BBQ shrimp is a mouthwatering dish that combines the sweetness of shrimp with bold, smoky, and tangy flavors. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking on the stovetop, making BBQ shrimp is quick, easy, and sure to impress your family and friends. In this article, we’ll walk you through different methods and recipes to make BBQ shrimp that bursts with flavor. Get ready to enjoy a seafood feast that’s perfect for summer or any time you crave a tasty, protein-packed meal.
What Is BBQ Shrimp?
Despite the name, BBQ shrimp doesn’t always mean shrimp cooked directly on the grill with barbecue sauce. There are two popular styles:
– New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp: This classic version is cooked in a buttery, spicy sauce with Worcestershire, garlic, lemon, and Cajun seasonings. It’s rich, saucy, and often served with crusty bread to soak up every drop.
– Grilled BBQ shrimp: This method involves skewering shrimp, brushing them with BBQ sauce, and grilling them until caramelized and smoky. It’s quick and perfect for outdoor cookouts.
Both styles are delicious and easy to make—choose the one that fits your mood and equipment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a general list of ingredients used in both popular BBQ shrimp styles:
– Fresh shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
– Butter or olive oil
– Garlic (fresh or powder)
– Worcestershire sauce (for New Orleans style)
– Lemon juice and lemon wheels
– Cajun or Creole seasoning or a mix of spices like paprika, cumin, black pepper, and cayenne
– BBQ sauce (for grilled shrimp)
– Hot sauce (optional, for heat)
– Fresh herbs like parsley or scallions for garnish
– Bread or rice for serving
How to Make New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp
This version is all about a flavorful, buttery sauce that coats the shrimp perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the sauce base: In a large skillet, combine Worcestershire sauce, beer, garlic, bay leaf, rosemary, Cajun seasoning, pepper, and hot sauce. Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp and lemon wheels to the skillet. Toss to coat, then reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook until shrimp are just cooked through, about 3-5 minutes depending on size.
- Finish the sauce: Remove the lid, add lemon juice, then turn off the heat. Stir in cold cubed butter vigorously until melted and the sauce emulsifies. Adjust seasoning with salt and more lemon juice if needed.
- Serve: Transfer shrimp and sauce to a serving dish, sprinkle with chopped scallions and parsley. Serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips for Success
– Use fresh cracked black pepper for the best flavor.
– Rosemary is traditional but can be swapped for thyme or oregano.
– Adjust spiciness by adding cayenne or hot sauce to taste.
– Keep shrimp refrigerated until ready to cook.
– Add butter at the end off the heat to avoid sauce separation.
How to Make Grilled BBQ Shrimp
If you prefer a smoky, charred flavor, grilling shrimp with BBQ sauce is the way to go.
Ingredients
– 2 pounds shrimp (thawed, peeled, deveined)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– ¼ teaspoon salt and black pepper
– ⅓ cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite)
– 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional for extra smoky flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat grill: Clean and lightly oil your grill, then heat it to medium.
- Prepare shrimp: Thread shrimp onto skewers (4-5 per skewer). Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Mix sauce: In a small bowl, combine BBQ sauce and optional liquid smoke.
- Grill shrimp: Place skewers on the grill and sear for 2 minutes. Flip and brush with BBQ sauce. Cook for 1 minute, then flip and baste the other side. Continue flipping and basting every minute until shrimp are cooked through (about 5-7 minutes total).
- Serve: Remove from grill and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
A Quick and Easy Stovetop BBQ Shrimp Option
For a fast, flavorful meal, you can also make BBQ shrimp on the stovetop with a tangy BBQ sauce-based pan sauce.
Ingredients
– 1 ½ pounds medium shrimp, thawed and deveined
– ¾ cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with water (to thicken)
– ½ teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder, cumin
– ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Fresh ground black pepper
Method
- Pat shrimp dry and toss with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook until half done (1-2 minutes).
- Stir together BBQ sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and cornstarch mixture. Pour over shrimp.
- Cook 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and shrimp are fully cooked.
- Remove from heat, add lemon juice and fresh black pepper. Serve with rice or bread.
Serving Suggestions
BBQ shrimp pairs wonderfully with:
– Crusty French bread or garlic bread to soak up sauces
– Steamed white rice or dirty rice
– Fresh green salads or coleslaw
– Grilled vegetables or corn on the cob
Final Thoughts
Making BBQ shrimp at home is simple and rewarding. Whether you prefer the buttery, spicy New Orleans style or the smoky grilled version, both deliver incredible flavor with minimal effort. Grab fresh shrimp, your favorite seasonings, and get ready for a delicious meal that’s sure to become a favorite.
Enjoy your BBQ shrimp feast!