This Shrimp on the Barbie recipe is a juicy, marinated shrimp infused with smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. Skewered and grilled to perfection, these shrimp are a quick and easy dish perfect for backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or as a appetizer. Serve them with a zesty dipping sauce and fresh lime wedges for a burst of flavor in every bite!
What is “Shrimp on the Barbie”?
“Shrimp on the barbie” simply refers to grilling shrimp over a barbecue grill. It’s a staple in Australian cuisine, where fresh seafood is often cooked outdoors during gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just looking for a quick and easy seafood dish, shrimp on the barbie is always a crowd-pleaser.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Shrimp on the Barbie
Preheat the Grill: Make sure your grill is hot before you start cooking. A hot grill ensures the shrimp will sear quickly, locking in moisture and preventing them from sticking to the grates.
Use Skewers: Skewering the shrimp not only makes them easier to flip but also ensures they cook evenly. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.
Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly—usually in under 5 minutes. Overcooked shrimp become tough and chewy, so aim to remove them from the grill as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Marinate for Flavor: While shrimp don’t need to be marinated for long, even a 15-minute soak in a flavorful marinade can make a big difference in taste. Citrus, garlic, and herbs are great for enhancing the shrimp’s natural flavor.
Add Vegetables: To make it a complete meal, consider grilling veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes on skewers alongside your shrimp. These vegetables complement the shrimp beautifully and cook at similar rates.
Variations on Shrimp on the Barbie
While the basic recipe is fantastic, there are endless ways to switch it up depending on your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:
Citrus and Herb: Swap the lemon juice for orange or l
Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Add 1-2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning to the marinade for a spicy, smoky twist.
Garlic Butter Shrimp: Brush the shrimp with melted garlic butter during grilling for a rich, buttery flavor.
Sweet and Spicy: Combine honey or brown sugar with chili flakes in the marinade for a perfect balance of sweet and heat.
How to Serve Shrimp on the Barbie
Shrimp on the barbie is incredibly versatile and can be served in several ways:
- As an appetizer: Serve the shrimp skewers with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or spicy cocktail sauce.
- With sides: Pair the shrimp with grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- In tacos: Use the grilled shrimp as a filling for tacos along with salsa, avocado, and shredded cabbage for a tasty summer dish.
- In a seafood boil: Incorporate grilled shrimp into a seafood boil with corn, potatoes, and sausage for a festive meal.
How to Store and Reheat Grilled Shrimp
How to Store:
- Refrigerator: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool them completely before refrigerating to avoid condensation, which can affect texture.
- Freezer: You can freeze leftover grilled shrimp for up to 2 months. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
How to Reheat:
Oven: For larger batches, place the shrimp on a baking sheet and heat in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes.
Stovetop: Reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil or butter, just until warmed through.
Microwave: If you’re in a rush, microwave the shrimp on medium power in 30-second intervals until heated.
Recipe FAQs
How long does it take to cook shrimp on the grill?
Shrimp are quick-cooking, generally taking 2-3 minutes per side on a medium-high grill. They should turn pink and opaque when done. Overcooking shrimp will make them tough and rubbery, so keep a close eye on them.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before grilling. To thaw quickly, place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes, then pat them dry with paper towels.
Do I need to peel the shrimp before grilling?
For this recipe, it’s best to peel and devein the shrimp but leave the tails on. The tails make the shrimp easier to handle and add a decorative touch when serving.
What size shrimp should I use?
Large or jumbo shrimp work best for grilling as they’re easier to skewer and less likely to overcook compared to smaller shrimp.
Shrimp barbie
This Shrimp on the Barbie recipe is a juicy, marinated shrimp infused with smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails on, ~16–20 per pound)
- ¾ tbsp light brown sugar
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 tbsp Old Bay Seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp ground red pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cumin
Ingredients for Remoulade Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ tsp garlic salt
- ¼ tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp dried chives
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp spicy brown mustard
- 1 tbsp relish
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
Instructions
How to Make Shrimp on the Barbie
- Prep the Shrimp: Thread shrimp tightly on skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning. For metal skewers, just start threading.
- Make the Garlic Butter: Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in minced garlic, brown sugar, Old Bay, and other spices until well combined.
- Brush and Grill: Brush one side of the shrimp with the garlic butter mixture. Grill over medium heat for 3 minutes, buttered side down.
- Brush the uncooked side with more butter, flip, and grill for another 3 minutes, until shrimp are opaque and pink.
How to Make the Remoulade Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, garlic salt, Cajun seasoning, chives, vinegar, mustard, relish, black pepper, and paprika.
- Serve the sauce alongside your grilled shrimp for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 449Total Fat 34gSaturated Fat 11gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 22gCholesterol 281mgSodium 2141mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 27g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp on the barbie is a perfect dish for anyone who loves seafood and grilling. With minimal prep time and tons of flavor, it’s a recipe you can keep coming back to for everything from casual weeknight dinners to outdoor parties. Whether you stick with the classic or try out some of the variations, you’ll be serving up tender, smoky, and delicious shrimp every time.
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