This easy shrimp and bacon skillet recipe is your new weeknight secret weapon. Crispy bacon, juicy shrimp and a garlicky butter sauce – made in 15 minutes using one pan and a handful of simple ingredients. Serve it with bread, pasta or a salad and make it your own!
Love shrimp? Try these next! Shrimp in Thai coconut curry, this amazing Marry Me shrimp or Creamy mushroom shrimp pasta with pancetta.
Why you’ll love this shrimp and bacon recipe
This shrimp and bacon skillet is a total flavor bomb.
- Quick and easy: One skillet, 15 minutes, done!
- Minimal cleanup: Fewer dishes, more time to enjoy.
- Big flavor: Seared shrimp, crispy bacon, garlic butter sauce – need I say more?
- Special but simple: This delicious combo takes it to the next level.
- Perfect for seafood lovers, or anyone who loves a bold, easy dinner.
Variations
This garlic shrimp and bacon skillet is versatile and easy to adapt:
- Serve with crusty bread, garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Toss with pasta or spoon over rice for a hearty dinner.
- For a lighter option, try it with quinoa or cauliflower rice.
- Want more greens? Add asparagus or broccoli rabe to the skillet.
This dish works as a quick weeknight dinner, a simple but elegant appetizer or an impressive main course for a dinner party. It’s guaranteed to impress!
The details
Ingredients needed
- Shrimp
- Bacon bits
- Garlic
- Seasoning – Salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, dried thyme and chili flakes
- Low sodium chicken broth – You can also use vegetable broth
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Unsalted butter
How to make this shrimp and bacon recipe
Let me guide you through this recipe with my step-by-step video or follow along on YouTube!
In this dish, less is more: Big flavor, simple ingredients! Since it cooks fast, make sure to prep all your ingredients before you start.
- Step 1
Season the shrimp, then sear briefly in oil and butter over high heat, just 1 minute per side! Any longer, and the shrimp could turn rubbery. Make sure the skillet is hot enough so the shrimp sear, not steam. If your pan is too small, cook the shrimp in two batches for the best result. - Step 2
Remove the shrimp and cook the bacon in the same skillet until crispy and golden. Add the garlic, then deglaze the skillet with broth. Stir in a splash of lemon juice, then return the shrimp to the skillet for a final 1-minute simmer, just enough to warm them through and combine the flavors. - That’s it, done in no time, packed with flavor!
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat just until warmed through, avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Shrimp and Bacon Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter - divided
- 1.1 pounds shrimp - thawed, peeled and deveined
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp chili flakes - more or less to taste
- 1 cup bacon bits
- 6 garlic cloves - minced
- ½ cup low sodium vegetable broth - or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine shrimp with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme and chili flakes.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat oil and 1 tablespoon butter over high in a large nonstick skillet. Place shrimp in a single layer. Sear 1 minute per side, remove from skillet.
- Add bacon, cook until crispy and golden brown. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in broth and add the remaining butter, stir until melted.
- Add lemon juice and shrimp. Stir to combine and simmer for 1 minute. Enjoy!
Video
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