🍔 American · Main · Medium difficulty · Pescatarian
BBQ Shrimp
A golden American main built around shrimp, seasoned with bbq sauce and brown sugar.
- Prep time
- 14 min
- Cook time
- 31 min
- Total time
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Calories
- 299 kcal
- Protein
- 27 g
- Carbs
- 8 g
- Fat
- 18 g
- Course
- Main
About this American grilled dish
BBQ Shrimp is a American main built around large shrimp. It takes about 45 min from start to finish, 14 minutes of prep and 31 minutes of cooking, and serves 4.
Cooking method: grilled dish. Difficulty is rated medium. Pescatarian, and marked gluten-free in our data.
Good for: light & low calorie, party & sharing, date night, everyday healthy.
Ingredients
Quantities are for 4 servings. Change the servings in the app to rescale them automatically.
- 500 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Method
Step 1. Whisk together the bbq sauce, brown sugar and smoked paprika to make the marinade.
- Heat
- Off, no heat
- Look for
- Everything is evenly coated or just combined, with no dry pockets.
- Why it matters
- Mixing spreads salt, fat and flavour through the food so every bite tastes the same.
- Avoid
- Overmixing batters and doughs makes them tough; stop once just combined.
Step 2. Coat the shrimp thoroughly and marinate for at least 20 minutes (overnight is even better).
- Heat
- Off, no heat
- Look for
- Everything is evenly coated or just combined, with no dry pockets.
- Why it matters
- Mixing spreads salt, fat and flavour through the food so every bite tastes the same.
- Avoid
- Overmixing batters and doughs makes them tough; stop once just combined.
Step 3. Preheat a grill or grill pan to high heat and oil the grates.
- Heat
- Medium to high
- Look for
- The oil shimmers and flows like water; a drop of water sizzles instantly.
- Why it matters
- Food added to a properly hot pan sears and browns instead of steaming and sticking.
- Avoid
- Adding food to a cold pan: it sticks, turns grey and soaks up oil.
Step 4. Cook the shrimp for 4-6 minutes per side, basting with leftover marinade, until nicely charred.
- Heat
- Medium to high, stir or flip now and then
- Look for
- Golden-brown edges, a steady sizzle and a toasty smell.
- Why it matters
- Browning (the Maillard reaction) creates deep savoury flavour that boiling cannot.
- Avoid
- Overcrowding the pan: the temperature drops and food steams. Cook in batches.
Step 5. Rest for 5 minutes so the juices settle.
- Heat
- Off, let it sit
- Look for
- Steam slows, juices settle and the dish firms up slightly.
- Why it matters
- Resting lets juices redistribute and flavours settle, and the food is easier to slice and eat.
- Avoid
- Skipping the rest: juices run out and the dish falls apart.
Step 6. Serve with the garlic powder and apple cider vinegar, plus a squeeze of lemon.
- Heat
- Warm plates
- Look for
- Hot food on warm plates with a fresh, bright garnish on top.
- Why it matters
- Garnish adds colour, crunch and freshness. Tasting and adjusting salt or acid at the end lifts the whole dish.
- Avoid
- Waiting too long: the dish cools and crisp parts go soft.
Chef's tip
Bring the protein to room temperature before grilling.
Equipment you will need
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
- Mixing bowl
Nutrition per serving
Estimated per serving: 299 kcal, 27 g protein, 8 g carbohydrate and 18 g fat. Roughly 36% of the energy comes from protein, 11% from carbohydrate and 54% from fat, using standard energy values.
Nutrition values are estimates from typical ingredient profiles. They are not medical data, and brands and portions vary. Consult a doctor or registered dietitian about your diet.
When to cook BBQ Shrimp
Substitutions and variations
- Marinate for longer for deeper flavour, or use a yogurt-based marinade for tender results.
- Oil the grill or pan rather than the food to reduce flare-ups.
- Serve with a herb sauce or yogurt dip instead of a heavy sauce to keep the plate lighter.
Frequently asked questions about BBQ Shrimp
How long does BBQ Shrimp take to make?
It takes about 45 min in total: 14 minutes of prep and 31 minutes of cooking. Times are estimates and depend on your stove, pan and how small you cut the ingredients.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving has about 299 kcal, with 27 g protein, 8 g carbohydrate and 18 g fat. These are estimates for the recipe's 4 servings.
Is BBQ Shrimp gluten-free?
It is marked gluten-free in our data. Still check labels on stock, sauces and spice blends, which can contain gluten.
Is it suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
It is pescatarian: it contains fish or seafood but no meat or poultry.
How difficult is it to cook?
It is a medium-difficulty recipe: it needs some timing and several steps, so read through the method before you start.
Can I make BBQ Shrimp ahead or freeze it?
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days. Most baked and saucy dishes freeze well for up to 3 months, but avoid freezing crisp items and salads.
How many servings does it make?
This recipe makes 4 servings. To change the amount, scale each ingredient in proportion. The interactive app's servings control does this automatically.