Easy BBQ Shrimp Recipe: That’s Bursting With Flavor
Are you craving a quick, flavorful seafood dish that’s both easy to make and a crowd-pleaser? Look no further than BBQ shrimp!
Whether you’re grilling for a weekend get-together or making a quick dinner for your family, this recipe is as simple as it gets. All you need is fresh shrimp, a few flavorful ingredients, and a grill, and you’re ready to go!
BBQ shrimp is juicy, smoky, and just the right amount of tangy. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be grilling like a pro in no time. So let’s dive right into it!
Ingredients
You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to whip up this BBQ shrimp recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika is ideal for a deeper flavor)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for a bright, zesty finish)
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
You can customize the BBQ sauce to suit your taste. If you like it spicy, try adding a little hot sauce or cayenne pepper. If you prefer a sweet and tangy kick, go for a honey BBQ sauce. The possibilities are endless!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp
If you’ve bought frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them thoroughly. A quick way to do this is to place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry with paper towels to get rid of excess moisture—this helps the seasoning stick better.
If your shrimp aren’t already peeled and deveined, it’s super easy to do yourself. Just remove the shell and make a shallow cut along the back to remove the dark vein. This step is optional, but it ensures your shrimp are clean and ready for grilling.
2. Marinate the Shrimp
Now, let’s make sure your shrimp are packed with flavor! In a medium bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until the spices are evenly mixed into the sauce.
Add your shrimp to the bowl, tossing them gently to coat them in the marinade. If you have time, let them sit for 15-30 minutes to soak up all the delicious flavors. If you’re short on time, feel free to skip this step and get grilling right away!
Tip: If you’re really into flavor, marinating the shrimp overnight in the fridge will take it to the next level.
3. Grill the Shrimp
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F). If you’re using a gas grill, make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. For charcoal grills, let the coals burn down to a steady heat.
Place the shrimp on the grill, spaced out evenly so they cook properly. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook them—you want them to be juicy, not rubbery!
You’ll know they’re done when they curl into a “C” shape and have a nice, golden char on the outside. The smokiness from the grill will give them that perfect BBQ flavor!
4. Serve and Garnish
Once your shrimp are grilled to perfection, remove them from the heat and serve immediately. You can serve them straight off the grill or transfer them to a platter for a more polished presentation.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a tangy, zesty kick. These BBQ shrimp go wonderfully with sides like grilled veggies, corn on the cob, rice, or a refreshing coleslaw.
Tips for the Best BBQ Shrimp
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking will make them tough and dry. Keep an eye on them, and pull them off the grill as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Marinate for flavor: Let your shrimp sit in the marinade for at least 15 minutes, or better yet, an hour or more. The longer they marinate, the more flavor they’ll soak up!
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of paprika or add a pinch of cayenne for a spicier kick. For a sweeter BBQ shrimp, use a honey-based sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These BBQ shrimp are versatile, and you can pair them with just about anything! Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside:
Side Dish | Why It Works |
---|---|
Grilled Corn on the Cob | The sweetness of the corn complements the smoky shrimp. |
Coleslaw | A crunchy, tangy side that balances the richness of BBQ shrimp. |
Garlic Butter Rice | Soft and buttery rice that soaks up the extra BBQ sauce. |
Grilled Vegetables | Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make a healthy, smoky side. |
Lemonade or Iced Tea | Refreshing, non-alcoholic drinks to cleanse your palate. |
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely before grilling.
Q: Can I cook these shrimp on a stovetop?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the shrimp in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can marinate the shrimp a few hours ahead of time, but it’s best to grill them fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Q: How can I store leftover BBQ shrimp?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in a skillet or microwave, but keep in mind that shrimp can dry out if reheated too much.
Conclusion
BBQ shrimp are a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or just craving seafood, this recipe has you covered.
It’s packed with flavor, comes together in minutes, and is guaranteed to impress anyone you serve it to.
Next time you fire up the grill, give this BBQ shrimp recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Now, it’s time to get grilling! What’s your favorite BBQ side dish to serve with shrimp? Let me know in the comments!