Shrimp tastes best on the barbecue; something about that lightly charred smokiness makes this shrimpaholic very happy. If you haven’t fired up your grill yet, this grilled Shrimp Skewers recipe is the ideal justification to do so.
There’s only one word to describe how good the marinade is: “Wowza.” Brushing on extra marinade at the end ensures awesome flavor with every bite. I just wish we had leftovers.
We had delicious shrimp on the menu for two days thanks to Alex, my husband’s cousin, and I’m so glad he shared this recipe with us.
How to Grill Cajun Shrimp on a Weber Q
Grilled Garlic Cajun Shrimp Skewers 🔗
Putting shrimp on the grill provides a lightly charred smokiness that makes it irresistible. This grilled shrimp recipe is easy to prep and quick to cook. Brushing on extra marinade at the end ensures great flavor in every bite.
Prep: 20min
Total: 25min
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (or 8 Tbsp)
- 4 cloves of garlic (pressed or minced)
- 1 Tbsp cajun spice (provides light heat; it’s not too spicy)
- 1/2 tsp salt (omit if using salted butter)
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice (from 1/2 medium lemon)
- 2 lbs uncooked large shrimp (21-25 count, peeled and deveined)
- 12 medium wooden skewers
Instruction:
- Soak wooden skewers in water 30 min (reduces burning of the sticks). Preheat Grill to med/high (400˚F).
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a small sauce pan. Bring to a simmer then remove from heat. Pour half of the mixture into a ramekin and leave remaining marinade in pan (You’ll brush on half now and brush on remaining marinade after shrimp are grilled).
- Skewer 4 shrimp on each damp skewer without leaving spaces. Lay skewers flat on a rimmed cookie sheet. Brush one side of the skewered shrimp with sauce and refrigerate for 2 min until butter firms up. Flip shrimp over, brush second side and refrigerate 2 min until butter firms up.
- Place skewers on the barbie and grill shrimp with the lid on about 2 minutes per side or just until cooked through and no longer transparent. Remove shrimp from grill. Don’t overcook or they will be rubbery. Brush on reserved sauce and serve.
FAQ
What is the best way to prepare shrimp to grill?
Pour about 1 tablespoon of the olive oil into the herb mixture and grind together until mixture begins to form a sauce for marinating, about 1 minute. Add the chopped basil, parsley, oregano, and thyme. Pound with pestle until mixture begins to come together, about 5 minutes. Pour in the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
How do you keep shrimp moist on the grill?
Place the skewers of shrimp on the hot side of the grill, brush with olive oil, season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until the shrimp are just beginning to turn pink and opaque in the center.
Is it better to grill shrimp with shell on or off?
The secret to succulent grilled shrimp is full-fat yogurt; its acidity gently tenderizes the shrimp before grilling and serves as an effective vehicle for seasoning it with fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon juice; while the fat from the yogurt prevents the shrimp from drying out on the grill.