close-up of bacon garlic butter shrimp skillet, garnished with parsley

Bacon dishes

bacon and garlic butter shrimp: a flavor explosion

By:

GuideMyRecipe

Published:

18 Oct 2025

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I'll never forget the first time I made this dish. It was a total accident, really. I had some shrimp thawing, bacon leftover from breakfast, and a serious craving for garlic. I threw it all together, and BOOM! Magic happened. The aroma alone was intoxicating, filling the kitchen with a savory, garlicky scent that had everyone drooling. Seriously, my husband practically inhaled his portion. He gave me that look, you know, the 'make this again, NOW' look. And honestly, I was more than happy to oblige. What does this all mean for you? You're about to unlock a simple recipe that tastes like a culinary masterpiece.
ingredients for bacon garlic butter shrimp laid out on a wooden surface
This Bacon and Garlic Butter Shrimp isn't just about the taste (though, let's be real, that's a HUGE part of it). It's also incredibly easy and quick to make. We're talking from fridge to table in under 30 minutes easy! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a gourmet experience without spending hours in the kitchen. It's also incredibly versatile. Serve it over pasta, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Or, go low-carb and enjoy it on its own with a side of steamed vegetables. The point is; it's hard to mess this up, even for a novice cook.
bacon garlic butter shrimp being stirred in a skillet
Now, I know what you might be thinking: 'Bacon and butter? Isn't that a little…much?' And yeah, okay, maybe it's not exactly a health food. But hear me out! A little indulgence every now and then is good for the soul. Besides, you can easily adjust the amount of butter and bacon to your liking. And let's not forget the shrimp! It's packed with protein and low in calories. So, go ahead, treat yourself. You deserve it. (Plus, I promise you won't regret it!). I even made it for my sister in law when she came down from visiting the mountains. She said it was the BEST seafood she has ever tasted. Her words, not mine!
plated bacon garlic butter shrimp served over linguine

Required Equipments

  • Large Skillet
  • Paper Towels
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cups

Bacon and Garlic Butter Shrimp: A Flavor Explosion: Frequently Asked Questions

Bacon and Garlic Butter Shrimp: A Flavor Explosion

Indulge in a flavor-packed sensation with Bacon and Garlic Butter Shrimp. This recipe combines succulent shrimp with crispy bacon, fragrant garlic, and rich butter for an irresistible dish that's quick to prepare and deeply satisfying. Perfect as a weeknight dinner or an appetizer for any special occasion.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 2 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces. Do not discard the bacon grease in the pan – we'll need it for extra flavor!
  2. Prepare the Shrimp: While the bacon is cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them to sear properly and develop a nice golden color. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. A little spice can really wake up the flavors!
  3. Cook the Garlic: In the same skillet (with the bacon grease!), add the minced garlic. Cook over medium-low heat for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. You want it to be golden brown and aromatic, not burnt to a crisp. Burnt garlic is the worst and should be avoided at all costs!
  4. Add the Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet with the garlic-infused bacon grease. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, or the shrimp will steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.
  5. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat back to medium. Add the butter to the skillet with the shrimp. As the butter melts, stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Cook for another minute or two, until the sauce is well combined and slightly thickened. The sauce should be glossy and coat the shrimp evenly.
  6. Combine and Serve: Return the crumbled bacon to the skillet with the shrimp and garlic butter sauce. Toss everything together gently to combine and ensure the shrimp are evenly coated with the delicious sauce and bacon pieces. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for soaking up the sauce. Garnish with extra parsley and a lemon wedge, if desired.
  7. Enjoy!: Dig in and savor the delectable combination of flavors. Don't forget to lick your fingers – it's that good! One suggestion is to pair with a pinot grigio for a refreshing complement to the dish. What's not to love about a pairing like that?

📝 Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the skillet while cooking the shrimp.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
  • Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 350 kcal

Protein: 35 g

Fat: 20 g

Carbohydrates: 5 g

Fiber: 1 g

Calcium: 50 mg

Good food is all the sweeter when shared with good friends. And maybe, just maybe, a little bacon never hurts!

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