BBQ shrimp is one of those dishes that’s simple to make yet tastes like a restaurant-quality meal. With juicy shrimp coated in a bold, smoky BBQ sauce and either grilled or pan-seared to perfection, this dish is perfect for summer cookouts, game day snacks, or a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.
Serve them on skewers, in tacos, over rice, or even as a salad topper—this recipe is super versatile!
What You’ll Need
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the BBQ Sauce:
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Juice of ½ lime
Optional Garnishes:
- Lime wedges for serving
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Pro Tips for BBQ Shrimp Perfection
🔥 Use fresh or thawed shrimp – frozen shrimp can get watery if not properly dried.
🍯 Balance sweet and smoky – honey or brown sugar helps caramelize the shrimp beautifully.
🍤 Don’t overcook! Shrimp cook fast—2 minutes per side is usually perfect.
🌿 Add a fresh touch – lime juice and herbs brighten up the smoky BBQ flavors.
👧 Let kids brush on the BBQ sauce – a fun and mess-friendly step!
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Skewers (if grilling)
- Grill or grill pan (or a regular skillet)
- Tongs
- Basting brush
Substitutions & Variations
🌶️ Spicy twist? Add ½ teaspoon cayenne or a splash of hot sauce.
🍍 Tropical flavor? Brush with pineapple juice before grilling.
🍋 Zesty alternative? Swap lime juice for lemon and add fresh zest.
🥩 No shrimp? Use chicken strips instead for a BBQ chicken variation!
Make-Ahead Tips
- Marinate shrimp for up to 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
- Make BBQ sauce ahead and store in the fridge for up to a week.
- Pre-thread skewers for easy grilling when ready to cook.
How to Make BBQ Shrimp
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Set aside while preparing the BBQ sauce.
Step 2: Make the BBQ Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and lime juice.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp (Grill or Pan-Sear)
Grill Method:
- Thread shrimp onto skewers (if using). Preheat grill to medium-high and oil the grates.
- Grill for 2 minutes per side, basting with BBQ sauce in the last minute.
Pan-Sear Method:
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side, then brush with BBQ sauce and cook 1 more minute.
Step 4: Serve & Garnish
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro.
- Serve with lime wedges and extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a pan over low heat to avoid overcooking.
- Use leftovers in tacos, salads, or wraps!
Final Thoughts
These BBQ Shrimp are smoky, juicy, and bursting with flavor, making them the perfect summer dish or easy weeknight meal. Whether you grill them outdoors or cook them inside, they’re a guaranteed hit.
💬 Did you serve yours in tacos, over rice, or straight off the skewer? Let me know how you made your BBQ shrimp shine in the comments! 🍤🔥💛
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