Bacon-wrapped shrimp is the perfect culinary marriage of two delicious ingredients, resulting in an irresistible appetizer or main course. Crisp, smoky bacon combined with juicy, tender shrimp makes for a mouth-watering dish that will impress your guests at your next gathering. In this article, we’ll show you how to make this delectable treat in the oven.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 20-24 shrimp)

– 10-12 slices of bacon, sliced in half lengthwise

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Optional: Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to ensure easy cleanup.

2. Rinse and pat dry the shrimp, making sure they are properly peeled and deveined. Set aside.

3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.

4. Using a brush or your fingers, coat each shrimp generously with the spice mixture.

5. Wrap each coated shrimp with a half slice of bacon, taking care to cover as much of the shrimp as possible while ensuring that the bacon slice overlaps slightly. This will help keep it secure during cooking.

6. Place the wrapped shrimp on the prepared baking sheet about an inch apart from each other.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and cooked through to your desired level of doneness.

Note that thinner bacon slices may cook faster than thicker slices.

8. As an optional step, to achieve even crispier bacon, briefly broil the shrimp for an additional 1-3 minutes. Be sure to keep a close eye on the shrimp during broiling to avoid burning.

9. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.

Serve your bacon-wrapped shrimp as a delicious appetizer or alongside rice or vegetables as a main course. By following this simple oven-baking method, you’ll have a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to become a favorite at any gathering. Enjoy!