This Barbecue Shrimp is a fun and tasty dish that packs a flavorful punch! Fresh shrimp are cooked in a spicy, buttery sauce that’s oh-so-good.
What’s better? It’s perfect for a casual dinner or a get-together with friends. Trust me, it’s hard to resist licking the plate clean! 😂
I love serving this dish over rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. It’s super easy to prepare, making it a go-to for weeknight meals!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large shrimp for the best texture. If fresh shrimp isn’t available, frozen shrimp works well too—just make sure to thaw them before cooking. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider using tofu or paneer, though the flavor will vary.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred as it allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. You can substitute with ghee or olive oil for a lighter version. If you want dairy-free, coconut oil is a great alternative too!
Barbecue Sauce: Your favorite store-bought sauce will work great, but feel free to use homemade sauce for a personal touch. If you want to cut sugar, you might use a sugar-free barbecue sauce or a mix of tomato sauce and spices for a healthier option.
Cayenne Pepper: This adds spice but can be adjusted. If you want less heat, try paprika or even a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. For extra flavor without too much heat, smoked paprika is a wonderful choice!
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, but following a few simple steps can ensure they’re perfectly cooked and tender. Here’s how:
- Pat shrimp dry: This helps them sear and prevents steaming.
- Cook in batches: If your pan is too crowded, shrimp will steam instead of caramelizing. Give them space!
- Cook until pink and opaque: This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from heat as soon as they are done to prevent overcooking.
- Toss gently in the sauce: Avoid breaking them apart when coating in the sauce, as they can get mushy.
Keep an eye on them, and you’ll have perfectly cooked shrimp every time!
Delicious Barbecue Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on for extra flavor)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for heat)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Juice of half a lemon
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped for garnish
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Optional: Lettuce or celery sticks as garnish or accompaniment
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Barbecue Shrimp recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and around 10-12 minutes of cooking time, making it an easy dish to whip up in just about 20-25 minutes total! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, and salt. This will be your flavorful spice rub that gives the shrimp their amazing taste.
2. Coat the Shrimp:
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them sear rather than steam. Toss the shrimp in the spice rub, ensuring they are evenly coated. Every bite should be flavorful!
3. Heat Up the Skillet:
In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil together over medium heat until the butter is melted, bubbly, and smells heavenly.
4. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as this can give a bitter flavor.
5. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side without moving them. This will help them get that nice, golden color.
6. Flip and Finish Cooking:
Carefully flip the shrimp and cook for another 2 minutes until they turn pink and just cooked through. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll become tough!
7. Add the Sauces:
Lower the heat, then gently stir in the barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly, making sure they’re all covered in the delicious sauce.
8. Thicken the Sauce:
Let the shrimp cook in the sauce for another 1-2 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and the shrimp to get nicely glazed. This is where the magic happens!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle some chopped parsley or green onions on top for a fresh touch. Serve the shrimp immediately with lemon wedges on the side. You can also add fresh lettuce or celery sticks as a crunchy accompaniment.
Enjoy your flavorful and saucy Barbecue Shrimp, perfect as an appetizer or main dish! Dig in and savor every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to thaw shrimp is to leave them in the refrigerator overnight or quickly by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging them in cold water for about 30 minutes.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love a good kick, you can increase the cayenne pepper to 1 teaspoon or add a few dashes of hot sauce along with the barbecue sauce. Just taste as you go to find your perfect spice level!
What Should I Serve with Barbecue Shrimp?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, crusty bread for dipping, or over pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. You could also serve it with a refreshing salad or some grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce to maintain moisture while reheating.