BBQ Shrimp Recipe

Easy BBQ Shrimp Recipe: Juicy Grilled Shrimp Skewers

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If you’re looking for the perfect way to elevate your summer grilling game, this BBQ shrimp recipe is your answer. With smoky, juicy flavors and simple steps, this dish turns grilled shrimp skewers into the star of any meal. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or enjoying a quiet dinner, this recipe delivers the bold, savory taste of barbecue prawns every time.

Ready to wow your friends and family with juicy, smoky BBQ shrimp? Let’s get started!

Ingredients Needed for BBQ Shrimp

To create the perfect BBQ shrimp marinade and prepare delicious grilled shrimp skewers, you’ll need a mix of simple, flavorful ingredients. Whether you’re making lemon garlic BBQ shrimp or a Cajun shrimp BBQ, the right ingredients ensure your dish stands out as the best shrimp for grilling.

Main Ingredients

  • Shrimp
    • Opt for large or jumbo shrimp (16-20 count) – the best shrimp for grilling.
    • Use peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience.
  • Olive Oil – Helps coat the shrimp and keep them moist.
  • Garlic Cloves – Fresh garlic enhances the flavor.
  • Lemon Juice – A splash of citrus brightens the dish, perfect for lemon garlic BBQ shrimp.
  • BBQ Sauce
    • Choose a store-bought option or make a homemade smoky shrimp recipe sauce.
  • Seasonings
    • Smoked paprika
    • Cayenne pepper (for Cajun shrimp BBQ)
    • Black pepper
    • Salt

Optional Add-ons

  • Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro)
  • Honey (adds sweetness to balance spice)
  • Melted butter for basting

Fresh vs Frozen Shrimp

  • Fresh Shrimp: Ideal for charcoal-grilled shrimp and barbecue prawns when available.
  • Frozen Shrimp: Convenient and works well if thawed properly. Ensure it’s deveined and smells clean.

With these ingredients, you’ll have a versatile foundation for skewer recipes for BBQ that’s perfect for any easy summer grilling recipes.

Tools and Equipment

To make the perfect BBQ shrimp marinade and grill the ultimate grilled shrimp skewers, ensure you have the right tools on hand:

  • Grill – Choose a charcoal, gas, or electric grill for different flavors (charcoal-grilled shrimp adds a smoky touch).
  • Skewers – Use metal skewers (reusable and durable) or wooden skewers (soak them to prevent burning).
  • Grill Brush – Keeps the grill clean for better cooking.
  • Tongs – Essential for flipping shrimp without piercing them.
  • Basting Brush – For applying BBQ shrimp marinade while grilling.
  • Optional: Smoker – Adds a rich smoky flavor for the ultimate smoky shrimp recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions for BBQ Shrimp

Step-by-Step Instructions for BBQ Shrimp

1. Preparation 

To make the perfect Cajun shrimp BBQ or lemon garlic BBQ shrimp, preparation is key:

  • Cleaning and Deveining Shrimp:
    • Rinse the shrimp thoroughly under cold water.
    • Remove the shell, leaving the tail intact for better presentation.
    • Devein the shrimp by making a shallow slit along the back and removing the dark vein.
  • Soaking Wooden Skewers:
    • If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
  • Preparing the Marinade:
    • Combine ingredients for your desired BBQ shrimp marinade – olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (for Cajun shrimp BBQ).
    • Stir well and set aside for marinating.

2. Marinating the Shrimp 

The marinade is what transforms your grilled shrimp skewers into a flavorful masterpiece:

  • Why Marinate Shrimp?
    • Shrimp are quick to absorb flavors, making them ideal for marinades.
    • Marinating enhances the taste and keeps the shrimp juicy during grilling.
  • How to Marinate:
    • Place cleaned shrimp in a bowl or zip-top bag.
    • Add the BBQ shrimp marinade and toss until all shrimp are coated.
    • For Cajun shrimp BBQ, add extra cayenne pepper for heat.
    • Cover and let the shrimp marinate for 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator. Avoid over-marinating, as shrimp can become mushy.
  • Pro Tip: Keep shrimp chilled to prevent bacterial growth while marinating.

3. Grilling the Shrimp

Grilling brings out the best smoky flavor in barbecue prawns and charcoal-grilled shrimp.

  • Preheating the Grill:
    • Heat the grill to medium-high (375–400°F). Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
  • Threading Shrimp on Skewers:
    • Use metal or soaked wooden skewers.
    • Thread 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer, leaving space in between for even cooking.
    • For better flavor, alternate shrimp with vegetables like bell peppers or onions.
  • Grilling Tips:
    • Place shrimp skewers on the preheated grill.
    • Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once. Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become tough.
    • Baste shrimp with extra BBQ shrimp marinade or melted butter while grilling for added moisture and flavor.
  • Pro Tip: Use indirect heat for smoky shrimp recipes if you’re cooking on charcoal.

4. Serving the Shrimp 

Presentation is key to impressing your guests with this easy summer grilling recipe:

  • Serving Tips:
    • Arrange the grilled shrimp skewers on a platter garnished with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of melted butter.
    • For Cajun shrimp BBQ, sprinkle a dash of smoked paprika for added color and flavor.
  • Side Dish Suggestions:
    • Serve your barbecue prawns with:
      • Coleslaw for a fresh crunch.
      • Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
      • Steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious juices.

With these shrimp grilling tips, your BBQ shrimp marinade will result in a dish that’s both flavorful and unforgettable!

Best BBQ Marinades and Sauces for Shrimp

Best BBQ Marinades and Sauces for Shrimp

The secret to perfect grilled shrimp skewers lies in the marinade. Whether you want a smoky shrimp recipe or a zesty finish, these marinades and sauces will elevate your shrimp.

Classic BBQ Sauce

A rich, smoky sauce perfect for barbecue prawns:

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 cup ketchup
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Quick Recipe:
    • Mix all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool and brush over shrimp while grilling.

Garlic Butter Marinade

Ideal for lemon garlic BBQ shrimp:

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 tablespoons melted butter
    • 3 cloves minced garlic
    • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • How to Use: Marinate shrimp for 15-20 minutes, then baste during grilling for extra flavor.

Spicy Cajun Marinade

Perfect for Cajun shrimp BBQ:

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon Louisiana hot sauce
  • Pro Tip: Adjust cayenne for heat preference.

Honey-Lime Glaze

A sweet, tangy twist for easy summer grilling recipes:

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 tablespoons honey
    • 2 tablespoons lime juice
    • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • How to Use: Brush shrimp with glaze during the final minute of grilling.

Variations of BBQ Shrimp

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Simple and versatile, grilled shrimp skewers are perfect for any cookout:

  • Thread shrimp onto skewers with vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
  • Use charcoal-grilled shrimp techniques for a smoky flavor.
  • Serve with a side of coleslaw for a complete meal.

BBQ Shrimp Tacos

For a fun twist, turn your BBQ shrimp marinade into taco night:

  • Fill soft or hard tortillas with grilled shrimp.
  • Add toppings like:
    • Creamy coleslaw
    • Avocado slices
    • Fresh cilantro and lime juice

BBQ Shrimp in Foil Packs

An easy, mess-free option:

  • Place shrimp, garlic butter marinade, and vegetables into foil packs.
  • Seal tightly and grill for 8-10 minutes.
  • Perfect for easy summer grilling recipes and camping!

Air Fryer BBQ Shrimp

Don’t have a grill? Try this method for skewer recipes for BBQ:

  • Marinate shrimp with your favorite BBQ shrimp marinade.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
  • Cook shrimp for 5-6 minutes, shaking halfway through.

These variations ensure you can enjoy barbecue prawns in multiple ways, no matter the occasion!

Pro Tips for Perfect BBQ Shrimp

Follow these expert shrimp grilling tips to ensure your grilled shrimp skewers turn out perfect every time:

1. Prevent Shrimp from Sticking to the Grill

  • Clean the grill grates thoroughly before cooking.
  • Lightly oil the grates using a brush or paper towel dipped in oil.
  • Coat the shrimp with olive oil or marinade before placing them on the grill.

2. Choose the Right Shrimp Size

  • Jumbo or large shrimp (16-20 count per pound) work best for barbecue prawns as they are less likely to overcook.
  • Smaller shrimp are prone to drying out quickly.

3. Grill at the Proper Temperature

  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375–400°F).
  • Shrimp cook quickly – typically 2-3 minutes per side – until they are pink and opaque.

4. Infuse More Smoky Flavor

  • Use a charcoal grill for charcoal-grilled shrimp to get that authentic smoky flavor.
  • Add wood chips like hickory or mesquite to the charcoal for extra smokiness.

By mastering these techniques, your BBQ shrimp marinade will shine, creating tender, flavorful grilled shrimp skewers every time.

Nutritional Information

Shrimp is a healthy protein option, making easy summer grilling recipes both nutritious and delicious. Here’s a breakdown per serving (3-4 shrimp):

  • Calories: 120-150 (depending on marinade)
  • Protein: 20-25g (low-fat, high-quality protein)
  • Fat: 3-5g (mostly healthy fats from marinades like olive oil)
  • Carbohydrates: 5-10g (depending on BBQ sauce or glaze)

Health Benefits of Shrimp

  • Low-Fat Protein: Supports muscle growth and recovery.
  • Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Shrimp contains vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids for heart health.
  • Low Calorie: Perfect for those watching their calorie intake while still enjoying flavorful meals.

Enjoy BBQ shrimp guilt-free as a nutritious and satisfying addition to your grilling menu!

FAQs About BBQ Shrimp

1. What Type of Shrimp Is Best for BBQ?

The best shrimp for grilling are large or jumbo shrimp (16-20 count per pound). These sizes hold up well to high heat and are less likely to overcook. Look for fresh shrimp, or use high-quality frozen shrimp that have been thawed properly.

2. How Long Should Shrimp Be Grilled?

Shrimp cook quickly! Grill them for 2-3 minutes per side on medium-high heat until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make shrimp rubbery, so keep an eye on them.

3. Can You Use Frozen Shrimp for BBQ?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thaw them completely before marinating. Rinse well and pat dry with paper towels to help the BBQ shrimp marinade stick better.

4. How Do You Keep Shrimp from Drying Out?

  • Use a marinade, such as a lemon garlic BBQ shrimp mix or Cajun shrimp BBQ seasoning, to lock in moisture.
  • Grill shrimp for short periods (2-3 minutes per side).
  • Baste with melted butter or marinade while grilling to prevent drying.

5. What Sides Pair Best with BBQ Shrimp?

BBQ shrimp pair perfectly with:

  • Coleslaw: A fresh, crunchy balance to smoky shrimp.
  • Grilled Vegetables: Bell peppers, asparagus, or zucchini.
  • Rice or Quinoa: Absorbs the flavor from the shrimp.
  • Corn on the Cob: A classic barbecue side dish.

Conclusion

BBQ shrimp recipe is a simple, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With quick prep, versatile BBQ shrimp marinades, and easy grilling techniques, you’ll create a meal everyone will love. From grilled shrimp skewers to Cajun shrimp BBQ, the possibilities are endless.

Don’t forget to experiment with different variations and side dishes for a complete summer feast. Whether you’re using a gas grill, charcoal, or even an air fryer, these shrimp grilling tips will ensure success.

“Fire up your grill, marinate some shrimp, and let the BBQ magic begin!”

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