Grilled BBQ shrimp is a dish that never fails to impress, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a cozy dinner at home. The smoky, charred flavor combined with the succulent, juicy shrimp creates a delightful experience that tantalizes the taste buds. This dish has its roots in coastal regions, where fresh seafood is abundant and grilling is a beloved cooking method. Over the years, grilled BBQ shrimp has become a staple in many households, celebrated for its simplicity and bold flavors.

People love grilled BBQ shrimp not only for its incredible taste and texture but also for its convenience. It comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The combination of spices and marinades allows for endless variations, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor. Join me as we dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will surely become a favorite in your culinary repertoire!

Ingredients:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Preparing the Marinade

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, BBQ sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. 2. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well blended. The marinade should have a nice balance of tangy, spicy, and smoky flavors. 3. Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more cayenne pepper.

Marinating the Shrimp

4. Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. 5. Pour the marinade over the shrimp, ensuring that each piece is well coated. 6. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. 7. Refrigerate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate the shrimp, making them deliciously flavorful.

Preparing the Grill

8. While the shrimp are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If youre using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are hot and ashy. 9. If youre using a gas grill, turn on the burners and let it heat up for about 10-15 minutes. 10. Once the grill is hot, clean the grates with a grill brush to remove any residue from previous grilling sessions. This will help prevent the shrimp from sticking.

Skewering the Shrimp

11. If youre using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. 12. Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each shrimp for even cooking. 13. If you prefer, you can also grill the shrimp directly on the grill grates, but skewering makes it easier to handle and flip them.

Grilling the Shrimp

14. Once the grill is ready, place the skewered shrimp on the grill. 15. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side. Youll know theyre ready to flip when they start to turn pink and opaque. 16. Carefully flip the skewers using tongs and grill for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. 17. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking; shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if left on the grill too long.

Checking for Doneness

18. The shrimp are done when they are fully pink and opaque throughout. You can also check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 120°F (49°C). 19. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the grill and let them rest for a minute.

Assembling and Serving

20. Transfer the grilled shrimp to a serving platter. 21. Drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce over the top if desired, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. 22. Serve the grilled BBQ shrimp with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. The acidity of the lemon complements the smoky flavors beautifully.

Pairing Suggestions

23. Grilled BBQ shrimp can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish. 24. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a side of grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or some fluffy rice. 25. If youre feeling adventurous, you can also serve them in tacos with slaw and avocado for a fun twist.

Storing Leftovers

26. If you have any leftover grilled shrimp, let them cool completely before storing. 27. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. 28. You can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or enjoy them cold in a salad or wrap.

Conclusion:

In summary, this Grilled BBQ Shrimp recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their grilling game and impress their friends and family. The combination of succulent shrimp marinated in a zesty BBQ sauce creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Whether you serve it as a main dish alongside a fresh salad, or as an appetizer at your next gathering, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. For those looking to mix things up, consider adding a splash of citrus juice to the marinade for a refreshing twist, or try skewering the shrimp with colorful vegetables like bell peppers and onions for a vibrant presentation. You can also experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your perfect flavor profilesmoky, sweet, or spicy, the choice is yours! I encourage you to give this Grilled BBQ Shrimp recipe a try and share your experience with me. I would love to hear how it turned out for you and any variations you might have tried. Cooking is all about creativity and making it your own, so dont hesitate to put your personal spin on it. Happy grilling!