Elevate your outdoor cooking with this BBQ Shrimp Recipe, a dish that combines succulent shrimp with a smoky, tangy barbecue glaze. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, these shrimp are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors, this dish is perfect served as an appetizer, main course, or as part of a surf-and-turf feast.
Why This BBQ Shrimp Recipe Is a Must-Try
BBQ shrimp is the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. The shrimp cook quickly, retaining their juicy, tender texture while absorbing the rich flavors of the barbecue marinade. This recipe is versatile and can be grilled, baked, or pan-fried, making it an excellent option for any cooking setup. Pair it with grilled vegetables, salads, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
For more grilling ideas, visit our Dinner Category. Pair these BBQ shrimp with our Grilled Lamb Chops with Seasonal Vegetables for a decadent cookout spread.
Ingredients for BBQ Shrimp Recipe
- 1 ½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, as preferred)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the BBQ Sauce
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making BBQ Shrimp
Prepare the Shrimp
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let the shrimp marinate for 15-20 minutes while you prepare the BBQ sauce.
Make the BBQ Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce.
- Stir well and simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
Grill or Cook the Shrimp
- Grilling Method: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers for easy handling. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, brushing with BBQ sauce as they cook, until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Stovetop Method: Heat a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, basting with BBQ sauce, until cooked through.
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the shrimp on a baking sheet lined with foil, brush with BBQ sauce, and bake for 8-10 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving platter and drizzle with any remaining BBQ sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, lemon wedges, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for added flavor.
- Serve immediately as an appetizer, over rice, or alongside grilled vegetables.
For another seafood-inspired dish, check out our Branzino Recipe.
Customizing Your BBQ Shrimp Recipe
- Add Citrus: Mix orange or lime juice into the BBQ sauce for a citrusy twist.
- Go Spicy: Increase the cayenne and hot sauce for a fiery flavor.
- Try Different Shrimp Sizes: Jumbo shrimp work well for grilling, while smaller shrimp are great for tacos or pasta.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Use the BBQ sauce on tofu, mushrooms, or zucchini for a plant-based option.
For more creative dinner ideas, explore our Snacks Category.
Tips for Perfect BBQ Shrimp
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly—remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Use Skewers: Thread shrimp onto skewers for easy grilling and flipping.
- Marinate for Flavor: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the spices and lemon juice.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the BBQ sauce and marinate the shrimp in advance for quick assembly at mealtime.
Pair this dish with our Mediterranean Chicken Pita for a well-rounded meal.
Serving Suggestions for BBQ Shrimp
- Over Rice: Serve the shrimp atop a bed of jasmine rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
- In Tacos: Add the shrimp to tortillas with coleslaw and avocado for BBQ shrimp tacos.
- With a Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad or a corn and avocado salad for a light, refreshing meal.
- Surf-and-Turf: Serve alongside grilled steak or lamb chops for a decadent cookout feast.
Nutrition Facts for BBQ Shrimp Recipe
Per serving (4 large shrimp, approximately 6 servings):
- Calories: 150–180
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Sugars: 4g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
BBQ Shrimp combines the natural sweetness of shrimp with the smoky, tangy flavors of a perfectly seasoned barbecue glaze. Whether cooked on a grill, baked in the oven, or sautéed on the stovetop, this dish is a crowd-pleaser at parties, family gatherings, or casual dinners.
Regional Variations of BBQ Shrimp
BBQ Shrimp recipes vary across regions, incorporating unique flavors and cooking techniques:
Classic American BBQ Shrimp
- Key Ingredients: Shrimp, smoky barbecue sauce, garlic, and butter.
- Flavor Profile: Smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet.
- Pairing: Serve with cornbread or coleslaw for a Southern-style meal.
New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp
- Key Ingredients: Shrimp, Worcestershire sauce, Creole seasoning, and lemon.
- Flavor Profile: Bold, spicy, and zesty.
- Pairing: Pair with French bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Asian-Inspired BBQ Shrimp
- Key Ingredients: Soy sauce, hoisin, garlic, and ginger in a BBQ glaze.
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, savory, and umami-packed.
- Pairing: Enjoy with steamed jasmine rice or sesame noodles.
Caribbean BBQ Shrimp
- Key Ingredients: Shrimp, jerk seasoning, lime juice, and honey.
- Flavor Profile: Spicy, tangy, and slightly tropical.
- Pairing: Perfect with coconut rice or plantains.
Mediterranean BBQ Shrimp
- Key Ingredients: Olive oil, paprika, garlic, and lemon zest.
- Flavor Profile: Smoky, citrusy, and aromatic.
- Pairing: Serve with grilled vegetables or couscous.
Fun Cooking Techniques for Kids
Involving kids in making BBQ Shrimp can turn cooking into an enjoyable learning experience:
Marinating the Shrimp
- Activity: Allow kids to mix and coat the shrimp with the barbecue marinade.
- Learning Outcome: Introduces them to marination and flavor infusion.
Skewering the Shrimp
- Activity: Let kids thread shrimp onto wooden skewers for grilling.
- Learning Outcome: Teaches hand-eye coordination and portioning.
Brushing the BBQ Sauce
- Activity: Help kids brush sauce onto the shrimp during cooking.
- Learning Outcome: Develops patience and attention to detail.
Arranging the Platter
- Activity: Allow kids to garnish and plate the shrimp with fresh herbs or lemon slices.
- Learning Outcome: Encourages creativity and presentation skills.
Serving with Dips
- Activity: Let kids prepare dips like garlic aioli or spicy mayo to accompany the shrimp.
- Learning Outcome: Teaches them about flavor pairing.
Kitchen Tools to Elevate BBQ Shrimp Recipe
- Grill or Grill Pan
- Adds a smoky flavor and attractive grill marks to the shrimp.
- Wooden or Metal Skewers
- Useful for grilling shrimp evenly and keeping them together.
- Mixing Bowls
- Ideal for marinating shrimp with barbecue sauce.
- Basting Brush
- Helps evenly coat the shrimp with sauce during cooking.
- Tongs
- Ensures easy flipping and handling of shrimp on the grill.
- Citrus Juicer
- Perfect for extracting fresh lime or lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
- Serving Platter
- Elevates presentation for parties or gatherings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Shrimp
- Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if overdone. Aim for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Skipping the Marination Step
- Marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Not Cleaning the Shrimp Properly
- Remove the vein and rinse the shrimp thoroughly for the best taste and texture.
- Overloading the Grill
- Space shrimp evenly to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming.
- Using Too Much Sauce While Cooking
- Brush sparingly during grilling to avoid flare-ups and burning.
Creative Add-Ins
- Pineapple Chunks
- Add pineapple to the skewers for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Spicy Rub
- Sprinkle chili powder or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Garlic Butter Glaze
- Brush shrimp with garlic butter for a rich, savory flavor.
- Fresh Herbs
- Garnish with parsley, cilantro, or basil for added freshness.
- Sesame Seeds
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch.
How to Double or Scale BBQ Shrimp Recipe
- Marinate in Larger Batches
- Use a larger mixing bowl or resealable bag to coat shrimp evenly.
- Prepare Multiple Skewers
- Assemble skewers in advance to streamline grilling for large gatherings.
- Offer Sauce Options
- Create a variety of BBQ sauces (spicy, sweet, smoky) for guests to choose from.
- Serve Buffet-Style
- Keep shrimp warm in a chafing dish for self-serve convenience.
How to Store BBQ Shrimp
- Refrigeration
- Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing
- Freeze uncooked marinated shrimp in a resealable bag for up to 2 months. Thaw before cooking.
- Reheating
- Warm shrimp in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out.
- Avoid Overcooking
- Reheat gently to maintain tenderness.
BBQ Shrimp Recipe in Culture
Shrimp is a versatile seafood enjoyed worldwide, and the addition of barbecue flavors highlights its adaptability. From Southern-style BBQ shrimp steeped in bold sauces to skewered versions cooked over open flames, this dish celebrates culinary creativity and regional diversity.
BBQ shrimp is a staple at cookouts, seafood boils, and casual dinners, symbolizing the joy of sharing flavorful food with family and friends.
How to Adapt BBQ Shrimp Recipe for Special Diets
- Low-Sodium Option
- Use low-sodium soy sauce or barbecue sauce to reduce sodium content.
- Sugar-Free Option
- Replace sugar in the sauce with natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.
- Gluten-Free
- Ensure all sauces and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
- Keto-Friendly
- Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce and olive oil for a keto-approved dish.
- Dairy-Free
- Substitute butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine.
How to Adapt BBQ Shrimp Recipe for Special Occasions
- Summer BBQ Parties
- Serve shrimp skewers with grilled corn and watermelon slices for a festive meal.
- Romantic Dinners
- Plate BBQ shrimp over a bed of creamy risotto or garlic mashed potatoes.
- Game Day Snacks
- Offer BBQ shrimp bites with dipping sauces like ranch or spicy mayo.
- Holiday Gatherings
- Add cranberry glaze or maple syrup to the BBQ sauce for a seasonal twist.
- Family Dinners
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables and rice pilaf for a wholesome meal.
FAQs About BBQ Shrimp Recipe
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just ensure the shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating.
What type of barbecue sauce works best?
A smoky or tangy barbecue sauce works wonderfully, but feel free to use your favorite flavor.
Can I make this dish without a grill?
Absolutely! Use a stovetop grill pan or bake the shrimp in the oven for equally delicious results.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
Explore More Recipes Like BBQ Shrimp
If you loved this recipe, try:
- Shrimp Linguine for a pasta twist.
- Stuffed Peppers for a hearty and flavorful dinner option.
This BBQ Shrimp Recipe is the ultimate combination of bold flavors and tender, juicy shrimp. Whether you grill, bake, or sauté them, these shrimp are sure to be a hit at any meal. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and enjoy this flavorful dish today!
