Dinner

BBQ Shrimp Recipe

Name: BBQ Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick); 5 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon); 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (such as McCormick or Slap Ya Mama); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 pounds large shrimp, deveined

ByHarry Bern February 6, 2026February 6, 2026

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Introduction

BBQ Shrimp is a flavorful, spicy dish that comes together quickly with a rich butter and garlic sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering, these shrimp are cooked in a smoky, tangy blend of Cajun spices that make every bite memorable.

A white plate with a pile of cooked shrimp, each shrimp orange-red in color with a glossy texture showing bits of garlic and spices on top. The shrimp are arranged mostly in the center, with some shrimp shells scattered around the edges. On the left side of the plate, there is a half piece of soft bread with a light golden crust and airy inside, resting against the shrimp. Two lemon wedges are on opposite sides of the shrimp, both bright yellow and juicy-looking, adding a fresh touch. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
5 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (such as McCormick or Slap Ya Mama)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds large shrimp, deveined

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper until the mixture is well combined.
Step 3: Add the shrimp to the skillet and toss it in the butter and spice mixture to coat evenly.
Step 4: Cook the shrimp for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque.
Step 5: Serve immediately with lemon wedges, hot sauce, and fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra smokiness, try grilling the shrimp after tossing in the sauce instead of cooking in the skillet.
Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level, or omit it for milder flavor.
Serve over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor, but frozen shrimp can be substituted if thawed properly.

Storage

Store any leftover BBQ shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

How to Serve

A white plate with a circle of thin black lines holds a pile of cooked shrimp coated in a glossy, orange-brown garlic butter sauce with small bits of garlic visible on the shrimp. The shrimp are stacked in a loose mound in the center of the plate. On the top left edge of the plate, there is a thick slice of crusty bread with a golden crust and soft white interior. Two lemon wedges, one on the left and one on the right side of the shrimp, add pops of bright yellow color. Some loose shrimp shells are scattered on the plate near the bottom left. The plate rests on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to ensure even cooking and avoid excess water in the sauce.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The heat level depends on the amount of cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning used. You can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper for a milder dish while keeping the smoky, flavorful profile.