BBQ Grilled Shrimp Skewers

BBQ Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a fast, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for warm-weather grilling or quick weeknight dinners. With juicy shrimp marinated in a bold seasoning blend and brushed with smoky-sweet barbecue sauce, these skewers are loaded with flavor and ready in minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick-cooking—done in under 10 minutes on the grill
• Bursting with bold BBQ flavor and a hint of spice
• Great as an appetizer, main dish, or taco filling
• Naturally gluten-free and protein-packed
• Simple ingredients with big payoff

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning or paprika
• Salt and black pepper
• Barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Wooden or metal skewers

Directions

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Thread shrimp onto skewers, about 4–5 per skewer.
4. Preheat grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
5. Grill shrimp for 2–3 minutes on one side, then flip, brush with BBQ sauce, and grill another 2–3 minutes until shrimp are opaque and lightly charred.
6. Remove from heat and serve with lemon wedges.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 6–8 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add pineapple or bell peppers to the skewers
• Use Cajun seasoning or chili powder for extra kick
• Substitute with a honey BBQ, spicy chipotle, or Korean BBQ sauce
• Serve over rice, in tacos, or alongside a fresh slaw
• Try shrimp and sausage skewers for a surf-and-turf twist

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or enjoy cold in salads.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.

How do I keep shrimp from sticking to the grill?

Lightly oil the grill grates before cooking and avoid flipping too soon.

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Yes, bake at 425°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Use your favorite—whether sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy.

How do I know when shrimp are done?

They should be pink, opaque, and curled into a loose “C” shape.

Can I marinate the shrimp longer?

Shrimp marinate quickly—30 minutes to 1 hour is plenty. Too long can make them mushy.

Are these good for meal prep?

Yes, just reheat gently or serve cold in salads or wraps.

Can I make these indoors?

Yes, use a grill pan or broil in the oven for similar results.

What sides go well with these?

Grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, rice, or a cucumber salad all pair well.

How spicy can I make it?

Add hot sauce, chili flakes, or a spicy BBQ sauce to amp up the heat.

Conclusion

BBQ Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a deliciously simple way to bring big flavor to your table fast. Perfect for outdoor gatherings or easy weeknight meals, they’re versatile, customizable, and sure to impress. Serve them hot off the grill with a squeeze of lemon and enjoy the taste of summer in every bite.

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