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This Grilled BBQ Shrimp recipe is perfect for cookouts and summer grilling! Marinated in a smoky bbq seasoning blend and skewered for easy cooking! Bbq shrimp skewers are perfect as an appetizer or main course with a crispy exterior, juicy interior, and explosive flavor. Plus, you can cook the shrimp on the grill or stove for added flexibility. Enjoy these simple barbeque shrimp kabobs with all your favorite summer sides.
Table of Contents
- Why you’ll love this shrimp on the grill recipe
- Ingredients to make bbq shrimp
- How to make grilled bbq shrimp skewers
- Tips for making the best BBQ shrimp skewers
- Popular substitutions & additions
- What to serve with barbecue shrimp
- How to store & reheat grilled bbq shrimp
- Frequently asked questions
- More shrimp recipes:
- Grilled BBQ Shrimp Recipe
Shrimp is a seafood superstar that cooks in a flash, and our grilled BBQ shrimp skewers are no exception! Marinated to perfection, these delicious bites cook up in under 10 minutes. What’s even better is the flexibility of cooking them on a grill pan, giving you those coveted grill marks and added convenience when the outdoor grill is not readily available. For an added burst of flavor, pair the grilled shrimp with a tangy BBQ sauce for dipping.
Looking to mix things up? Try serving them in a lettuce wrap, or check out my shrimp kabob recipe for even more deliciousness.
Why you’ll love this shrimp on the grill recipe
- The best BBQ flavor. Grilled BBQ shrimp has the best smoky flavor, and when cooked on an outdoor grill, you get a nice charred flavor that complements the shrimp’s, natural sweetness. The tangy and savory BBQ marinade takes it over the top!
- Quick and easy. Shrimp is a quick and easy ingredient to work with, making it a perfect choice for busy schedules or last-minute get-togethers. Plus, it takes less than 10 minutes to grill barbeque shrimp in a grill pan or on the grill.
- Versatility: Whether you’re hosting a BBQ party or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, these shrimp skewers fit the bill. They’re perfect as an appetizer, a main dish paired with a side of grilled veggies, or even tucked into a tortilla for a quick shrimp taco. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients to make bbq shrimp
- Shrimp: I used jumbo peeled and deveined shrimp for this recipe. Use a paper towel to remove any extra moisture before tossing in the seasoning mixture. This will help it adhere better to the shrimp.
- Olive oil: The oil is used as part of the marinade, and extra is used to grease the grill grates or grill pan. You can use avocado oil or another high-smoke point oil.
- BBQ seasoning: I usually don’t have BBQ seasoning readily available, but since it consists of commonly used spices, creating a homemade barbecue spice blend is a breeze! Alternatively, you can simply use your preferred store-bought seasoning. I also add a bit of salt for more flavor.
How to make grilled bbq shrimp skewers
From the easy marinade to grilling techniques, you’ll be on your way to perfectly grilled shrimp coated in a sweet and smoky bbq sauce. Start by soaking your wooden shrimp skewers if using them, or you can opt for metal skewers instead.
Marinate and thread shrimp skewers
- Combine the olive oil, BBQ seasoning, salt, and shrimp in a mixing bowl.
- Toss the shrimp in the mixture to coat the shrimp well and then cover and refrigerate to allow the seasoning to penetrate the shrimp.
- Once the shrimp is marinated, thread them onto the prepared skewers. Make sure to thread the top and bottom of the shrimp so they stay in place while grilling.
- The number of shrimp you add to the skewer will depend on the size of the shrimp you use.
Grill the bbq seasoned shrimp
- Lightly grease your grill pan, or if using an outdoor grill, use a paper towel and tongs to oil the grates. Add the shrimp and cook for a few minutes on one side.
- Flip the shrimp and continue to cook until cooked through.
Tips for making the best BBQ shrimp skewers
- Don’t skip marinating. Because we’re using a dry seasoning blend mixed with oil, it’s best to let the shrimp sit in the mixture for at least 15 minutes or up to an hour. This allows the marinade to penetrate the shrimp resulting in a more flavorful dish.
- Cook with care. Shrimp cook quickly, usually within 2-3 minutes per side, depending on their size. Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to a rubbery texture. Keep a close eye on the shrimp while grilling; when they turn pink and opaque, they are done.
- Baste the shrimp with sauce. While grilling, brush the shrimp with bbq sauce to add extra flavor and a caramelized finish. Do this during the last minute or two of grilling, turning them once or twice to coat them evenly.
- Serve immediately. Grilled shrimp is best enjoyed right off the grill while still hot and juicy.
Popular substitutions & additions
- Spices and Seasonings. Experiment with different spices and seasonings to create unique flavor profiles. Cayenne pepper, cumin, garlic powder, or a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning can complement the BBQ flavors.
- BBQ Sauce. Serve the grilled shrimp with a side of your favorite barbecue sauce for dipping or drizzling.
- Citrus. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon, lime, or orange juice over the grilled shrimp before serving can provide a fresh burst of flavor.
- Cook with veggies. Pick some vegetables that cook quickly, such as quartered squash and zucchini, cherry tomatoes, boiled potatoes, peppers, and/or onions.
What to serve with barbecue shrimp
- Grilled Veggie Skewers
- Macaroni Salad
- Mustard Potato Salad
- Creamy Macaroni Salad
- Red Cabbage Slaw
- Fresh Garden Salad
How to store & reheat grilled bbq shrimp
Shrimp is best served right after cooking as it can become rubbery and are super easy to overcook. If you’d like to store leftovers of your BBQ grilled shrimp, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
To reheat: Warm a pan over medium and quickly heat back up. Because the shrimp has already been cooked, you’ll want to briefly (but thoroughly) heat it through so it doesn’t become rubbery from reheating.
How long will barbeque shrimp last in the fridge?
Cooked shrimp can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. After that, it should be tossed.
Can I freeze cooked shrimp?
Again, freshly grilled shrimp is best enjoyed immediately, but you can freeze leftovers if desired. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, reheat in a skillet, or enjoy cold in a salad.
Frequently asked questions
It’s generally recommended to peel the shrimp before grilling for easier eating. However, leaving the shells on can add extra flavor and moisture to the shrimp if desired.
To prevent sticking, make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before grilling or that your grill pan is hot and oiled. You can also use skewers or a grilling basket to keep the shrimp intact and prevent them from falling through the grates.
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for grilling. Thaw them first by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water. Make sure they are completely thawed and pat them dry before grilling.
The cooking time for shrimp on a charcoal grill, propane grill, or even in a grill pan can vary depending on the size of the shrimp and the heat of the grill. Generally, it takes about 2-3 minutes per side for medium-sized shrimp to cook and just 1-2 minutes more for larger shrimp.
Grilled BBQ shrimp is always a crowd-pleaser and a delicious addition to any summer gathering. The juicy shrimp, smokey bbq marinade, and those irresistible grill marks make this the perfect dish to satisfy any seafood cravings. Whether you’re hosting a big backyard barbecue or just enjoying a cozy dinner at home, grilled BBQ shrimp is the way to go.
More shrimp recipes:
- Seared Garlic Shrimp with Lemon
- Lemon Herb Shrimp and Rice Bowl
- Red Curry Shrimp With Coconut
- Mediterranean Shrimp Couscous
- One Pan Shrimp Fajitas
- Shrimp Tacos in a Bowl
- Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry
- Easy Shrimp Fried Rice
- Shrimp Orzo Salad
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers
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Grilled BBQ Shrimp
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons BBQ seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt if needed
- 1 pound jumbo raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 to 6 wooden skewers soaked in water for at least 10 minutes
- Avocado oil as needed, for grill grates
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, BBQ seasoning, salt and shrimp. Stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour.
- Once the shrimp have marinated, thread them onto the prepared skewers. Set aside while you preheat the grill.
- If using a grill pan, grease lightly with a high-heat oil, then preheat for 3 minutes over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until cooked through. If using a gas grill, preheat to medium (350°F), then grill the shrimp skewers for 2 to 3 minutes per side with the lid open.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
