Barbecue shrimp is a tasty dish that’s perfect for any gathering! With juicy shrimp cooked in a flavorful, spicy sauce, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
The best part? It’s super easy to make! I love serving it with some crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. Trust me, you won’t want to miss a drop! 🦐🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for this recipe as they hold up well during cooking. If you can’t find large shrimp, medium-sized ones work too. For a twist, consider using scallops or even chicken pieces!
Barbecue Sauce: Choose a barbecue sauce you love. For a kick, try a spicy version or make your own! If you’re out of barbecue sauce, you can mix ketchup with some spices, or use soy sauce for a different flavor profile.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth. Don’t have it? You can replace it with soy sauce or a splash of vinegar mixed with a bit of sugar for sweetness.
Hot Sauce: This is optional but great for heat. Adjust based on your spice tolerance. If you prefer not to use hot sauce, a pinch of chili powder can add a nice flavor without overwhelming heat.
Fresh Herbs: Green onions and parsley or cilantro enhance freshness. If you don’t have these, try using chives or even a bit of dried herbs as a substitute, though fresh is always best!
How Do I Cook the Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky since they cook fast. Here’s how to make sure they come out perfectly juicy:
- Start with dry shrimp for better searing. Pat them with paper towels before cooking.
- Cook over medium-high heat. This helps them get a nice color without overcooking.
- Keep an eye on them while cooking. When shrimp turn pink and opaque, they’re done. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes per side.
- If you overcook shrimp, they become rubbery. It’s better to take them off the heat a bit early, as the residual heat will finish cooking them.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly cooked, delicious barbecue shrimp every time!
How to Make Barbecue Shrimp
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
- Crusty bread or rice, for serving
Time Estimate:
This delicious barbecue shrimp takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll be enjoying your dish in about 20 minutes! Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun appetizer.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season them lightly with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors.
2. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat until melted and hot. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts bubbling a bit!
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds. Keep an eye on it, as you want it fragrant but not burnt.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Carefully place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they just start turning pink but aren’t fully cooked yet. Remember, they’ll cook more later!
5. Make the Barbecue Sauce Mixture:
In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if desired), and brown sugar. This will create a tangy and sweet sauce that coats the shrimp beautifully.
6. Combine and Toss:
Pour the barbecue sauce mixture all over the shrimp in the skillet. Toss gently to coat all of the shrimp well in the delicious sauce.
7. Finish Cooking:
Keep cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly. They should be bright pink and opaque, which means they’re perfectly done!
8. Garnish:
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped green onions and parsley or cilantro on top for a vibrant touch.
9. Serve:
Serve the barbecue shrimp immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing. Pair it with crusty bread or rice to soak up that scrumptious sauce!
Enjoy your delicious barbecue shrimp — juicy, smoky, and with just a touch of spice! Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy meal at home!
Can I Use Other Types of Shrimp?
Yes! If you can’t find large shrimp, medium-sized ones will work as well. You can also try using shrimp with no tails, but be aware they may cook a bit faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
What Can I Substitute for Barbecue Sauce?
If you don’t have barbecue sauce on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing ketchup with a bit of vinegar, brown sugar, and spices, or use a store-bought sweet chili sauce for a different flavor twist.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover barbecue shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock if needed to keep them moist.
