Pancetta-Wrapped Shrimp with Honey-Lime Glaze: A Perfectly Balanced Sweet & Savory Appetizer

Pancetta-Wrapped Shrimp with Honey-Lime Glaze offers the ideal balance of savory and sweet in every bite. The crispy, salty pancetta pairs beautifully with tender shrimp, while the honey-lime glaze adds a tangy, sweet finish. This dish is perfect for entertaining or as an elegant appetizer for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, these shrimp are sure to impress your guests with their sophisticated flavor combination.

Looking for more shrimp-based appetizers? Check out this Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe or explore other delicious shrimp appetizer ideas.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Making Pancetta-Wrapped Shrimp with Honey-Lime Glaze is simple and quick. Follow these steps to create this delicious dish:

Pancetta-Wrapped Shrimp with Honey-Lime Glaze: Sweet & Savory Appetizer

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 18 shrimp 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Pancetta-Wrapped Shrimp with Honey-Lime Glaze is a savory and sweet appetizer that combines crispy pancetta with succulent shrimp, all drizzled with a tangy honey-lime glaze. The rich, salty pancetta pairs perfectly with the sweet and zesty glaze, creating a mouthwatering bite that’s sure to impress at any gathering or dinner party.

Ingredients

Scale

6 thin slices pancetta
18 uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon hot water
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay the uncooked shrimp on a clean plate or cutting board. If needed, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Wrap the Shrimp:
Cut each slice of pancetta in half so you have 12 pieces of pancetta. Wrap each shrimp with a piece of pancetta, securing it with toothpicks if necessary. Ensure the pancetta fully covers the shrimp but does not overlap too much.
Bake the Shrimp:
Arrange the wrapped shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pancetta is crispy and the shrimp are cooked through. Keep an eye on the shrimp to avoid overcooking.
Prepare the Honey-Lime Glaze:
While the shrimp are baking, in a small bowl, combine the honey, lime juice, and hot water. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved and the glaze has a smooth consistency.
Finish the Shrimp:
Once the shrimp are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle the honey-lime glaze over the pancetta-wrapped shrimp.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle the minced fresh cilantro over the shrimp for an added burst of flavor and color. Serve immediately as an appetizer or side dish.

Notes

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the honey-lime glaze ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use. The wrapped shrimp can also be assembled in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 1 hour before baking.
Optional Additions: For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes or a small amount of hot sauce to the glaze.
Alternative Cooking Method: If you prefer, you can cook the pancetta-wrapped shrimp on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat, cooking each side for about 2-3 minutes until the pancetta crisps up.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3 shrimp
Calories: 160
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Pancetta-Wrapped Shrimp with Honey-Lime Glaze Recipe

Instructions:

Prepare the Shrimp: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to ensure they cook properly.
Wrap the Shrimp in Pancetta: Lay the pancetta slices flat on a cutting board. Wrap each shrimp with a slice of pancetta, ensuring the shrimp is fully encased. Use toothpicks to secure the pancetta in place.
Bake the Shrimp: Place the wrapped shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the pancetta becomes crispy and the shrimp are cooked through.
Prepare the Honey-Lime Glaze: While the shrimp are baking, whisk together the honey, lime juice, and hot water in a small bowl until well combined. The hot water helps the glaze become smooth and easier to drizzle.
Finish and Serve: Once the shrimp are done, remove them from the oven and arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle the honey-lime glaze over the shrimp and garnish with the minced fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while warm.

Advanced Techniques for Pancetta-Wrapped Shrimp with Honey-Lime Glaze

To elevate your Pancetta-Wrapped Shrimp with Honey-Lime Glaze even further, here are a few advanced techniques to try:

1. Use a Grill for Extra Flavor

Grilling the shrimp instead of baking them adds a smoky flavor that enhances the savory pancetta. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they are perfectly cooked and slightly charred. Be sure to brush them with a bit of olive oil before grilling to prevent sticking.

2. Experiment with Different Herbs

While fresh cilantro adds a bright, fresh touch to the dish, you can experiment with other herbs like basil, mint, or parsley for a unique flavor profile. For a more Mediterranean twist, try using fresh oregano or thyme in place of cilantro.

3. Add a Spicy Kick

To make the glaze spicier, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the honey-lime mixture. This adds an extra layer of heat that complements the sweetness of the honey and the saltiness of the pancetta.

4. Try a Bacon Substitute

If pancetta isn’t available, you can substitute it with thin slices of bacon. Bacon will provide a similar salty and crispy texture, with a slightly smokier flavor. Be sure to adjust the cooking time, as bacon may require slightly longer to crisp up than pancetta.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Pancetta-Wrapped Shrimp with Honey-Lime Glaze is best served fresh, but it can be stored and reheated with proper care:

1. Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The honey-lime glaze will keep the shrimp moist, but the pancetta may lose some of its crispiness.

2. Reheating Tips

To reheat the shrimp, place them on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This will help preserve the texture of the pancetta.

3. Freezing the Shrimp

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked shrimp. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the shrimp to a freezer-safe container or bag, where they can be stored for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as mentioned above.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

There are several ways to adjust Pancetta-Wrapped Shrimp with Honey-Lime Glaze to fit various dietary needs:

1. Gluten-Free Option

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t contain any gluten-based ingredients. Just be sure to double-check that the pancetta and honey used are gluten-free.

2. Dairy-Free Option

Since the recipe doesn’t contain any dairy ingredients, it is already dairy-free. Enjoy it as is without any substitutions.

3. Low-Carb Option

To reduce the carb content, you can skip the honey or replace it with a sugar-free sweetener such as stevia or monk fruit. This will make the recipe lower in carbs while still offering a touch of sweetness.

4. Paleo-Friendly Option

For a paleo version, make sure the pancetta you use is free from additives and preservatives, and replace the honey with a natural sweetener like maple syrup. This keeps the recipe aligned with paleo-friendly principles.

FAQs About Pancetta-Wrapped Shrimp with Honey-Lime Glaze

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While Pancetta-Wrapped Shrimp with Honey-Lime Glaze is best served fresh, you can prepare the shrimp and glaze ahead of time. Wrap the shrimp in pancetta and refrigerate until ready to cook. The glaze can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

2. Can I use shrimp with the shells on?

For this recipe, it’s best to use peeled and deveined shrimp, as they will cook more evenly and allow the pancetta to wrap around the shrimp more securely. However, you can use shrimp with shells if desired, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted.

3. Can I use other types of meat?

If you prefer, you can substitute the pancetta with prosciutto, bacon, or even thin slices of chicken breast. Just ensure that the meat is thin enough to wrap around the shrimp.

4. How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery. The cooking time will vary slightly depending on the size of the shrimp.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Pancetta-Wrapped Shrimp with Honey-Lime Glaze is an irresistible appetizer that combines sweet, savory, and smoky flavors in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party, making it for a weeknight meal, or impressing guests at a special occasion, these shrimp will be a hit. With their crispy pancetta exterior and tender shrimp inside, along with the sweet and tangy glaze, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.