Chutney Glazed Bacon Wrapped Shrimp: Your Go-To Recipe for Sweet, Savory Perfection
Embark on a culinary journey with this incredible Chutney Glazed Bacon Wrapped Shrimp recipe, a dish inspired by the vibrant flavors I first encountered during my travels to Australia and my discovery of truly remarkable chutneys. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, offering an exquisite balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes. It’s an exceptionally versatile dish, serving equally well as a stunning appetizer for effortless entertaining or a quick, flavorful main course for a relaxed weeknight grilling session. And the absolute best part? Every single bite is an explosion of absolutely delicious flavor!
What Exactly is Chutney? A World of Flavor in a Jar
Chutney, at its heart, is a diverse family of condiments originating from India, celebrated for its ability to enhance and complement a wide array of dishes. The varieties of chutney are as rich and varied as India’s regional cuisines themselves. Traditionally, chutneys are served to provide a contrasting element to a meal – offering a cooling relief to a fiery curry, a burst of sweetness to a savory entree, or a piquant kick to an otherwise mild dish. They are an essential component of Indian culinary philosophy, balancing the six tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent.
For this particular recipe, I’ve chosen a luscious Mango Chutney. This decadent, jam-like condiment is a symphony of flavors, typically featuring ripe mangoes, rich brown sugar, plump golden raisins, a hint of tangy vinegar, aromatic ginger, savory onions, bright lemon juice, pungent garlic, and a medley of warm spices. You can immediately envision how this unique combination of ingredients creates a profile that not only works but excels when paired with the smoky bacon and tender shrimp.
It’s also fascinating to note the historical influence of British cuisine on certain Indian preparations, particularly evident in some chutney styles. The specific type I’m using today is often referred to as Mango Chutney Major Grey’s Style, or simply Major Grey’s. This Anglo-Indian style chutney typically offers a milder, sweeter, and tangier profile compared to more traditional Indian chutneys, making it incredibly versatile and appealing to a broader palate. Mango and Tomato Chutneys are perennial favorites of mine, and they are absolutely perfect for these Chutney Glazed Bacon Wrapped Shrimp!
The particular mango chutney I recommend and am using today is made by Brooklyn Delhi, which I sourced from Whole Foods. Its divine quality, characterized by a vibrant fruit flavor and less added sugar, truly elevates this dish from good to extraordinary. Investing in a good quality chutney will make all the difference in the final taste of your Chutney Glazed Bacon Wrapped Shrimp.
Beyond the Bacon: Unlocking the Versatility of Chutney
While chutney is an indispensable condiment for a variety of Indian dishes, its utility extends far beyond traditional curry accompaniments. This remarkably versatile condiment can transform everyday meals into gourmet experiences. Think of it as a secret weapon in your pantry, ready to infuse bold flavor into countless preparations.
Consider using it as a glaze for grilled pork loin or chicken, where its sweet and tangy notes create a beautiful caramelized crust. It’s a fantastic addition to a sophisticated cheese and cracker board, offering a vibrant contrast to creamy cheeses. You can spread it on sandwiches or wraps as a flavorful alternative to mustard or mayonnaise, or even incorporate it into salad dressings for an unexpected twist. Some even enjoy it simply as a jam or relish, spooned over toast or mixed into yogurt.
Of all the creative ways to utilize chutney, Chutney Glazed Bacon Wrapped Shrimp remains one of my absolute favorites. The combination of smoky bacon, tender shrimp, and the exotic sweetness of mango chutney is simply unparalleled. For those who prefer other proteins, this recipe is incredibly adaptable: feel free to substitute chicken breast pieces or succulent pork tenderloin chunks for the shrimp. Furthermore, chutney provides a delicious and flavorful alternative to conventional BBQ sauce, offering a more nuanced and aromatic profile that will impress any palate.
Mastering the Art of Chutney Glazed Bacon Wrapped Shrimp: A Step-by-Step Guide
Get ready to create a dish that packs maximum flavor into every small, delectable bite! The beauty of these Chutney Glazed Bacon Wrapped Shrimp lies in their simplicity and the quality of just a few key ingredients. You’ll need plump jumbo shrimp, strips of your favorite bacon, a high-quality mango chutney, and optionally, a dash of hot sauce if you desire an extra kick of spice.
A crucial tip for success: always opt for good quality chutney. Inferior chutneys can be overly sweet and lack the complex fruit and spice notes that define a truly excellent one. A better quality chutney will boast a higher fruit content and a more balanced flavor profile, directly translating to a more delicious end product. For garnish, I love to serve these with a sprinkling of fresh Cilantro (Coriander) leaves and some thinly sliced fresh Jalapeño peppers, which add a vibrant color and a fresh, peppery counterpoint.
A vital side note for perfect skewers: Always remember to soak your bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them. This simple step serves two important purposes: first, it prevents the skewers from charring or burning on the grill, ensuring they remain intact throughout the cooking process. Second, it minimizes the risk of splintering, keeping your food safe and enjoyable.
Once perfectly caramelized and cooked through, these shrimp skewers are best served immediately. Arrange them enticingly on a platter, garnished generously with fresh Cilantro leaves and vibrant jalapeño slices. I always keep a small bowl of extra Mango Chutney on hand for dipping, allowing guests to add even more of that delicious, sweet-tangy flavor. If you’re transforming this into a main dish, consider serving it alongside fluffy steamed white rice and a simple, fresh vegetable like blanched broccoli or tender-crisp asparagus. Whichever way you choose to enjoy this Chutney Glazed Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, it’s destined to become one of your absolute favorites, just as it is in our home.
Chutney Glazed Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Ana | Claudia’s Table
June 27, 2021
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Outdoor grill or stovetop grill pan
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Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
Ingredients
- 12 whole jumbo shrimp (13-16 count per pound) thawed, deveined, and peeled
- 6 strips bacon cut in half crosswise
- 3 tbsp mango chutney plus extra for serving
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Fresh jalapeño thinly sliced for garnish (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Hot sauce optional (add to chutney if desired)
Instructions
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Begin by soaking your bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
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Preheat your grill pan or outdoor grill to medium heat, ensuring it’s hot enough to sear the bacon.
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Take each strip of bacon and slice it crosswise, yielding 12 pieces of bacon (each being about half a slice).
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Carefully wrap one half slice of bacon around the middle of each jumbo shrimp. Aim for the bacon to wrap around the shrimp approximately three times for even coverage.
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Gently thread a pre-soaked skewer through the center of the bacon-wrapped shrimp, ensuring it securely holds the bacon in place and prevents it from unraveling during cooking.
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Continue this process until all shrimp are individually wrapped with bacon and threaded onto skewers.
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Place the prepared skewers onto the hot grill pan or outdoor grill. Cook for about 3-5 minutes on the first side, allowing the bacon to crisp and the shrimp to begin cooking.
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Turn each skewer to a new side and continue to cook for approximately 2 minutes, ensuring all sides of the bacon are getting crispy.
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Now, it’s time for the glaze! Generously brush mango chutney onto each skewer, covering the shrimp and bacon. Cook for 1 minute to allow the chutney to warm and start caramelizing.
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Turn each skewer again and brush on another layer of mango chutney. Cook for about 1 minute, letting that beautiful glaze develop and deepen in color.
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At this point, both the shrimp and bacon should be nearly cooked through. You can add one more layer of chutney and turn the skewers one last time for about 30 seconds to 1 minute to achieve a perfect, sticky, and caramelized glaze with appealing grill marks. Ensure the shrimp are opaque and pink.
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Remove the skewers from the heat and arrange them on a serving platter. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro leaves and thinly sliced jalapeño peppers for an added touch of freshness and a subtle kick. Place any extra Mango Chutney in a small bowl for dipping and serve immediately while hot and succulent.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is calculated online and should be used as a general guide. Individual results may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
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