Pancetta Wrapped Shrimp With Gorgonzola Shrimp Appetizer Recipe

I just stumbled upon the ultimate bites of perfection: juicy shrimp wrapped up in crispy pancetta, with a melty Gorgonzola surprise inside. If you’re ready to take your taste buds on a thrill ride, this grilled shrimp recipe is your ticket to flavor town!

My Pancetta Wrapped Shrimp with Gorgonzola appetizer, I think, is a perfect blend of flavors. The juicy shrimp wrapped in salty, savory pancetta is a wonderful thing.

And then you add the Gorgonzola, which is a pretty powerful flavor. Its boldness is right up there with the softness and sweetness of the lemon zest and fresh thyme, which in my view hit perfect notes of brightness.

Ingredients

• Shrimp: High in protein, low in calories, contains omega-3 fatty acids.
• Pancetta: Adds savory, salty flavor; contains protein and fat.
• Gorgonzola Cheese: Creamy texture, provides tangy flavor, contains calcium.
• Olive Oil: Healthy fat, rich in antioxidants, enhances flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Brightens dish, adds citrus aroma, contains vitamin C.
• Thyme: Aromatic herb, adds earthy flavor, contains antioxidants.

Ingredient Quantities

• 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6 slices pancetta, halved
• 3 oz Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 12 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

How to Make this

1. Set your grill to medium-high heat ahead of time.

2. Combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper in a bowl to form the marinade.

3. Toss the shrimp in a well-mixed marinade, ensuring that they are thoroughly coated. Let them soak in the flavor for about 10 minutes.

4. Arrange a slice of pancetta. Take a portion of Gorgonzola and crumble it onto each shrimp. Wrap each shrimp with half a slice of pancetta and secure with a wooden skewer that has been soaked in water.

5. Carry on with the remaining shrimp; each should go onto a skewer, and each skewer should hold one shrimp wrapped in pancetta.

6. Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.

7. Put the skewers on the grill.

8. Cook the shrimp on the grill for 2-3 minutes on each side or until both the shrimp and pancetta are done. This means the shrimp should be opaque and cooked through, while the pancetta should be crispy.

9. Take the skewers off the grill and let them rest a few minutes before plating.

10. Place on a serving dish and serve right away, with the option of garnishing with additional lemon zest or thyme leaves. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Grill
2. Bowl
3. Spoon (for mixing)
4. Cutting board
5. Knife
6. Measuring spoons
7. Zester (for lemon zest)
8. Skewers (wooden, soaked in water)
9. Tongs (for handling skewers on the grill)
10. Serving dish

FAQ

• Q: Can I use bacon instead of pancetta?A: Yes, you can use thinly sliced bacon as a substitute, but keep in mind that pancetta is less salty and has a bonus flavor that is different from bacon.
• Q: How can I ensure the shrimp are fully cooked?A: Prepare the shrimp until they are nontransparent and rose-colored, usually 2-3 minutes on each side, and make sure the pancetta is nice and crispy.
• Q: What can I use if I don’t have Gorgonzola cheese?A: For a different taste, you can use blue cheese or a milder cheese like feta.
• Q: Do I need to remove the skewers before serving?A: It’s your decision; the skewers facilitate serving and eating as appetizers, but you can take them off if you want to go for the more traditional look.
• Q: How long should I soak the wooden skewers?A: For at least 30 minutes, soak the skewers in water so that they will not catch on fire while you are cooking.
• Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance?You can prepare the shrimp and wrap them in pancetta a few hours in advance, but grill them close to serving time for best results.
• Q: What is the best way to grill the shrimp?A: Use medium-high heat and turn the skewers occasionally to ensure even cooking and that the pancetta becomes crispy.

Pancetta Wrapped Shrimp With Gorgonzola Shrimp Appetizer Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Shrimp: Replace with sizable scallops or chicken strips for an alternative protein.
Pancetta: Substitute prosciutto or bacon slices for pancetta.
Gorgonzola cheese: Use blue cheese or feta cheese to get a flavor profile that is similar.
Lime zest: Lemon zest can be used for a different citrus twist.
Thyme leaves, fresh: A different herbal note. Substitute with fresh rosemary or oregano.

Pro Tips

1. Maximize Flavor Absorption For even better flavor absorption, marinate the shrimp for up to 30 minutes. If time is limited, giving them at least 10 minutes in the marinade will still enhance their taste.

2. Choose Pancetta Wisely Opt for thinly sliced pancetta to ensure it crisps up nicely on the grill. This will complement the juicy shrimp and creamy Gorgonzola, adding both texture and flavor contrast.

3. Prevent Cheese Melting Keep the Gorgonzola cheese cold until just before wrapping to prevent it from melting too quickly on the grill. You can even freeze it for a few minutes beforehand to maintain its structure.

4. Ensure Skewer Stability When wrapping the shrimp with pancetta and skewering them, try to thread the skewer through both the shrimp and pancetta in multiple places. This will help hold everything together securely during grilling.

5. Use of Lemon Reserve some additional fresh lemon juice to drizzle over the skewers right before serving. This will enhance the brightness of the dish and balance the rich Gorgonzola and pancetta flavors.