What is Shrimp Brochette? A Guide to this Tasty Grilled Shrimp Appetizer

Seafood and grilling make an incredible flavor combination. The high heat of the grill sears in moisture and infuses irresistible smoky notes. For shrimp lovers, shrimp brochette takes this combo to the next level. But what exactly is shrimp brochette?

In this comprehensive guide we’ll uncover everything you need to know about this popular grilled shrimp appetizer. From its distinctive ingredients to step-by-step cooking instructions let’s dive into the secrets of shrimp brochette.

What is Shrimp Brochette?

Shrimp brochette refers to shrimp wrapped in bacon and grilled on a skewer The term “brochette” itself means skewered.

This appetizer starts with fresh jumbo shrimp that get butterflied open. Next, a filling of spicy jalapeño and sometimes cream cheese gets tucked inside. After seasoning, the shrimp gets wrapped with bacon secured by a toothpick or skewer.

Finally, the bacon-wrapped shrimp brochettes hit the hot grill. The bacon crisps as the shrimp cooks until opaque and moist. A garlic-herb butter drizzle over the top completes these irresistible bites.

The result is a perfect balance of sweet shrimp, savory bacon, tangy garlic and just enough heat from the jalapeños. No wonder shrimp brochette is a go-to appetizer for backyard grill outs, parties and celebrations.

Origins of Shrimp Brochette

While versions exist worldwide, shrimp brochette as we know it today traces its roots to Tex-Mex cuisine.

Specifically, Houston-based Pappasito’s Cantina claims to have invented this dish back in 1976. It appeared on the menu as “Pappasito’s Famous Brochette – a Culinary First!” From this lone cantina, it spread to become a signature appetizer at Pappasito’s restaurants nationwide.

Of course, the concept of bacon-wrapped seafood dates back much further. But Pappasito’s help popularize shrimp brochette as the ultimate grilled shrimp starter.

Key Ingredients in Shrimp Brochette

A few core ingredients come together to create the flavors of authentic shrimp brochette:

• Shrimp – Large, fresh shrimp with the tails left on get butterflied for stuffing. Opt for 16-20 or 21-25 count per pound.

• Jalapeño – Sliced jalapeño strips lend a touch of heat. Remove the seeds and membranes first to control the spice level.

• Cream cheese – Just a dab of cream cheese helps the jalapeño adhere inside the butterflied shrimp. Omit for dairy-free.

• Bacon – Thinly sliced bacon wraps around each shrimp securing the filling. Cut regular slices in half.

• Toothpicks or skewers – These hold the bacon wrap in place for easy grilling. Soak wood skewers before using.

• Seasonings – A simple blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper seasons the shrimp.

• Garlic-herb butter – Melted butter or ghee mixed with minced garlic and parsley makes a flavorful drizzle.

That’s all you need for irresistible shrimp brochette! Tweak the fillings and seasonings to customize the flavors.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Shrimp Brochette at Home

With the right ingredients and technique, you can recreate restaurant-quality shrimp brochette at home. Follow these simple steps:

Prep the ingredients – Butterfly the shrimp, slice jalapeños and bacon, mince garlic, soak skewers.

Make the filling – Add a thin strip of jalapeño in each butterflied shrimp, along with a tiny dollop of cream cheese.

Season the shrimp – Sprinkle the seasoned salt blend over each shrimp.

Wrap with bacon – Wrap a half slice of bacon around each stuffed shrimp. The thinner bacon helps it crisp better on the grill.

Skewer the shrimp – Thread 5-6 shrimp brochettes onto each skewer, evenly spaced. Double skewer for extra stability.

Grill the brochettes – Cook over medium-high indirect heat until the bacon is crispy and shrimp opaque, 5-7 minutes per side.

Make garlic-herb butter – Melt the butter/ghee, garlic and parsley in a small pan while shrimp grill.

Drizzle and serve – Remove shrimp from the grill and drizzle with the garlic-herb butter. Enjoy immediately!

With the prep work done ahead, the shrimp brochettes cook quickly on the grill. The smoky, garlic-kissed, spicy results are worth the effort.

Tips for Making Perfect Shrimp Brochettes

Here are some top tips for nailing shrimp brochette at home:

• Chill the uncooked brochettes in the fridge or freezer 15-30 minutes before grilling. This helps the thin bacon set up which prevents unwraping.

• Use indirect heat on the grill and cook low and slow. This allows the bacon to render without burning.

• Rotate the skewers a quarter turn every 1-2 minutes for even cooking. Move to direct heat at the end to crisp if needed.

• Double skewer the shrimp for extra stability. Check for doneness early to prevent overcooking the shrimp.

• Make the garlic-herb butter while the shrimp grill so it’s hot and ready for drizzling.

• Serve shrimp brochette immediately after drizzling with the butter. Provide extra butter for dipping if desired.

Master these tips for grill-worthy shrimp brochette that impress every time.

How to Grill Shrimp Brochette Perfectly

Grilling imparts incredible flavor to shrimp brochette. But to prevent charred bacon or dried out shrimp, use these grilling tips:

• Use two-zone indirect heat – Pile coals to only one side of the grill. This creates a hot zone for searing and lower heat zone for gentle cooking.

• Place brochettes on indirect heat – Cook the shrimp away from direct heat to allow the bacon to render slowly.

• Flip brochettes frequently – Rotate skewers a quarter turn every couple minutes for even cooking.

• Finish over direct heat – Move to the hot zone briefly just to crisp the bacon if needed.

• Check doneness early – Shrimp overcooks quickly. Remove from grill as soon as the bacon is crispy and shrimp are opaque.

• Let rest 1-2 minutes – Allowing them to rest prevents overcooking and helps retain juices.

With a hot grill and these simple techniques, you’ll achieve brochette perfection.

How to Cook Shrimp Brochette Indoors

Don’t let cooler weather stop you from enjoying shrimp brochette. You can easily cook them indoors using your oven or air fryer:

Oven Method

• Preheat oven to 400°F.

• Place brochette on a parchment lined baking sheet.

• Bake 12-15 minutes until bacon is crisp and shrimp opaque.

Air Fryer Method

• Preheat air fryer to 400°F.

• Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.

• Air fry 5-7 minutes until done.

Both methods produce tender shrimp and crispy bacon without firing up the grill. Just be sure not to overcook the shrimp.

Serving Suggestions for Shrimp Brochette

A platter of shrimp brochettes makes a stellar appetizer or party snack on its own. But you can also incorporate them into a variety of dishes:

• Serve over a mixed green salad for added protein.

• Include in a surf and turf platter with steaks or kabobs.

• Stuff into tacos or lettuce wraps with guacamole and pico de gallo.

• Toss with pasta and veggies for a main course shrimp brochette pasta.

• Layer on slider buns for a fun twist on shrimp sliders.

However you choose to serve them, shrimp brochette always satisfies. Their flavor and versatility lend well to appetizers, entrees and more.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Shrimp Brochettes

Like any seafood, shrimp brochettes are best enjoyed freshly made. But you can safely store and reheat leftovers using these methods:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days.

• Reheat in a 400°F oven just until warmed through, 5-7 minutes.

• Or reheat individually in the microwave, taking care not to overcook.

• To reheat garlic butter, melt slowly over low heat while stirring.

Enjoy leftovers within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture. Avoid freezing cooked shrimp