BBQ Shrimp Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Grilled Shrimp

If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion, this BBQ shrimp recipe is exactly what you need. Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue or just want a quick weeknight dinner, grilled shrimp, with its smoky, tangy flavor, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to prepare and packs a punch with bold, savory flavors.

In this article, we’ll guide you through each step of the BBQ shrimp recipe, from selecting the right ingredients to grilling the shrimp to perfection. Let’s dive into this seafood delight!

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Shrimp Recipe

A good BBQ shrimp recipe isn’t just about the shrimp; it’s about the marinade, the seasoning, and the grilling technique that bring everything together. Shrimp are naturally sweet, and when combined with a flavorful marinade, they become tender, juicy, and bursting with taste. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:

• Quick and Easy: This BBQ shrimp recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
• Packed with Flavor: The marinade combines smoky paprika, zesty lemon, and Cajun seasoning, infusing the shrimp with bold, complex flavors.
• Versatile: You can serve it as an appetizer, a main dish, or even toss it in tacos for a fun twist.
• Healthy: Shrimp are low in calories and high in protein, making this BBQ shrimp recipe a nutritious and satisfying meal.

What You Need for the Best BBQ Shrimp Recipe

The key to any great BBQ shrimp recipe lies in the ingredients. You don’t need many, but fresh, quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference in flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

BBQ Shrimp Recipe Ingredients:

Optional Add-ins:

• Honey: A tablespoon of honey can balance the flavors with a touch of sweetness.
• Cayenne Pepper: If you like more heat, add a pinch of cayenne to the marinade.
• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds color and freshness when serving.

Tips for Choosing Shrimp:

• Fresh shrimp are always better than frozen ones. If you have to use frozen shrimp, make sure they are completely thawed before marinating.
• Opt for large shrimp (21-30 per pound). They’re perfect for grilling and soak up the marinade well.

How to Prepare the Perfect BBQ Shrimp Recipe

Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to create the perfect BBQ shrimp recipe.

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

First, make sure your shrimp are peeled and deveined. If you’re using frozen shrimp, allow them to thaw completely. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. The combination of these ingredients will create a tangy, smoky marinade that complements the sweetness of the shrimp.

Step 3: Marinate the Shrimp

Place the shrimp in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. Don’t marinate the shrimp for too long, as it can make them too salty.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill

While the shrimp are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 450°F). Clean the grill grates and lightly oil them to prevent the shrimp from sticking.

Step 5: Grill the Shrimp

Skewer the shrimp if you’re using wooden or metal skewers, or simply place them on the grill grates using a grill basket. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are opaque and pink. Be careful not to overcook them—shrimp cook very quickly!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once your shrimp are perfectly grilled, remove them from the grill. Serve immediately, either on their own or as part of a larger meal.

Creative Ways to Serve BBQ Shrimp

Now that you’ve mastered the BBQ shrimp recipe, here are some tasty ways to serve your grilled shrimp:

1. Classic BBQ Shrimp Platter: Serve the shrimp with grilled vegetables like corn on the cob, bell peppers, or zucchini.
2. BBQ Shrimp Tacos: Add the grilled shrimp to soft tortillas and top with shredded cabbage, avocado, and a squeeze of lime. You can also drizzle on some garlic butter or spicy mayo for extra flavor.
3. Shrimp Salad: Serve the shrimp over a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing, low-carb option.
4. Garlic Bread Side: Pair your shrimp with some crispy garlic bread to soak up all the delicious marinade juices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with BBQ Shrimp

While BBQ shrimp is a straightforward recipe, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure it turns out perfectly every time:

1. Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so avoid leaving them on the grill for too long. Overcooked shrimp will be rubbery and dry.
2. Using Frozen Shrimp without Thawing: Frozen shrimp need to be fully thawed before marinating to ensure they absorb all the flavors of the marinade.
3. Too Much Salt in the Marinade: Shrimp already have a natural briny flavor, so you don’t need to add too much salt. Stick to the recommended amount and rely on the spices to bring out the flavor.

FAQ: All Your BBQ Shrimp Recipe Questions Answered

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this BBQ shrimp recipe?

Yes, you can. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating and grilling.

Q2: How long do I grill shrimp for this BBQ shrimp recipe?

Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, depending on their size. Once they turn opaque and pink, they’re done.

Q3: Can I marinate the shrimp overnight?

It’s best to marinate the shrimp for 30 minutes to an hour. Marinating overnight may make the shrimp too salty or too tender.

Q4: What can I serve with BBQ shrimp?

Serve BBQ shrimp with grilled vegetables, a side salad, or in tacos. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a hearty meal.

This BBQ shrimp recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly flavorful. By following these steps, you can create a dish that will be the highlight of any meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this grilled shrimp recipe is sure to impress. Happy grilling!