Tested and Perfected by Food and Wine
Zucchini-Wrapped Shrimp with Bacon
© Anna Williams

Zucchini-Wrapped Shrimp with Bacon

Contributed by
  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: 4
  • FAST

This recipe has you thinly slice zucchini lengthwise. For a different look, simply cut the zucchini crosswise into 1/3-inch-thick coins. For more flavor, wrap a sprig of thyme around each shrimp as you thread it onto the skewer.

  1. 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped basil
  2. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
  3. 1 large garlic clove, minced
  4. Salt and freshly ground pepper
  5. 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp, shelled and deveined
  6. 4 medium zucchini (5 to 6 ounces), halved lengthwise, then sliced lengthwise 1/4 inch thick
  7. 3/4 pound slab bacon, sliced 1/4 inch thick and cut crosswise into 1 1/2-inch squares
  1. In a bowl, combine the basil with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and the garlic. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp and turn to coat.
  2. In a shallow bowl, generously brush the zucchini slices on both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper; let stand for 5 minutes to soften.
  3. In a skillet, cook the bacon over moderate heat until lightly browned, about 2 minutes per side. Drain.
  4. Working at the tip of a 12-inch skewer, pierce the very end of a zucchini slice. Swing the zucchini to the side and skewer a shrimp, then loop the zucchini slice around the shrimp and pierce the zucchini slice to secure it around the shrimp. Add another shrimp, wrap the rest of the zucchini slice around it and secure it on the skewer. Add a bacon square. Repeat the threading, using 2 more zucchini slices, 4 more shrimp and 2 more bacon squares. Thread the remaining ingredients to make 8 skewers.
  5. Light a grill or preheat a grill pan. Oil the grill and grill 4 skewers at a time over high heat for about 2 minutes per side, or just until the shrimp are cooked through and the zucchini are still crunchy. Serve hot.

Suggested Pairing

When pairing wine with food, remember that individual ingredients can matter enormously. For example, the zucchini and shrimp in this recipe are both quite subtle and could be easily overwhelmed by a powerful red or a rich white wine, especially one matured in oak. Meanwhile, the bacon might go well with a light, fruity red, but when partnered with zucchini and shrimp, it really needs a crisp white. Look for a Riesling from Alsace or Germany with light apple flavors and fresh floral character. As an alternative to Riesling, try a Loire Valley Chenin Blanc.