When I think about summer dinners, grilled shrimp recipes are the first that come to mind. They’ve got this balance of smoky char, tender bite, and flavor that makes you feel like you’re on a mini vacation without leaving your backyard. Bacon-wrapped shrimp? That’s not just dinner, that’s a story waiting to be told. I remember the first time I tried this recipe at a cookout. The shrimp were sizzling, the bacon was crisping up, and everyone gathered around like it was some kind of food magic show. Shrimp dinner ideas often feel fancy, but this one has the kind of laid-back charm that makes you smile after every bite. It’s simple, quick, and a little messy—but isn’t that the fun of summer shrimp recipes? If you’ve been hunting for shrimp recipes that bring both sweet and heat, this might just become your best shrimp recipe. Whether it’s for a grilled shrimp dinner with friends, or a quiet evening treat, these bites deliver. A little glaze, a lot of love, and you’ve got yourself something unforgettable.

Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
- 4) How to Make Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
- 5) Tips for Making Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
- 6) Making Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
- 8) Try these appetizers next!
- 9) Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- This recipe pairs shrimp with crispy bacon and a glaze that blends sweet and heat.
- You only need simple ingredients and less than thirty minutes to get it on the table.
- It works as an appetizer for gatherings or as the star of a grilled shrimp dinner.
- Sweet and spicy flavors make it one of the best shrimp recipes for summer cooking.
2) Easy Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe
When I picture a backyard evening, I picture a plate full of shrimp wrapped in bacon. I like the sound of the grill and the smell of the glaze. That mix of smoke, sugar, and spice makes the moment special. For me, this dish lands at the top of grilled shrimp recipes. It feels both easy and satisfying, the kind of thing you can share without fuss.
I still remember the first time I cooked these for friends. The bacon sizzled, the shrimp curled up tight, and the glaze stuck just enough to make every bite shine. It felt like cooking a memory, not just food. We laughed over sticky fingers and agreed it was one of the best shrimp recipes we’d tried in a long time.
If you want shrimp dinner ideas that hit quick, bold, and simple, this is the one. The prep is short, the cook is quick, and the flavor lasts long after the plates are empty. That’s the beauty of summer shrimp recipes—they bring people together without asking for much in return.

3) Ingredients for Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Shrimp: I use large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Big shrimp hold their shape on the grill and keep a good balance with the bacon. They’re easy to eat in one or two bites without falling apart.
Bacon: Half strips of bacon wrap around each shrimp just right. Thin-cut bacon works best since it crisps faster and doesn’t overpower the shrimp.
Honey: Honey adds the sweet part of the glaze. It clings to the shrimp, giving that sticky caramelized edge that makes you want to lick your fingers clean.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce cuts through the sweetness with salt and umami. It helps the glaze stick and adds a depth you notice in every bite.
Chili Powder: Chili powder brings the heat. It’s not overwhelming, just enough to balance the honey. That sweet heat combination is what keeps people coming back for more.
Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika deepens the flavor and plays well with the grill. It adds a smoky note without overpowering the bacon’s natural flavor.
Garlic: One clove of minced garlic works like magic. It blends into the glaze and sharpens the flavor with each bite.
Salt and Pepper: A light sprinkle of both brings the flavors into balance. It doesn’t take much, just enough to round everything out.
Toothpicks: A simple tool, but necessary. They hold the bacon in place while grilling and keep the shrimp from slipping apart.

4) How to Make Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Step 1. Heat your grill to medium-high. You want it hot enough to crisp the bacon but not so hot that the shrimp burn before the bacon cooks.
Step 2. Mix honey, soy sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and sticky.
Step 3. Wrap each shrimp with half a strip of bacon. Use a toothpick to secure it in place. Keep it snug so it cooks evenly.
Step 4. Brush the glaze over each wrapped shrimp. Coat them well on both sides for even flavor.
Step 5. Place the shrimp on the grill. Cook for about two to three minutes per side. Watch closely, since shrimp cook quickly. You want the bacon crisp and the shrimp just opaque.
Step 6. Pull them off the grill. Let them rest for a minute. The glaze thickens slightly as they cool, which makes them even better to eat.

5) Tips for Making Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Timing matters. Shrimp cook in minutes, bacon takes longer. Use thin-cut bacon for the best balance. Thick bacon leaves you with overcooked shrimp or undercooked bacon, neither of which is fun.
Glaze often. Brush before grilling and again during cooking. A second coat deepens the flavor and helps with caramelization. I’ve learned the hard way that one brush isn’t enough.
Don’t skip the rest. A short rest after grilling lets the bacon settle and the glaze stick. Those sixty seconds make a big difference in texture and taste.
6) Making Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Ahead of Time
Prepping ahead saves stress when guests arrive. Wrap the shrimp with bacon earlier in the day. Keep them in the fridge on a tray covered loosely with plastic wrap. When it’s time to cook, just glaze and grill.
You can even mix the glaze the night before. It holds well in a jar in the fridge. A quick stir before brushing is all it needs. This way you’re not scrambling to measure ingredients while people hover around the grill.
If you’re serving this as part of a bigger grilled shrimp dinner, prepping ahead frees you up to focus on other dishes. It keeps the flow relaxed, which makes hosting more fun.
7) Storing Leftover Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Leftovers rarely last long, but if they do, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to two days. The bacon softens, but the flavor stays strong.
To reheat, use a skillet on medium heat. A few minutes on each side brings back the crispness without overcooking the shrimp. The microwave works in a pinch, but the bacon turns chewy.
I’ve even sliced leftovers into salads. Cold bacon-wrapped shrimp tossed over greens with a squeeze of lemon feels like a brand-new meal.
8) Try these appetizers next!
9) Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe

Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp – Grilled Shrimp Recipes
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Toothpicks for securing
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Wrap each shrimp with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Brush the shrimp with the glaze mixture on both sides.
- Place the shrimp on the grill and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until the bacon is crisp and the shrimp are opaque.
- Remove from grill, let them rest for a minute, and serve hot.
10) Nutrition
Serving Size: 2 shrimp | Calories: 210 | Sugar: 5 g | Sodium: 520 mg | Fat: 14 g | Saturated Fat: 5 g | Carbohydrates: 6 g | Fiber: 0 g | Protein: 15 g | Cholesterol: 85 mg
Written by Elena for Elena Cooks. Find more recipes at Elena Cooks.




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