BBQ Shrimp Recipe

Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these are the star of the dish, providing a tender and juicy texture.

Olive oil: Helps to coat the shrimp and allows the seasoning to stick, while also preventing the shrimp from sticking to the grill.

Bbq seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the shrimp a smoky, savory flavor.

Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor that complements the other spices.

Paprika: Provides a mild heat and a rich, red color to the shrimp.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and balances the other spices.

When preparing shrimp for grilling, it's essential to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps in achieving a uniform cook. To achieve this, after combining the olive oil, bbq seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl, use your hands to gently massage the mixture into the shrimp. This ensures that every piece is well-coated. Additionally, when threading the shrimp onto skewers, leave a small gap between each piece to allow even heat distribution and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.

• shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops have a similar texture and mild flavor, making them a good alternative for shrimp in many recipes.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in cooking.

• bbq seasoning - Substitute with cajun seasoning: Cajun seasoning provides a similar smoky and spicy flavor profile, which can enhance the dish in a comparable way.

• garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder can provide a similar depth of flavor, though it will have a slightly different taste.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor that can enhance the BBQ taste even more.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, which can complement the other ingredients well.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat and flavor profile but is slightly more subtle, making it a good alternative.

• Allow the shrimp to cool completely after grilling. This prevents condensation and sogginess when stored.
• Transfer the cooled shrimp to an airtight container. For best results, use a shallow container to avoid stacking, which can cause the shrimp to become mushy.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the shrimp within 2-3 days. This keeps the shrimp fresh and flavorful.
• For longer storage, place the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. This prevents the shrimp from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the shrimp to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to maintain food safety.
• Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of lemon juice to refresh the flavors.
• Serve the reheated shrimp with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables or a fresh salad, to create a delightful meal.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the shrimp on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
  3. Lightly drizzle with olive oil to keep them moist.
  4. Cover the shrimp with another piece of foil to prevent them from drying out.
  5. Heat for about 10 minutes or until the shrimp are warmed through.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan.
  3. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are not overcooked.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a boil.
  2. Place a steamer basket over the boiling water.
  3. Add the shrimp to the basket and cover with a lid.
  4. Steam for 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp are heated through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for about 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Grill: Used to cook the shrimp to perfection, giving them a smoky flavor and beautiful grill marks.

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the shrimp with the olive oil and seasonings to ensure even coating.

• Skewers: Necessary for threading the shrimp, making them easier to handle and cook evenly on the grill.

• Tongs: Useful for flipping the shrimp on the grill without piercing them, ensuring they stay juicy.

• Measuring spoons: Important for accurately measuring the olive oil, bbq seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

• Basting brush: Handy for applying any additional marinade or olive oil to the shrimp while they cook, if desired.

• Serving platter: Perfect for presenting the grilled shrimp once they are cooked and ready to be enjoyed.

Prepare the marinade in advance: Mix the olive oil, bbq seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper the night before to save time.

Use pre-peeled shrimp: Buy shrimp that are already peeled and deveined to cut down on prep time.

Preheat the grill early: Start heating your grill while you prepare the shrimp to ensure it's ready when you are.

Thread shrimp quickly: Use metal skewers instead of wooden ones to avoid soaking time and thread shrimp faster.

Batch cooking: Grill multiple skewers at once to cook all the shrimp in one go.