Shrimp cooked in a spicy, buttery barbecue sauce is a delicious way to enjoy seafood. Making bbq shrimp at home is easy and rewarding. With a few simple steps, you can have an appetizing bbq shrimp dish ready in under an hour.
Ingredients Needed
To make bbq shrimp, you will need:
- 2 pounds of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prepare the Shrimp
Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp if they are not already peeled. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and then pat dry with paper towels. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Allowing the shrimp to sit for 10-15 minutes helps enhance the flavor as the seasoning penetrates the shrimp.
Make the BBQ Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in the barbecue sauce, paprika, cayenne pepper, lemon juice and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened slightly.
Cook the Shrimp
You can either bake or broil the shrimp in the bbq sauce.
To Bake:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour the bbq sauce over the shrimp, turning to coat them evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
To Broil:
Position an oven rack 6 inches from the broiler and preheat broiler to high. Arrange shrimp in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, basting frequently with the bbq sauce, until opaque and cooked through.
Finish and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the saucy bbq shrimp to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions or lemon wedges if desired. Provide plenty of napkins and serve immediately while hot. Dip crusty bread into the sauce for a delicious appetizer. Enjoy the sweet, spicy bbq shrimp on its own or add it to tacos, salads, pasta and more for a flavorful meal.
Tips for Perfect BBQ Shrimp
Follow these tips to ensure your bbq shrimp turns out juicy and packed with flavor every time.
Choose Fresh Shrimp
Always opt for fresh, raw shrimp when making bbq shrimp. Frozen shrimp will result in a rubbery texture. Look for shrimp that smells like the ocean with no fishy odor. Spot shrimp are a great choice but any medium shrimp works well.
Don’t Overcook
Shrimp cooks very quickly, usually in just 2-3 minutes per side under the broiler or 10-12 minutes baked. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp or they will become tough. Cook just until the shrimp turn opaque pink.
Use Real Butter
Butter is key for this dish. Margarine or oil just won’t provide the same rich flavor. Use salted butter to really make the sauce pop.
Go Easy on the Cayenne
Cayenne pepper offers a spicy kick but a little goes a long way. Add it gradually to suit your desired heat level. Consider using smoked paprika for a more mild smoky flavor.
Make it Garlicky
Don’t be shy with the garlic! The sweetness of the shrimp is perfectly balanced by the aromatic garlic notes. Use at least 3 cloves for a robust garlic flavor.
Serve it Hot
Bbq shrimp tastes best served piping hot right after cooking. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Serve on warmed plates with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Shrimp
Here are answers to some common questions about making bbq shrimp at home:
What kind of barbecue sauce works best?
A sweeter, tomato-based barbecue sauce complements the shrimp nicely. Use your favorite brand or make your own. Tangy or spicy sauces are also delicious.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
It’s best to thaw frozen shrimp first and pat dry before cooking to avoid a mushy texture. Raw fresh shrimp is ideal.
What if my shrimp are already cooked?
You can use pre-cooked shrimp but add them at the very end just to heat through and coat in sauce. Avoid overcooking.
How spicy should the sauce be?
That depends on your taste preferences! Start with 1/2 tsp of cayenne and add more if you want extra heat. Cayenne provides a slower building spice than hot sauce.
Do I need to devein the shrimp?
Deveining helps remove the shrimp digestive tract for a cleaner flavor, but it’s not absolutely necessary. Just be sure to rinse the shrimp well.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, easily! Just be sure to use a gluten-free barbecue sauce and avoid any thickening agents containing gluten.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. Make the sauce up to 3 days in advance and store refrigerated until ready to use. Just reheat gently before adding shrimp.
Conclusion
BBQ shrimp is a quick and easy weeknight meal or impressive party appetizer. The combination of tender shrimp, garlic, spices and zesty barbecue sauce is irresistible. Adjust the heat to your preferences and don’t overcook the shrimp. Serving up bbq shrimp is sure to satisfy any seafood craving. Dip crusty bread in the sauce for a tasty appetizer or serve the shrimp over rice or pasta for a complete meal. This recipe is endlessly adaptable, so get creative with additional herbs or different barbecue sauce flavors. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy sweet, saucy and spicy bbq shrimp straight from your home kitchen.