Barbecue Shrimp Recipe – Smoky, Juicy & Packed with Flavor
This barbecue shrimp recipe delivers smoky, tangy, and juicy shrimp cooked to perfection on the grill, in a skillet, or in the oven. Marinated in a savory barbecue sauce, these shrimp are perfect for summer cookouts, quick dinners, or an easy appetizer. Serve them with grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Grill, skillet, or baking sheet (for cooking)
- Tongs
- Basting brush (for sauce)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Knife & cutting board
Ingredients
- For the Shrimp Marinade:
- 1 pound 450g large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- For the Barbecue Sauce:
- ½ cup barbecue sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce optional for spice
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- For Serving Optional:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro chopped
- Lemon wedges
- Extra barbecue sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shrimp, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Toss until shrimp are evenly coated, then cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.
- Prepare the Barbecue Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix barbecue sauce, honey (or brown sugar), Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and cayenne pepper.
- Stir well and set aside.
- Cook the Barbecue Shrimp:
- Option 1: Grilling the Shrimp
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F / 190-200°C).
- Thread shrimp onto skewers or place directly on the grill.
- Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, brushing with barbecue sauce in the last minute.
- Option 2: Cooking in a Skillet
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
- Brush with barbecue sauce and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Option 3: Baking the Shrimp
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place shrimp on a lined baking sheet and brush with barbecue sauce.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve & Garnish:
- Transfer shrimp to a serving plate.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
- Serve with lemon wedges and extra barbecue sauce for dipping.
Notes
For spicy shrimp, add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade.
Use fresh or frozen shrimp—just thaw frozen shrimp before marinating.
Make it smoky: Grill over charcoal for an extra smoky flavor.
Pair with sides like grilled corn, rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Use fresh or frozen shrimp—just thaw frozen shrimp before marinating.
Make it smoky: Grill over charcoal for an extra smoky flavor.
Pair with sides like grilled corn, rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad.