Easy BBQ Shrimp Recipe

When it comes to quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing meals, few dishes beat the versatility and flavor of a BBQ shrimp recipe. Whether you’re hosting a weekend barbecue, whipping up a fast weeknight dinner, or prepping for a light lunch, BBQ shrimp is always a hit. The tender shrimp, marinated and grilled to perfection, deliver a savory, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes.

Today, I’ll take you through an easy BBQ shrimp recipe that you can prepare in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home chef, this guide will provide step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and variations to help you create the best BBQ shrimp.

A colorful array of fresh ingredients for BBQ shrimp, including shrimp, spices, garlic, lemon, and herbs. — Fresh shrimp and aromatic seasonings displayed on a wooden cutting board, ready to be transformed into flavorful BBQ shrimp.

What is the Best Way to Barbecue Shrimp?

The best way to barbecue shrimp is to use a combination of direct heat, proper seasoning, and timing to enhance their natural flavor. Here’s a simple guide:

Choose the Right Shrimp: Opt for large shrimp (16-20 count per pound), as they cook better on the grill and retain moisture.
Marinate for Flavor: Marinate the shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and spices for 15-30 minutes. Avoid over-marinating, as the acidity can break down the shrimp’s texture.
Skewer for Easy Grilling: Skewer the shrimp to prevent them from falling through the grill grates. You can use metal or soaked wooden skewers.
Preheat the Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 350-400°F). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Grill Shrimp Quickly: Grill the shrimp over direct heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become tough.
Add a Finishing Touch: Brush the shrimp with melted butter, garlic, or a BBQ glaze in the last minute for added flavor.
Serve Hot: Serve immediately with lemon wedges or your favorite side dishes.

Grilling shrimp quickly over high heat ensures they remain juicy, while the marinade and finishing touches add depth to the flavor.

What are the Best Methods to Prevent Shrimp from Drying out While Grilling?

To prevent shrimp from drying out on the grill, follow these key tips:

Use Larger Shrimp: Opt for jumbo or large shrimp, as smaller shrimp cook too quickly and can dry out easily.
Marinate Wisely: A quick marinade with oil, citrus, or a light brine will add moisture and flavor, helping protect the shrimp from drying out. Avoid acidic marinades for more than 30 minutes, as they can make the shrimp mushy.
Skewer or Grill Basket: Skewering the shrimp or using a grill basket makes it easier to turn them quickly and prevents overcooking.
Preheat the Grill: Make sure the grill is preheated to medium-high heat before adding the shrimp. This helps cook them evenly without sticking to the grates.
Grill Over Direct Heat: Grill shrimp quickly, about 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking is the main cause of dryness, so remove them as soon as they’re done.
Brush with Butter or Oil: During grilling, lightly brush the shrimp with melted butter, oil, or a glaze to lock in moisture.

By following these steps, your shrimp will stay juicy and tender on the grill!

BBQ Shrimp Recipe

Equipment Needed

Before you get started, it’s important to gather all the necessary tools. Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy BBQ shrimp recipe:

Grill (charcoal or gas) or oven for cooking the shrimp
Skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers)
Mixing bowls (for marinating the shrimp)
Tongs (for flipping shrimp on the grill or in the oven)
Baking sheet (if using the oven)
Brush (for basting with BBQ sauce)

Having all your tools on hand will make the process smoother and ensure you can focus on perfecting your shrimp!

Ingredients

For this BBQ shrimp recipe, you’ll need simple, fresh ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s the complete list:

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined, with the option to leave the tails on or remove them.
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
1 tablespoon honey (for sweetness)
1 tablespoon soy sauce (for depth of flavor)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky touch)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Fresh lemon juice (from half a lemon)
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and easy BBQ shrimp recipe:

Prep the shrimp

Begin by ensuring your shrimp are cleaned, peeled, and deveined. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure they’ll sear properly on the grill or in the oven.

Make the marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon juice. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended. This marinade will give the shrimp that sweet and tangy BBQ flavor with a hint of smokiness.

Marinate the shrimp

Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss them in the marinade until they’re fully coated. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors. If you have more time, you can marinate them for up to 1 hour in the fridge for deeper flavor.

Prepare the grill (or oven)

Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

Skewer the shrimp

Thread the shrimp onto skewers, piercing through both the thick and thin ends of the shrimp to keep them secure. If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for a minimum of 30 minutes to avoid them catching fire during cooking.

Grill (or bake) the shrimp

Grill: Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, basting with extra BBQ sauce as they cook. You’ll know the shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque.

Oven: Place the shrimp on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Like with grilling, they should turn pink and opaque when done.

Garnish and serve

Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the grill or oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, fresh finish.

A delicious BBQ shrimp dish served on a plate with grilled shrimp coated in smoky barbecue sauce, garnished with fresh herbs. — Juicy shrimp glazed with tangy BBQ sauce, presented alongside vibrant sides for an irresistible seafood feast.

Nutritional Facts

BBQ shrimp is a flavorful yet light dish that can easily fit into a balanced diet. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on a 4-serving recipe):

Calories: 180
Protein: 24g
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 620mg

This dish is low in calories, high in protein, and a great source of healthy fats—perfect for those looking for a nutritious meal without compromising on flavor.

Tips and Variations on BBQ Shrimp Recipe

Tips:

Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking them can result in a tough, rubbery texture. They are ready as soon as they turn pink and opaque!
Make it spicy: For a little extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
BBQ shrimp tacos: Wrap your grilled shrimp in tortillas with some fresh salsa, avocado, and slaw for a delicious BBQ shrimp taco twist.

Variations:

New Orleans BBQ Shrimp Recipe

This variation is richer and more decadent. Instead of using a traditional BBQ sauce, New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp are cooked in a buttery, garlicky sauce with Worcestershire, lemon, and Creole seasoning. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

BBQ Shrimp Recipe Oven

If you don’t have a grill, the oven method works just as well. For an even more hands-off approach, you can broil the shrimp on high for 2-3 minutes per side for a similar charred effect.

Sweet BBQ Shrimp Recipe

For a sweeter flavor profile, increase the honey in the marinade to 2 tablespoons and add a bit of brown sugar. This version goes particularly well with tropical sides like pineapple salsa.

Pascal Manale BBQ Shrimp Recipe

The Pascal’s Manale BBQ Shrimp recipe is a well-known variation of BBQ shrimp recipe, originating from the famous Pascal’s Manale Restaurant in New Orleans. This recipe is quite different from traditional BBQ shrimp, as it doesn’t use barbecue sauce at all. Instead, it’s made with large shrimp cooked in a rich, buttery, and peppery sauce, often flavored with garlic, lemon, Worcestershire sauce, and Creole spices.

Key Characteristics of Pascal’s Manale BBQ Shrimp:

Butter-based sauce: The shrimp are cooked in a luxurious sauce made from lots of butter, garlic, and spices.
Peppery kick: It has a bold, peppery flavor, which is a hallmark of this New Orleans variation.
Crusty bread accompaniment: It’s typically served with French bread to mop up the delicious sauce.
Shell-on shrimp: For authenticity, the shrimp are often left with their shells on during cooking, which helps intensify the flavor.

Pascal’s Manale BBQ Shrimp is less of a traditional barbecue dish and more of a flavorful, buttery shrimp dish that’s full of southern flair.

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FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this BBQ shrimp recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work great! Ensure the shrimp are fully thawed before you begin marinating and cooking them.

What can I serve with BBQ shrimp?

BBQ shrimp pairs wonderfully with rice, grilled vegetables, coleslaw, or even pasta. You can also use the shrimp in tacos, wraps, or salads for a complete meal.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover BBQ shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place them in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes, or warm them up in the microwave for 30 seconds.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the shrimp up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge. When ready to cook, simply follow the grilling or baking instructions.

A vibrant plate of grilled BBQ shrimp, glazed with a smoky sauce, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. — Juicy shrimp coated in a flavorful BBQ glaze, served hot off the grill for a quick and satisfying meal.

Final Thought

BBQ shrimp is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual lunches to backyard cookouts. This BBQ shrimp recipe is versatile, allowing you to grill or bake, adjust the sweetness or heat, and even create New Orleans-style shrimp with a buttery twist. The key is in the marinade, which infuses the shrimp with bold, tangy flavors.

Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to experiment with the tips and variations for an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re making tacos, serving it over rice, or enjoying it straight from the skewer, BBQ shrimp is sure to become a new favorite in your home.