Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Jalapeño
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Updated May 16, 2025, Published Jun 29, 2016
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Looking for a bold and flavorful appetizer for your 4th of July BBQ or any summer gathering? These Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Jalapeño are a smoky, spicy, and crowd-pleasing starter you’ll want to make all season long.
These juicy shrimp are stuffed with slivers of jalapeño, wrapped in bacon, and brushed with a buttery garlic-lime mixture. Whether you grill them for that irresistible char or broil them to crispy perfection, they deliver serious flavor in every bite. We love serving them with salsa verde for that extra zing!
Table of Contents
What are Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Jalapeño?
This appetizer is the perfect mashup of surf and turf with a spicy twist—plump shrimp are stuffed with fresh jalapeño slices, wrapped in smoky bacon, and grilled or broiled until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are tender. It’s a simple but impressive recipe that always disappears fast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy: Minimal prep, big flavor, ready in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect for entertaining: A guaranteed hit at BBQs, cookouts, and game day spreads.
- Two ways to cook: Grill for that summertime char or broil if you’re indoors.
- Bold flavors: Jalapeño, garlic-lime butter, and smoky bacon = magic.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to make these bacon-wrapped shrimp:
- Bacon: Regular cut works best. Microwave briefly to soften for easier wrapping.
- Butter: Salted butter adds flavor and richness.
- Lime juice: Freshly squeezed for brightness.
- Garlic powder & black pepper: Classic seasoning combo.
- Dried Mexican oregano: Optional but adds depth—can sub Italian oregano if needed.
- Shrimp: Use medium-large shrimp (about 20), peeled and deveined with the tail on.
- Jalapeño peppers: Cut into thin strips for just the right amount of heat.
- Toothpicks: Soak them first so they don’t burn!
Full measurements and step-by-step instructions are in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Jalapeño
Step 1: Prep the bacon. Microwave bacon on high for 1 minute. Cut slices in half crosswise and let cool.
Step 2: Mix the butter sauce. In a bowl, combine melted butter, lime juice, garlic powder, black pepper, and oregano.
Step 3: Assemble the shrimp. Peel, butterfly, and devein the shrimp (leave the tail on). Tuck two jalapeño strips inside each shrimp and press gently to close. Wrap with half a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Brush generously with the butter mixture.
Cooking Options
Broil: Place shrimp on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until bacon is crisp and shrimp are cooked.
Grill: Thread 3–4 shrimp per skewer. Grill over medium heat for 4–6 minutes per side until bacon is crispy and shrimp are opaque. Serve hot!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with salsa verde or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Pair with grilled Mexican street corn, aguas de sandia, or a cold lime chelada for a perfect summer plate.
- Want to make it a meal? Add them to tacos or a grilled salad.
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Expert Tips & Tricks
- Don’t skip soaking the toothpicks! This prevents burning.
- Use thinner bacon. Thick-cut won’t crisp up as easily.
- Make ahead: Prep the shrimp ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to grill.
- Control the heat: Want it spicier? Leave the seeds in the jalapeño.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat under the broiler or in a skillet for the best texture—avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bacon rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Assemble them a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Grill or broil just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
It’s best to use raw shrimp for this recipe so they don’t overcook while the bacon crisps up.
Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crisp and the shrimp are cooked through.
They’re mildly spicy, but you can dial it up by leaving the jalapeño seeds in or down by using less or swapping in a milder chile.
More Appetizer Recipes to Try
If you tried this Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Jalapeño recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below!
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Jalapeño
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound bacon
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
- 20 medium-large shrimp, about 1 pound
- 3 jalapeño peppers, cut into thin strips
- wooden toothpicks, presoaked
Instructions
- Microwave bacon on high for 1 minute. Separate slices and cut slices in half crosswise and let cool.
- In a bowl, combine melted butter, lime juice, garlic powder, pepper, and oregano.
- Peel the shrimp, butterfly, and devein, leaving the tail and last section intact. Place 2 jalapeño strips in each shrimp and press sides together. Wrap a half slice of bacon around each shrimp and secure with a toothpick. Use a pastry brush to coat the shrimp with butter mixture.
Broil:
- Place bacon-wrapped shrimp evenly on a foil-lined cookie sheet. Place under broiler. Broil for 10 to 12 minutes, turning over after 5 to 6 minutes.
Grill:
- Skewer 3 to 4 shrimp per skewer. (If using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak skewers about 30 minutes before using.) Place crosswise on the grates and grill for about 4 to 6 minutes on each side. Remove from skewer and serve warm with salsa verde.
Video
Notes
- Bacon Tip: Microwave the bacon briefly to make it more pliable and help it crisp up faster when cooking.
- Toothpicks: Be sure to soak wooden toothpicks in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Jalapeños: For less heat, remove all seeds and membranes. For extra heat, leave some in—or swap for serranos!
- Shrimp: Use raw, medium-large shrimp (about 21–25 count per pound) for best results. Tail-on shrimp make for a nice presentation.
- Make Ahead: Assemble shrimp up to 1 day in advance and store covered in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Serving Suggestion: Delicious served with salsa verde or a creamy avocado dipping sauce.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
