Quick and Easy Barbecue Shrimp

This Quick and Easy Barbecue Shrimp recipe brings bright, saucy flavor to the grill in minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard gatherings. Large shrimp cook fast and pick up a lovely char that contrasts with a sticky barbecue glaze. If you love speedy, satisfying meals like Quick and Easy Beef Pasta, this shrimp will slide right onto your regular rotation. It’s a simple, impressive dish that pairs well with light sides and fresh lemons.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This recipe shines because it turns just a few pantry staples into a show-stopping main in under 30 minutes. The prep is minimal toss the shrimp in the sauce, skewer or basket them, and grill until opaque so you spend more time enjoying company and less time at the stove. It’s versatile for parties: serve off skewers as an appetizer or pile them on a platter for dinner. The sweet-smoky barbecue sauce caramelizes on the shrimp, creating a glossy coating that looks as good as it tastes. Because shrimp cook quickly, they stay tender rather than rubbery when you watch the clock. For a complete summer spread, add a crisp salad and a cool side of grilled veggies.

Flavor and Texture

The flavor profile balances tangy, sweet barbecue with a hint of smoked paprika and mellow garlic. Olive oil helps the sauce cling to the shrimp and promotes those tempting charred edges on the grill. Texture is a key win here plump shrimp become just-firm and juicy, while the sauce forms a sticky finish that’s irresistible to lick from fingers or a fork. A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the richness, cutting through sweetness and lifting every bite. The paprika adds subtle warmth and color without overpowering the shrimp’s natural sweetness.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the shrimp in the sauce until well coated.
4. Place the shrimp on skewers or in a grilling basket.
5. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re opaque and cooked through.
6. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Tips for Best Results

Choose large shrimp for the best balance of quick cook time and meaty texture. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes first to prevent burning. Keep an eye on the grill shrimp go from perfect to overcooked very quickly, so use a timer if helpful. For extra smoky depth, finish the shrimp briefly over a hotter zone to char the edges without drying the centers. If you want a full meal vibe, serve the shrimp alongside grilled corn and a zesty side or a bright dessert like 4-Layer Lemon Dessert for contrast.

Storage and Make Ahead

Grilled barbecue shrimp are best enjoyed the day they’re made, but leftovers keep well for up to two days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce to prevent drying. You can marinate the shrimp in the sauce for up to 30 minutes ahead of time, but avoid marinating too long if your sauce contains a lot of acid, as it can begin to change the shrimp’s texture. For easy entertaining, assemble skewers in advance and refrigerate until ready to grill.

Final Thought

This Quick and Easy Barbecue Shrimp recipe proves that fast food can be both elegant and homey. With a glossy barbecue glaze, citrus brightness, and snap-from-the-grill texture, it’s an effortless crowd-pleaser. Keep the marinade simple, watch the clock, and you’ll have a flavorful plate in minutes.

Conclusion

For another saucy, shrimp-forward take inspired by regional flavors, check out Easy New Orleans BBQ Shrimp – Coley Cooks for ideas that lean into buttery, peppery sauce and rich finish: Easy New Orleans BBQ Shrimp – Coley Cooks.

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