Bacon wrapped shrimp is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that seems indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to make Getting the cook time right is key though – undercook and the bacon is limp and raw tasting, overcook and you end up with shrimp resembling rubber
So how long should you grill bacon wrapped shrimp to achieve crispy bacon and perfectly cooked shrimp? In this complete guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know for grilled bacon wrapped shrimp success.
The Importance of indirect Cooking
The number one technique for achieving flawless bacon wrapped shrimp is using indirect heat on your grill. This means placing the shrimp on the cooler side, away from direct flame.
Indirect cooking allows the bacon to slowly render and crisp up without burning over high direct heat. It keeps the delicate shrimp tender and juicy while the bacon becomes crispy and fully cooked.
Factors that Impact Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Cook Time
Several factors affect how long it takes to grill bacon wrapped shrimp including:
- Thickness of bacon – thinner bacon cooks faster
- Size of shrimp – larger shrimp need more time
- Grill temperature – lower heat requires longer cook time
Taking these factors into account allows you to estimate the grilling time needed.
How to Tell When Bacon Wrapped Shrimp is Done
It’s important to rely on both visual cues and temperature to determine when bacon wrapped shrimp is fully cooked.
Signs shrimp and bacon are ready:
- Bacon is crispy and browned
- Shrimp flesh is opaque and firm
- Shrimp reaches internal temp of 145°F
Removing the shrimp as soon as it reaches the proper doneness prevents overcooking.
Grill Setup for Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Proper grill setup is crucial for cooking bacon wrapped shrimp correctly:
- Create two heat zones – pile coals or turn on one burner to establish indirect side
- Preheat grill to medium heat, 350-450°F range
- Place shrimp over indirect heat to cook low and slow
This setup allows the shrimp to cook gently while the bacon crisps.
Step-by-Step Guide to Grilling Times
Follow these steps for flawless bacon wrapped shrimp every time:
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Prep shrimp and wrap with bacon securely. Chill 30-60 minutes to firm up.
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Preheat grill to 400°F with two heat zones.
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Place shrimp over indirect heat and grill for 8-12 minutes with lid closed, flipping occasionally.
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Once bacon is browned and crispy, move to direct heat for 1 minute per side to finish.
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Check doneness – shrimp should reach 145°F internally.
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Remove immediately and enjoy!
Estimated Grill Times
Here are estimated grilling times for bacon wrapped shrimp:
- 8-10 minutes – thin bacon, small shrimp
- 10-12 minutes – regular cut bacon, medium shrimp
- 12-15 minutes – thick cut bacon, jumbo shrimp
The times above are for grilling at 400°F over indirect heat. Adjust times as needed based on thickness of bacon, size of shrimp, and your grill’s temp.
Monitor doneness closely rather than relying solely on grill times.
Tips for Perfectly Grilled Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Follow these tips for the best results when making bacon wrapped shrimp on the grill:
- Choose thinner sliced bacon for quicker, more even cooking
- Wrap bacon tightly around shrimp for better adhesion
- Grill over indirect heat to prevent burning and drying out
- Use medium grill temp (350-450°F) to render bacon slowly
- Turn shrimp every 2-3 minutes while grilling
- Pull off grill as soon as bacon is crispy and shrimp are opaque
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving for juiciest shrimp
Handy Time and Temperature Chart
For easy reference, here are estimated grill times and temps:
| Shrimp Size | Bacon Thickness | Grill Temp | Time over Indirect Heat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Thin | 400°F | 8-10 minutes |
| Medium | Regular | 400°F | 10-12 minutes |
| Jumbo | Thick | 350°F | 12-15 minutes |
Use this chart as a starting point for your grilling times for bacon wrapped shrimp. Adjust as needed based on thickness of bacon, temperature, and doneness.
Flavor Variations to Try
While the classic preparation is fantastic, don’t be afraid to add different seasonings and flavors:
- Use brown sugar or maple syrup in the bacon cure for sweetness
- Coat shrimp in Cajun seasoning before wrapping in bacon
- Sprinkle with bbq rub or chili powder for heat
- Stuff shrimp with cream cheese and jalapeños
- Swap in thin slices of prosciutto for the bacon
The possibilities are endless! Use your imagination to come up with your own signature bacon wrapped shrimp.
Make it a Full Meal
While bacon wrapped shrimp shines as an appetizer, you can make it a complete meal by pairing it with easy grilled sides like:
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Fresh green salad
- Foil wrapped potatoes
- Grilled vegetables
- Cheese grits
- Rice pilaf or risotto
Plus don’t forget dessert – grill up some pineapple slices for a sweet tropical finish.
Mastering the art of how long to grill bacon wrapped shrimp results in an impressive appetizer that will be the highlight of any cookout or barbecue. Now that you know the secrets to getting the cook times just right, you can deliver perfect crispy bacon and tender shrimp every time. Adjust the times as needed based on thickness, size and grill temp. Then get creative with different flavor combinations. Your guests will be begging you to make these bacon wrapped shrimp for every event!
The trick to grilling perfect bacon wrapped shrimp is using two-zone heat to get the bacon crisp without burning it.
It’s usually the first appetizer to disappear from the plate. The special union of bacon and shrimp is a treat that most folks just can’t resist. But the method that you use makes a huge difference to the enjoyment factor of the final result. Floppy, limp bacon that’s falling away from the shrimp is NOT appealing. This method gets you perfectly crisp bacon that’s swaddled tightly around the shrimp, without burning.
For the crispiest bacon, make sure you have the correct grill set up.
Set up your grill for two zone cooking. Here’s where you’ll stack all of your coals, making a hot zone, a cool zone, and a warmish zone in the middle! If you have a propane grill, simply light one of the end burners to recreate the same effect. I do want to take this chance to beg those who use propane to please switch to charcoal. It’s really not hard to light or control, you have more control over the cooking, and the food tastes SO much better.
For this recipe, you will be cooking the bacon wrapped shrimp entirely in the cool zone. That’s the secret to letting it render and get crispy without burning!.