Massachusetts Maple-Bacon Wrapped Shrimp on the Grill

Introduction

Massachusetts maple syrup and crispy bacon wrapped around fresh shrimp make this a smoky, flavorful dish perfect for grilling. The Arteflame grill sears the bacon and shrimp to perfection while caramelizing the sweet maple glaze, creating an irresistibly savory-sweet bite. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for gatherings or an indulgent appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 12 slices of thin-cut bacon, halved
• 1/4 cup Massachusetts maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Toothpicks

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the Arteflame grill.
2. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
3. Allow the fire to establish for about 20 minutes until the flat cooktop reaches grilling temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the shrimp

1. In a bowl, mix the Massachusetts maple syrup, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
2. Wrap each shrimp with a half slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
3. Brush the bacon-wrapped shrimp with half of the maple glaze.

Step 3: Grill the shrimp

1. Melt butter on the Arteflame flat cooktop and place the bacon-wrapped shrimp near the center where the heat is highest.
2. Sear the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes per side to crisp the bacon.
3. Move the shrimp toward the outer edge of the cooktop, where the heat is lower, and cook for another 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.
4. Brush the shrimp with the remaining maple glaze in the last few minutes of grilling.
5. Monitor the internal temperature, removing the shrimp when it reaches 130°F, as it will continue cooking after being removed.

Tips

• Use thin-cut bacon to ensure it crisps up quickly without overcooking the shrimp.
• Pre-soak the toothpicks in water to prevent burning during grilling.
• If the bacon isn’t crisping fast enough, move the shrimp closer to the center of the grill for a final sear.

Variations

1. Spicy Maple-Bacon Shrimp: Add 1 tsp cayenne pepper to the maple glaze for a spicy kick.
2. Garlic Butter Bacon Shrimp: Mix minced garlic into the melted butter before brushing it on the shrimp.
3. BBQ Maple-Bacon Shrimp: Replace smoked paprika with 1 tbsp BBQ rub to enhance the smoky flavor.
4. Teriyaki Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp: Swap maple syrup for teriyaki glaze and add sesame seeds.
5. Lemon-Herb Bacon Shrimp: Finish the shrimp with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

Best Pairings

• Crisp Chardonnay or a light, citrusy beer
• Grilled asparagus or charred corn on the grill
• Sweet potato fries cooked on the flat cooktop
• Fresh coleslaw with a tangy dressing

Conclusion

Smoky, sweet, and incredibly delicious, this Massachusetts maple-bacon wrapped shrimp recipe is a surefire way to impress your guests. Using the Arteflame grill, you’ll achieve the perfect combination of crispy bacon and tender shrimp, all infused with rich smoky flavor. Enjoy grilling and savor every bite!