Smoked Bourbon Glazed Shrimp Cocktail Bites

A twist on the classic cocktail party appetizer, these bite-sized shrimp morsels are marinated in a sweet and tangy bourbon glaze before being smothered in a smoky BBQ sauce. Hailing from the Southern states of America, where bourbon and BBQ reign supreme, this recipe is sure to impress at any gathering.

🛒 Ingredients

• 16 count large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp bourbon whiskey
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 4 tbsp grilled BBQ sauce
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 sprinkle fresh parsley

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

2. 2

   In a small saucepan, combine bourbon, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. 3

   Thread the shrimp onto skewers, leaving a small space between each shrimp. Brush the grill or grill pan with butter to prevent sticking.

4. 4

   Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they're pink and cooked through. Transfer the shrimp to a baking sheet and brush with the bourbon glaze.

5. 5

   In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup and apple cider vinegar.

6. 6

   In a separate bowl, mix together grilled BBQ sauce and 1 tablespoon of water.

7. 7

   Dredge the grilled shrimp in the BBQ sauce mixture, then transfer to a serving platter.

8. 8

   Drizzle the remaining BBQ sauce over the shrimp and garnish with fresh parsley.

9. 9

   Serve immediately and enjoy!

10. 10

    Note: These bite-sized morsels can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Simply reheat in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes before serving.

💡 Pro Tips

For an extra crispy glaze, try sprinkling a small amount of cornstarch on top of the shrimp before serving. Avoid overcrowding the grill or grill pan, as this can cause the shrimp to steam instead of sear. For a more intense BBQ flavor, use a higher-quality BBQ sauce or make your own from scratch.

📊 Nutrition per Serving