Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe
Crispy, sweet, and savory Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with a brown sugar rub, baked to perfection. This appetizer combines smoky bacon and tender shrimp, enhanced with a blend of Cajun spices and garlic for a flavorful bite that’s perfect for entertaining or a special treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 20 bacon wrapped shrimp 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Bacon
- 20 large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 10 slices bacon (cut in half)
Brown Sugar Rub
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Other Ingredients
- 1/3 cup canola or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure a hot environment that crisps the bacon and cooks the shrimp quickly and evenly.
- Wrap the shrimp: Take each peeled and deveined shrimp and wrap it with half a slice of bacon, securing the bacon in place with a toothpick to prevent unraveling during cooking.
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to make cleanup easier, and place a baking rack on top. Ensure the baking sheet has sides at least 1/2 inch tall to catch any bacon grease drippings.
- Arrange the shrimp: Place all the bacon-wrapped shrimp on the baking rack, spacing them evenly to allow hot air to circulate and cook them thoroughly.
- Make the brown sugar rub: In a medium bowl, combine the light brown sugar, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and minced garlic. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Apply the rub: Spoon approximately one teaspoon of the brown sugar mixture over each shrimp, coating mostly the top surface by gently spreading the rub with the back of the spoon.
- Bake: Bake the prepared shrimp in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until the bacon is crisp and the shrimp are tender and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. These shrimp pair well with your favorite dipping sauces and make a delectable appetizer.
Notes
- Be sure to use a baking sheet with sides to catch the bacon grease and prevent spills in the oven.
- Using a baking rack allows excess bacon fat to drip away, ensuring crispier bacon.
- You can substitute smoked paprika for regular paprika if needed, but it adds a nice smoky depth to the rub.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning quantity to taste if you prefer more or less spicy shrimp.
- If toothpicks are not available, kitchen twine can be used to secure the bacon around the shrimp.
- Serve with a tangy dipping sauce such as a spicy aioli or cocktail sauce for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
Keywords: bacon wrapped shrimp, brown sugar shrimp, baked shrimp appetizer, Cajun shrimp appetizer, smoky shrimp, party appetizer, easy shrimp recipe
