If you are looking for the perfect crowd-pleaser that stays true to your clean eating goals, you have to try this Paleo Bacon And Basil Wrapped Shrimp. There is something magical about the combination of smoky, crispy bacon and juicy shrimp, but the real secret here is that fresh basil leaf tucked inside for an aromatic burst of flavor. It is hands down one of my favorite appetizers because it looks incredibly impressive, tastes gourmet, and comes together in just minutes.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup (4.9 oz / 140g) Paleo-friendly Barbecue Sauce
- 1 tsp (0.17 oz / 5g) prepared horseradish (adjust for desired spice level)
- 16 oz (454g) extra-large shrimp (16- to 20-count), peeled and deveined
- 16 to 20 fresh basil leaves
- 8 oz (225g) thin-sliced bacon (approx. 8 strips), cut into halves or thirds depending on length
- 16 to 20 wooden toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet; meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine 0.5 cup (4.9 oz / 140g) of barbecue sauce with 1 tsp (0.17 oz / 5g) of prepared horseradish and mix well.
- Assemble the appetizers by wrapping each shrimp first with a fresh basil leaf and then with a piece of bacon, ensuring you do not overlap the bacon too much so it cooks evenly, and secure everything in place with a wooden toothpick before arranging them on the baking sheet.
- Place the shrimp in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 5 to 6 minutes, or until the shrimp are just starting to turn pink on one side.
- Remove the tray from the oven, increase the oven temperature setting to “Broil,” flip each shrimp over, and return them to the oven to broil for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the bacon starts to get crispy.
- Remove the shrimp from the oven carefully, baste all sides generously with the barbecue-horseradish sauce mixture, and place them back under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes per side to let the sauce set and caramelize.
- Remove the shrimp from the oven, baste them one final time with the remaining sauce, and serve them hot immediately with any extra sauce on the side.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 325 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 29g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
Values are estimates per serving (based on 4 servings).
Pro Tips for Success
- Soak Your Wooden Toothpicks: Since this recipe involves broiling at high heat, soak your wooden toothpicks in water for at least 15 to 20 minutes before assembling. This prevents them from catching fire or burning while the shrimp cook.
- Choose Thin-Cut Bacon: Avoid thick-cut bacon for this recipe. Thick bacon takes too long to render and crisp up, which will result in rubbery, overcooked shrimp. Thin slices wrap easier and crisp up perfectly in the short cooking time.
- Watch the Broiler Closely: Broilers vary significantly in intensity. When you switch to the broiler setting to crisp the bacon, keep an eye on the oven. Sugar in the barbecue sauce can go from caramelized to burnt in seconds.
- Pat the Shrimp Dry: Before wrapping, use paper towels to pat the peeled shrimp dry. Removing excess moisture helps the bacon adhere better and prevents the shrimp from steaming inside the wrapper, leading to a better texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these Paleo Bacon And Basil Wrapped Shrimp ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the shrimp up to 4 hours in advance. Wrap the shrimp with the basil and bacon, secure with toothpicks, and store them covered in the refrigerator. Wait to add the barbecue sauce until you are partially through the cooking process as directed in the recipe.
How do I ensure the bacon gets crispy without overcooking the shrimp? The key is using thin-sliced bacon and utilizing the broiler at the end. If you find the bacon isn’t crispy enough but the shrimp are done, you can move the baking sheet closer to the broiler element for the final minute, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.
Can I cook this recipe in an air fryer? Absolutely. To air fry, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the wrapped shrimp in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through and brushing with the sauce in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Is barbecue sauce considered Paleo? Most store-bought barbecue sauces contain high fructose corn syrup or refined sugars, which are not Paleo. To keep this recipe strictly Paleo, ensure you are using a homemade Paleo BBQ sauce (using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup) or buy a specific brand labeled as Paleo-friendly.
I really hope you give this Paleo Bacon And Basil Wrapped Shrimp a try for your next party or just as a special weekend snack. It offers the perfect balance of savory, smoky, and sweet flavors, all while keeping things healthy and completely grain-free. Trust me, these disappear fast, so you might want to consider making a double batch! If you make them, please leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out.
