Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Cocktail with Apricot Horseradish Dipping Sauce Recipe

By
Sydney Oland
Sydney Oland: Contributing Writer at Serious Eats
Sydney Oland
Sydney Oland lives in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, where she develops recipes and owns and operates three businesses: a bean-to-bar chocolate company, an ice cream company, and a collective food production space. Previously, she wrote brunch and British food recipe columns for Serious Eats.
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Updated May 06, 2019
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Sydney Oland

It may not be a classic shrimp cocktail, but this version takes the traditional and wraps it in bacon, then pairs it with a sweet and hot apricot horseradish dipping sauce. With a light beer or a glass of sparkling wine, this easy to pull together dish makes a great, fun brunch item for a group.

Microwaving the bacon before wrapping the shrimp ensures that both are cooked well without overcooking. You can also use this trick for wrapping scallops as well, and it works just as well on the grill as it does in the skillet.

Recipe Details

Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Cocktail with Apricot Horseradish Dipping Sauce Recipe

Active 10 mins
Total 20 mins
Serves 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 12 strips bacon, cut in half (thin bacon works best)
  • 24 medium shrimp (24-31 per pound)
  • 2 ounces apricot preserves
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated horseradish
  • 2 teaspoons juice from 1 lime
  • Kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions

  1. Place bacon on paper towel and microwave until fat begins to render but bacon is still soft, about 40 seconds, then allow to cool completely. Wrap a halved piece of bacon around each shrimp and secure with a toothpick, reserve.

  2. Combine apricot preserve, horseradish, and lime juice, then taste for seasoning adding additional lime juice, horseradish, or salt if necessary. Set aside until ready to serve.

  3. Heat vegetable oil in a large stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add shrimp making sure not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Cook until bacon is brown and crisp and shrimp is opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove toothpicks and serve warm with dipping sauce.

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