Juicy BBQ Shrimp Skewers

This hearty BBQ grilled shrimp skewer recipe has become my summer go-to when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of smoky barbecue sauce and succulent shrimp creates a flavor explosion that's impossible to resist.

I discovered this recipe during a beach vacation when we needed something quick after a long day in the sun. It was such a hit that it became our traditional first-night meal for every summer gathering thereafter.

Ingredients

• Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined. The star of the show needs to be fresh and plump. Look for shrimp with a clean ocean smell and firm texture.
• Barbecue sauce: Adds that classic smoky sweet flavor. Choose a quality sauce with a balance of sweetness and tang.
• Olive oil: Helps the seasonings adhere to the shrimp and prevents sticking. Use extra virgin for best flavor.
• Garlic powder: Provides aromatic depth without burning like fresh garlic might. Fresh garlic can be substituted but watch carefully on the grill.
• Smoked paprika: The secret ingredient that amplifies the barbecue flavor. Spanish smoked paprika offers the most authentic flavor.
• Salt and pepper: The foundation of proper seasoning. Sea salt works wonderfully here.
• Skewers: Either metal or wooden work fine. Metal heats more evenly but requires careful handling.
• Lemon wedges: The bright acidity cuts through the richness of the BBQ sauce. Always serve on the side for guests to add as desired.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Grill:

Bring your grill to medium high heat around 375°F to 400°F. This temperature range ensures quick cooking without burning the barbecue sauce. Make sure grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

Season the Shrimp:

In a large bowl combine the shrimp with olive oil garlic powder smoked paprika salt and pepper. Toss everything thoroughly ensuring each shrimp is evenly coated. This base seasoning creates a flavor foundation before the BBQ sauce is applied.

Skewer the Shrimp:

Thread the seasoned shrimp onto skewers leaving small spaces between each piece to ensure even cooking. Arrange them in a C shape which helps them cook more evenly. If using wooden skewers remember they must be soaked for at least 30 minutes beforehand.

Apply BBQ Sauce:

Brush the shrimp generously with barbecue sauce on all sides. The sauce should coat each shrimp but not drip excessively. Reserve some sauce for basting during grilling which creates delicious caramelized layers of flavor.

Grill to Perfection:

Place skewers on the preheated grill and cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side. Watch carefully as shrimp cook quickly. They are done when they turn pink opaque and form a slight C shape. Baste with additional BBQ sauce midway through cooking for extra flavor.

Serve Immediately:

Remove the finished skewers from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and serve while hot. The contrast between the smoky sweet exterior and juicy interior is best enjoyed fresh off the grill.

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I particularly love using a homemade bourbon BBQ sauce with these skewers. My grandfather taught me his secret recipe years ago and the extra depth from the bourbon creates magic when it caramelizes on the shrimp. Every time I make these I think of summer evenings on his back porch.

Make Ahead Options

Though best served immediately after grilling you can prep these skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Simply season the shrimp and thread onto skewers but wait to apply the BBQ sauce until just before grilling. Store prepared skewers covered in the refrigerator. This advance preparation makes them perfect for entertaining when you want to spend time with guests instead of in the kitchen.

Perfect Pairings

These BBQ grilled shrimp skewers shine alongside simple side dishes that complement without competing. A light cucumber and tomato salad provides refreshing contrast to the rich shrimp. Grilled corn on the cob brushed with butter makes for a classic summer pairing. For a complete meal serve over coconut lime rice which catches all the delicious juices from the shrimp. Add a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light craft beer to round out the experience.

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Flavor Variations

While the classic BBQ version is fantastic you can easily adapt this recipe to create different flavor profiles. For a tropical twist replace the BBQ sauce with a mixture of pineapple juice honey ginger and soy sauce. Mediterranean inspired skewers shine with a coating of lemon herb marinade instead of BBQ sauce. For spice lovers add a teaspoon of cayenne or chipotle powder to the base seasoning mix before applying the BBQ sauce. These variations keep the recipe exciting all summer long.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?

Make sure your grill is properly preheated and clean before cooking. Brush the grill grates with oil just before placing the skewers down. The olive oil in the marinade also helps prevent sticking. Additionally, don't try to flip the shrimp too early—they'll release more easily when properly seared.

→ How can I tell when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Properly cooked shrimp turn from translucent gray to opaque pink and form a slight C-shape. If they curl into a tight O-shape, they're overcooked. The entire cooking process should take only 2-3 minutes per side. Remember that shrimp continue cooking briefly after removal from heat.

→ Can I prepare these shrimp skewers in advance?

You can marinate the seasoned shrimp for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator and thread them onto skewers ahead of time. However, hold off on adding the barbecue sauce until just before grilling for the best flavor and to prevent burning. Cook just before serving for optimal tenderness.

→ What sides pair well with BBQ grilled shrimp skewers?

These versatile skewers pair beautifully with grilled corn on the cob, a fresh green salad, coleslaw, rice pilaf, or roasted vegetables. For a complete summer meal, serve alongside watermelon slices and a cold beverage. The smoky-sweet flavors also complement creamy dishes like mac and cheese.

→ Can I make these BBQ shrimp skewers without a grill?

Absolutely! You can prepare these shrimp using a grill pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat, under a broiler for 2 minutes per side, or even in an air fryer at 400°F for about 5-6 minutes total. Just maintain the short cooking time to keep the shrimp juicy and tender.

→ What type of barbecue sauce works best for this dish?

A slightly sweet, smoky barbecue sauce typically works best, but you can customize based on preference. Try a honey BBQ sauce for sweeter results, a spicy version for heat, or a bourbon-based sauce for rich depth. The sauce should be thick enough to cling to the shrimp but not so thick it burns quickly.