Tennessee BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

Introduction

Bring a taste of Tennessee to your backyard with these juicy, smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp. Grilled to perfection on the Arteflame, this recipe locks in flavor with a steakhouse-quality sear and finishes with a sweet and smoky BBQ glaze. Perfect for summer cookouts and easy enough for a quick dinner, these shrimp are sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 10–12 slices of thin-cut bacon (cut in half if needed)
• 1/2 cup smoky BBQ sauce (Tennessee-style preferred)
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Unsalted butter (for grilling)
• Toothpicks (soaked in water)
• Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

The Sear Makes the Steak, And Arteflame Makes the Sear

Why settle for low-temperature searing when you can achieve steakhouse-quality results with an Arteflame? Gas grills take longer, drying out your steak, while the Arteflame sears at 1000°F in just one minute, locking in juices for perfection.

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Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a little vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the bottom of the Arteflame grill.
2. Stack firewood over the oil-soaked napkins.
3. Light the napkins and wait about 20 minutes for the grill to fully heat up.

Step 2: Prep the Shrimp

1. Season the shrimp with smoked paprika, garlic powder and cracked black pepper.
2. Wrap each shrimp with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp

1. Place a dab of butter on the center grill grate once it reaches 1,000°F.
2. Sear the bacon-wrapped shrimp on the center grate for 30–45 seconds per side to lock in the juices and get crisp edges on the bacon.

Step 4: Move to the Flat Cooktop

1. Transfer the seared shrimp to the flat cooktop griddle surrounding the center grate.
2. Baste the shrimp with BBQ sauce using a brush.
3. Cook for 5–6 more minutes, turning occasionally and continuing to baste with BBQ sauce until bacon is fully cooked and caramelized.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Remove the shrimp from the grill when internal temperature reaches 130°F (it will reach 145°F off the grill).
2. Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

Tips

• Use thin-cut bacon so it crisps properly before overcooking the shrimp.
• Always soak toothpicks in water at least 15 minutes to avoid burning.
• Sear on the center grate, then finish cooking on the flat cooktop using the reverse sear method for moisture retention and rich flavor.
• Baste frequently with BBQ sauce to layer flavors.
• Rotate shrimp to cooler part of the flat cooktop if bacon starts caramelizing too quickly.

Variations

1. Spicy Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp: Add a slice of jalapeño inside the bacon wrap for a fiery twist.
2. Honey Bourbon Bacon Shrimp: Mix honey and a splash of Tennessee bourbon into your BBQ sauce for a sweeter, boozy profile.
3. Pineapple Bacon Shrimp: Tuck in a thin slice of pineapple with the shrimp before wrapping with bacon for a tropical flavor burst.
4. Maple Glazed Shrimp: Use a maple BBQ sauce and finish with a light drizzle of warm maple syrup before serving.
5. Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Swap BBQ sauce for a lemon garlic butter glaze and sprinkle with fresh herbs for a zesty, lighter alternative.

Best Pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob with butter and chili powder
• Coleslaw with cider vinegar and mustard dressing
• Chilled Tennessee sweet tea or a smoky bourbon cocktail
• Grilled garlic bread on the flat cooktop
• Charred peach halves with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert

Conclusion

The combination of smoky BBQ, juicy shrimp, and crisp bacon makes this recipe a backyard champion. Using the Arteflame grill delivers a professional sear and even cooking every time with zero hassle. Once you try these Tennessee BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp, you'll find yourself grilling them all year long.