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Barbecue Grilled Shrimp Skewers are the star of summer barbecues! With just a sprinkle of a simple yet bold rub, these shrimp skewers elevate the natural flavors, meshing perfectly with the smoky kiss of the grill. What’s truly fantastic about these BBQ Grilled Shrimp is their lightning-fast prep and grilling time. It's the kind of main dish that comes together effortlessly, leaving everyone time to kick back and relax.
Growing up in Clear Lake near Houston, not too far from the fishing spots of Galveston, I got hooked on fishing early. It wasn't just about catching fish; it was also about the thrill of cooking and eating what I caught. I've talked about this before, especially when I wrote about making Cajun Fried Catfish.
Being so close to the Gulf of Mexico meant we were never short on fresh seafood. Just a quick ten-minute drive from our place took us to Kemah, Texas, right on Galveston Bay. There, it was quite a sight to see the shrimp boats come in and offload their catch directly to the local, family-run seafood markets. These markets were like treasure troves, stacked with fresh shrimp, oysters, crabs, crawfish, and all sorts of fish laid out on heaps of crushed ice.
Every trip to these markets felt like an adventure. It was always exciting to pick out the freshest ingredients for whatever feast we were planning next. There was something special about the smell of the sea air and seeing all that fresh seafood ready to be picked through—it made these visits more than just shopping trips; they were little expeditions.
This deep connection to that rich seafood culture didn't just make me a better fisherman; it sparked a lifelong passion for seafood dishes. This passion shines through in recipes like my BBQ Shrimp Skewers, a real summer favorite that gets everyone around the grill.
Ingredients Used
- Fresh Jumbo Shrimp
- Olive Oil
- Chipotle Chili Powder for a smoky kick
- Brown Sugar for sweetness
- Cumin for an earthy note
- Lawry's Seasoned Salt
- Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
- Fresh Garlic
Equipment Used
- Mixing Bowls:
- Small bowl for preparing the marinade.
- Large bowl for tossing and marinating the shrimp.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups:
- For accurately measuring ingredients such as spices, olive oil, and seasonings.
- Whisk or Spoon:
- To mix the marinade thoroughly, ensuring all the spices are well combined.
- Kitchen Knife:
- A sharp knife is necessary for finely mincing garlic, chopping herbs, and if needed, deveining the shrimp.
- Cutting Board:
- Skewers:
- Metal Skewers: Reusable and sturdy, ideal for grilling.
- Wooden Skewers: If using, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Grill (Outdoor grill or Indoor grill pan):
- Outdoor grill: Provides the authentic char-grilled flavor.
- Indoor grill pan: Suitable for indoor cooking, especially if an outdoor grill isn't available.
- Grill Tools:
- Long-Handled Tongs for flipping the skewers easily and safely.
- Grill Brush for oiling the grill grates and ensuring the shrimp don’t stick.
- Instant-read Thermometer (optional):
- While not strictly necessary for shrimp, an instant-read thermometer can ensure they are cooked to a safe temperature without overcooking.
- Serving Platter:
- A large platter to serve the skewers hot and fresh off the grill.
- Citrus Juicer or Zester (optional):
- Airtight Containers (for leftovers):
- For storing any leftover shrimp properly in the refrigerator.
Chef Secrets
- Marinade Mastery:
- Balanced Flavors: The combination of chipotle chili powder, brown sugar, cumin, season salt, and black pepper in the marinade creates a balanced profile of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. Pro chefs know that balancing these elements is crucial to enhancing the natural sweetness of the shrimp without overpowering it.
- Marinating Time: Although shrimp are quick to take on flavors, ensuring they marinate just long enough to absorb the flavors without becoming mushy is key. A brief 15-30 minute marinade is sufficient and keeps the shrimp firm and juicy.
- High-Heat Grilling:
- Direct Heat Method: Cooking the shrimp over direct, medium-high heat ensures a quick sear that locks in flavors and juices, which is crucial for achieving a slightly charred, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and moist.
- Preheated Grill: Always preheating the grill ensures that the shrimp begin cooking immediately upon contact, preventing sticking and promoting those desirable grill marks.
- Double Skewering:
- Ingredient Quality and Preparation:
- Shrimp Selection: Opting for large or jumbo shrimp not only provides a meatier bite but also ensures that the shrimp do not overcook too quickly on the grill.
- Peeling and Deveining: Thoroughly peeled and deveined shrimp contribute to a better eating experience. Leaving the tail on can enhance presentation and provide a handle for eating.
- Cross-Grilling:
- Grill Marks: Pro chefs aim for perfect grill marks by placing skewers perpendicular to the grill grates and applying slight pressure. This not only enhances presentation but also increases the surface area for flavor development.
- Resting:
- Garnishes and Acidity:
- Citrus Finish: Adding a splash of lemon or lime juice or zest after grilling adds a fresh burst of acidity that elevates the shrimp’s flavor, cutting through the smokiness and richness of the marinade.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnishing with fresh herbs not only adds color and visual appeal but introduces a fresh, aromatic component that complements the smokiness of the grilled shrimp.
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How to Make BBQ Grilled Shrimp
- Start by soaking your wooding skewers in a dish of water for at least 10 minutes. This will help the wooden skewers from burning.
- I like to skewer mine at the top of the shrimp and then again through the bottom of the tail section. Sometimes I use two skewers per kabob to make flipping them easier.
- GRILLING SHRIMP
- While you can cook steaks at high heat to sear the outside, the secret to perfect grilled shrimp is to cook them at a medium temperature so that you don’t end up with chewy, rubbery shrimp.
- Make sure you preheat the grill and clean it before placing the shrimp on. I usually lightly grease the grates so that none of my shrimp is left on the grill.
- Shrimp are done once the entire body turns an orangy-pink. This should take around 5 minutes. I usually flip them at about 2 ½ minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few dishes that a great served alongside Barbecue Grilled Shrimp:
- Smoky Chipotle Corn Salad
- Grilled Smashed Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic
- Grilled Fresh Corn on the Cob
- Grilled Asparagus
Please let me know how these Barbecue Grilled Shrimp Skewers turn out for you in the comments! I love hearing from you!
Easy Barbecue Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Equipment
- Instant Read Thermometer optional
Ingredients
- 3 pounds 16 count large shrimp, peeled & deveined, tail on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons Lawry’s Season Salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cloves coarsely chopped fresh garlic
Instructions
- Whisk together the chipotle chili powder, brown sugar, cumin, season salt and pepper in a small bowl.
- Place the shrimp in a large bowl, toss with olive oil and garlic. Add the spice rub and stir well to coat; set aside.
- Heat grill to medium-high.
- Place on a grill to cook until just cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is automatically calculated based on ingredient data and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient options are provided, the first listed is used for calculation. Optional ingredients and garnishes are not included in the nutrition analysis.
Wow! I love this recipe!!!! Found it a few years ago on Pinterest and have been using it ever since. I make two changes – I add 1/2 tsp of smoked paprika and 1/2 tsp of garlic powder instead of fresh. My family loves this rub!
Great on chicken and pork too 🙂
I’m so glad you like it! Thanks for stopping by and letting me know!
My whole family loves this very quick but delicious dinner. I serve it with a salad and rice. Its great!
Thank you so much, Elaine! I’m thrilled to hear your whole family loves the shrimp skewers—it’s always a win when dinner is both quick and delicious! Serving it with a salad and rice sounds like the perfect pairing. Thanks for sharing, and I hope this recipe continues to be a hit at your table!