BBQ Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Get ready to fire up the grill and enjoy one of the easiest and most mouthwatering dishes you can make in under 20 minutes—BBQ Grilled Shrimp Skewers! These juicy, smoky, and slightly charred shrimp are brushed with a bold BBQ glaze that clings to every curve, packing in sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Perfect for backyard cookouts, weeknight dinners, or quick summer lunches, this recipe is all about simplicity and bold, satisfying taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Foolproof: From fridge to grill to plate in just about 15 minutes—no long prep, no complex steps.
• Flavor-Packed: The BBQ sauce caramelizes beautifully on the grill, giving the shrimp a sticky, smoky, and slightly sweet crust that’s irresistible.
• Customizable: This recipe works great with your favorite BBQ sauce and lets you play around with spice levels, herbs, and even citrusy twists.
• Impressive Yet Easy: Looks like something from a beachside grill shack, but couldn’t be easier to pull off—even beginners will nail it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these essentials before you start—each one plays a tasty role in this flavor-packed recipe:

• Shrimp: Go for large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. Bigger shrimp hold up better on the grill and stay juicy inside.
• BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce—smoky, sweet, spicy, or tangy—it’s the flavor base of the whole dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking on the grill and keeps the shrimp tender and juicy.
• Garlic: A touch of minced garlic adds depth and savory goodness to every bite.
• Paprika: Smoked or sweet paprika adds a warm earthiness and enhances the grilled flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: For simple, effective seasoning—don’t skip this.
• Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of lemon right before serving brightens everything up beautifully.
• Wooden or Metal Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning.

Variations

Switch things up with these tasty twists:

• Spicy Cajun Style: Toss shrimp in Cajun seasoning and a bit of hot sauce before brushing with BBQ.
• Garlic Butter Glaze: Swap the BBQ sauce for garlic butter and a sprinkle of parsley for a rich, savory version.
• Tropical Touch: Add pineapple chunks to the skewers for a sweet and smoky flavor contrast.
• Asian-Inspired: Use a teriyaki BBQ sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds over the finished skewers.

How to Make BBQ Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

If your shrimp are frozen, thaw them under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels—moisture will prevent good searing. Thread the shrimp onto skewers, piercing through both the tail and the head end so they stay secure and flat on the grill.

Step 2: Season and Sauce

In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture generously over both sides of the shrimp. Then, lightly coat with BBQ sauce, reserving some for later basting.

Step 3: Heat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure it’s clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side. Brush more BBQ sauce on as they cook. You’ll know they’re done when they turn opaque and slightly charred.

Step 5: Serve with a Squeeze

Once grilled, remove from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Serve immediately for maximum flavor and juiciness.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly and go rubbery fast—2 to 3 minutes per side is all they need.
• Double Skewer Technique: Use two skewers per set to keep shrimp from spinning when you flip them.
• Control the Heat: Avoid super high flames. Medium-high gives a nice sear without burning the BBQ sauce.
• Use Direct Heat: Shrimp don’t need indirect grilling—quick, high heat right over the flames works best.

How to Serve

These BBQ Grilled Shrimp Skewers are versatile and delicious in so many ways. Here’s how to serve them up:

On Their Own:

Serve as a protein-packed main with extra BBQ sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

With Sides:

Pair with grilled corn, a simple coleslaw, or a fresh green salad. Garlic bread or roasted potatoes also make excellent companions.

In Dishes:

Slide the shrimp off the skewers and toss them into tacos, rice bowls, or even pasta for a smoky twist.

Dipping Sauce Ideas:

Serve with ranch, chipotle mayo, or a homemade aioli for added richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the shrimp cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the skewers in if possible to make reheating easier.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked shrimp, but for best texture, enjoy them fresh. If freezing, store in a zip-top bag with all air pressed out, and use within 1 month.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes. Avoid the microwave—it can turn shrimp rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before grilling. Extra moisture will interfere with the searing process.

Do I need to marinate the shrimp before grilling?
No marinade time is necessary for this recipe. The bold BBQ glaze provides all the flavor during the grilling process.

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
It really depends on your preference. Sweet and smoky sauces work beautifully, but feel free to experiment with spicy, tangy, or even mustard-based BBQ sauces.

Can I cook these without a grill?
Definitely. A grill pan on the stovetop or broiler in the oven can give you similar results. Just make sure to keep an eye on cooking time.

Final Thoughts

These BBQ Grilled Shrimp Skewers are everything you want in a quick dinner—fast, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or just craving something smoky and delicious after a long day, this recipe is your go-to. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your grilling rotation!

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