-quality as possible, without the restaurant price tag or time commitment. My kids even love it, which is a huge bonus!

The best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. I often serve it as a main course with a simple side salad, or as an appetizer for gatherings. It’s equally impressive for a casual dinner with friends or a slightly more elegant get-together. The presentation is always a hit; those little bacon-wrapped shrimp look incredibly appealing on a platter.

Why This Recipe Works:

• Speed and Simplicity: The prep time is minimal, and the cooking time is short. This is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table quickly.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of smoky bacon, juicy shrimp, and tangy BBQ seasoning is a flavor sensation that will leave you wanting more. I like to experiment with different BBQ sauces to find my favorite.
• Versatility: This dish works as both a main course and an appetizer, making it a go-to recipe for various occasions.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe has never failed to impress, whether I’m serving it to my family or guests.

Tips and Tricks for Success:

• Use large shrimp: This ensures even cooking of both the shrimp and bacon.
• Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. Follow the cooking time carefully.
• Let the shrimp marinate: Allowing the shrimp to sit for 15 minutes with the seasoning allows the flavors to fully penetrate and meld beautifully.
• Use a baking rack: This allows the bacon fat to drain, preventing soggy shrimp.
• Experiment with BBQ sauces: Try different brands or flavors to find your perfect match.

This bacon-wrapped BBQ shrimp recipe isn’t just about satisfying hunger; it’s about creating a delicious experience that brings people together. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good about feeding your family something scrumptious without the added stress of a complicated recipe. So, ditch the takeout menus and try this simple recipe. Your tastebuds (and your family) will thank you!

Beyond the practicality and deliciousness, this recipe is a small act of self-care in a busy life. It's about finding joy in creating something beautiful and flavorful, even amidst the chaos of everyday life. It's about setting the table, lighting a candle, and taking a moment to appreciate the simple pleasure of a good meal shared with loved ones. And that, my friends, is something truly priceless.

I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you! And don't be shy about sharing your own tips and variations. Happy cooking!

Step-by-step

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
• Wrap shrimp with 1/2 slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick. Be sure and use the large shrimp--the cooking time for the shrimp and the bacon is similar. If you use medium-sized shrimp, you might want to precook the bacon a little--over cooked shrimp are tough and rubbery--and a real shame.
• Line a jelly roll pan with extra heavy duty foil, and place baking rack in pan. Place the shrimp on the rack, and sprinkle heavily with the barbecue seasoning, turn and sprinkle second side. Let the shrimp sit for 15 minutes. The bacon will turn from creamy white to a little opaque, and the seasonings will soak in.
• Cook the bacon for 10 to 15 minutes. The rack keeps the shrimp from sitting in the draining bacon fat. With a little luck, you won't tear the foil -- you can throw that away and only have to scrub the rack.