BBQ Shrimp Skewers – Quick, Flavorful & Perfect for Grilling Season

Pin It For Later

Don't lose this recipe – save it to your Grilling Favorites board on Pinterest!

Click the image above to save this recipe to Pinterest!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 15 minutes – fast and easy
• Big, bold BBQ flavor with a smoky-sweet glaze
• Perfect for grilling – gets beautiful char marks
• Great for entertaining – makes an impressive appetizer or main
• Customizable with different marinades and sauces

Tools You'll Need

• Outdoor grill or grill pan
• Skewers (metal or wooden – if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Tongs
• Pastry brush

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined, tails on or off
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon honey (for extra sweetness)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp:

1. Pat dry: Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures a good sear.
2. Season: In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Marinate (optional): Let the seasoned shrimp sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes while you preheat the grill.

Skewer and Grill:

1. Preheat grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). Clean and oil the grates.
2. Skewer shrimp: Thread shrimp onto skewers, piercing through the thickest part and the tail. Leave a little space between each shrimp for even cooking. (If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes first.)
3. Grill: Place skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until shrimp are pink, opaque, and lightly charred.
4. Brush with BBQ sauce: During the last minute of cooking, brush the shrimp generously with BBQ sauce (mix with honey if using). Flip and brush the other side.

Serve:

1. Remove skewers from grill, transfer to a platter, and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Pro Tips

• Don't overcook shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly – 2-3 minutes per side is usually plenty. They're done when they turn pink and curl into a loose C shape.
• Use large shrimp: Larger shrimp (21-25 count per pound) are easier to skewer and harder to overcook.
• Brush sauce at the end: BBQ sauce contains sugar that can burn if added too early. Brush during the last minute for a perfect glaze.
• Soak wooden skewers: If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
• Double the recipe: These skewers disappear fast – make plenty!

Recipe Variations

• Spicy BBQ Shrimp: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne to the seasoning and use a spicy BBQ sauce.
• Honey Chipotle: Mix 2 tablespoons honey and 1 teaspoon chipotle powder into the BBQ sauce.
• Garlic Butter BBQ: Brush with garlic butter in addition to BBQ sauce for extra richness.
• Pineapple Shrimp Skewers: Alternate shrimp with pineapple chunks on the skewers.
• Lemon Herb: Omit BBQ sauce and finish with a squeeze of lemon, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Teriyaki Style: Use teriyaki sauce instead of BBQ sauce and garnish with sesame seeds.
• Air Fryer Version: Cook at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway, brushing with sauce at the end.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely in the refrigerator or under cold running water. Pat very dry before seasoning.

How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?
Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled. Also, avoid moving the shrimp too soon – let them sear for a minute before flipping.

Can I make these in a skillet?
Absolutely! Cook in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, then brush with BBQ sauce.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking.

Can I freeze cooked shrimp skewers?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of shrimp can become rubbery upon thawing.

What can I serve with BBQ shrimp skewers?
Rice, quinoa, grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad all pair beautifully.

What's the best BBQ sauce to use?
Your favorite! Sweet Baby Ray's, Stubb's, or a homemade Kansas City-style sauce all work great.

These BBQ Shrimp Skewers are the perfect addition to any summer cookout or quick weeknight dinner. The smoky, sweet glaze caramelizes on the grill, while the shrimp stay juicy and tender. They're so easy to make, yet they look and taste like something from a fancy seafood restaurant. Serve them as an appetizer or main course, and watch them disappear!

Whether you're grilling for a crowd or just for yourself, these skewers are guaranteed to be a hit. Pair them with rice, grilled vegetables, or a crisp salad, and don't forget the lemon wedges for a bright finish. Make a double batch – they're even better the next day cold on a salad.

If you try this recipe or any other from our site, we would greatly appreciate you taking the time to comment and rate the dish! Your feedback helps us create better recipes for everyone.