BBQ Shrimp Skewers are juicy, smoky shrimp marinated in a bold barbecue glaze and grilled to perfection in minutes. This easy BBQ shrimp skewer recipe is perfect for summer grilling, quick weeknight dinners, or impressive backyard entertaining.
Yields 4 Servings Servings Quarter (1 Serving) Half (2 Servings) Default (4 Servings) Double (8 Servings) Triple (12 Servings) Prep Time 15 minsCook Time 15 minsTotal Time 30 minsFor the Shrimp
1 ½ lbs large shrimp (16–20 count), peeled & deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper, to taste
BBQ Marinade / Glaze
½ cup BBQ sauce (sweet, smoky, or spicy)
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp chili flakes or cayenne (optional)
For Serving
Lemon wedges
Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Prep the shrimp
1
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
Toss lightly with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Make the BBQ marinade
2
In a bowl, whisk BBQ sauce, honey, lemon juice, paprika, garlic, and chili flakes.
Reserve ¼ cup for brushing after grilling.
Marinate
Skewer
Grill
5
Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400–450°F / 205–230°C) .
Oil grates well.
Grill skewers 2–3 minutes per side , until shrimp are opaque and lightly charred.
Glaze & finish
Side Information (Perfect Shrimp Pairings)
7
Cilantro-lime rice
Grilled corn on the cob
Coleslaw or cucumber salad
Grilled zucchini or asparagus
Garlic bread or flatbread
Pairing Suggestions
8
Beer: Light lager, wheat beer, or pilsner
Wine: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or dry rosé
Non-alcoholic: Lemonade, iced green tea, or sparkling citrus water
Tips & Notes
9
Shrimp cook fast—overcooking = rubbery .
Sauce late to prevent burning sugars.
Add pineapple, red onion, or bell peppers to mixed skewers.
Want heat? Add chipotle powder or hot sauce to the glaze.
These skewers also work beautifully under a broiler or grill pan.
Ingredients For the Shrimp
1 ½ lbs large shrimp (16–20 count), peeled & deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper, to taste
BBQ Marinade / Glaze
½ cup BBQ sauce (sweet, smoky, or spicy)
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp chili flakes or cayenne (optional)
For Serving
Lemon wedges
Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Directions Prep the shrimp
1
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
Toss lightly with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Make the BBQ marinade
2
In a bowl, whisk BBQ sauce, honey, lemon juice, paprika, garlic, and chili flakes.
Reserve ¼ cup for brushing after grilling.
Marinate
Skewer
Grill
5
Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400–450°F / 205–230°C) .
Oil grates well.
Grill skewers 2–3 minutes per side , until shrimp are opaque and lightly charred.
Glaze & finish
Side Information (Perfect Shrimp Pairings)
7
Cilantro-lime rice
Grilled corn on the cob
Coleslaw or cucumber salad
Grilled zucchini or asparagus
Garlic bread or flatbread
Pairing Suggestions
8
Beer: Light lager, wheat beer, or pilsner
Wine: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or dry rosé
Non-alcoholic: Lemonade, iced green tea, or sparkling citrus water
Tips & Notes
9
Shrimp cook fast—overcooking = rubbery .
Sauce late to prevent burning sugars.
Add pineapple, red onion, or bell peppers to mixed skewers.
Want heat? Add chipotle powder or hot sauce to the glaze.
These skewers also work beautifully under a broiler or grill pan.
