Spicy Summer BBQ Shrimp Recipe

This BBQ shrimp recipe is great for one of those beautiful days when a barbecue is a must.

It is easy to make and one of those recipes that everyone asks for after enjoying a few skewerfulls. 

Shrimp is one of those seafoods that goes so well on the barbecue because it cooks so fast.

No need to hang around with these beauties, not to mention the endless marinades that go so well with them.

Some may like shrimp with heads on with creole seasoning Orleans style, but this BBQ shrimp recipe is for peeled shrimp.

However you decide to fix your crustacean, you are sure to love this way of having barbecue shrimp.

What is BBQ Shrimp?

There are so many ways to answer this question, because there are so many ways to make BBQ shrimp.

From grilling with heads and shells to fully peeled, there are all kinds of ways to cook shrimp on the barbecue.

Some options include slathered with worcestershire sauce, marinated in white wine, black pepper, lemon juice and olive oil.

Which would you choose, or do you have another idea altogether? 

Pretty much whatever way you like your shrimp served is a way you can grill it on the barbie.

Try cooking them plain until they turn pink and then throw them in a large skillet with sauteed garlic and butter. 

Usually BBQ shrimp is marinated, put on skewers and cooked over hot coals.

Perfect for summer BBQs!

But if it’s not quite summer weather, you can also cook them under a broiler to very good effect.

Shrimp is a lot of protein with very few calories all in one package. 

Shrimp also contains iodine which is a mineral that is difficult to come across in other foods.

Seen as a superfood by some, it is however important how you source your shrimp.

A large amount of antibiotics are used on seafood farms to prevent and treat disease.

Little regulation exists in many countries on the use of these medications means their use is widespread.

Problems begin to arise when the bacterias start to become resistant to antibiotics. 

If you eat shrimp sourced in these countries every once in a while it’s fine.

If you are a big shrimp eater it’s worth researching where your shrimp comes from.

Staying healthy with the seafood we eat is paramount because there is nutrition in it that shouldn’t be missed.

How to Make Spicy BBQ Shrimp

This is a very simple and straightforward recipe.

A marinade of some kind is a must when it comes to cooking things on the grill.

This is not just for extra flavor but also for moisture the marinade can impart to what you are grilling.

Let’s start with a classic set of marinade ingredients

Begin by adding olive oil, lemon juice and garlic to a bowl.

Add cayenne pepper for the spicy heat that gives the dish its name.

Then add paprika mainly for color, although depending on the kind of paprika you use can add flavor.

And finally salt to enhance, and bring all the flavors together.

Pour in your shrimp and give them a good stir to make sure that each one is well coated with your marinade.

Prepare your skewers by soaking them in cold water to keep them from burning on the grill.

Put the shrimp on the skewers allowing them to touch up against each other.

These shrimp skewers are best cooked on a BBQ but if the weather isn’t right for it, you can also stick these in the oven under the broiler.

If cooking on a BBQ, be sure that you don’t cook them over too high a heat.

If cooking on a coal BBQ, allow the coals to cool in order to reduce heat.

Once the temperature is right, gently place your skewers on the grill.

Let them cook on one side for about 2-3 minutes before flipping.

Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

You’ll know your shrimp is ready once it turns a lovely healthy pink color. 

Use a similar method if you’re cooking them inside under the broiler.

Tips for Making

• For best results marinate for at least four hours, even better overnight.
• Stir shrimp in the marinade from time to time to ensure they are well covered.
• It is easy to overcook shrimp so be sure to look out for that.
• Brush shrimp with extra marinade while on the grill.
• Make a butter sauce for crusty bread for dipping with the spicy shrimp.
• This marinade is also great for using with other seafood.