Juicy, flavorful grilled shrimp on the barbie makes the perfect low carb and keto friendly meal.
This easy recipe for succulent shrimp skewers is perfect for summer days and grilling out. I started by inserting the shrimp onto bamboo skewers and then brushing all of the shrimp on each kabob with a delicious marinade that uses simple ingredients. This recipe idea came to me when I tried the Outback Steakhouse version of shrimp on the barbie the last time we went there for dinner. Of course, I added my own spin to the recipe and it was absolutely perfect especially with the smoky flavor you get from making it on the grill. If you’re a true shrimp lover like I am, make sure to try this delicious recipe for Jerk Shrimp Rasta Pasta or Camarones Al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp).
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Let’s Talk About The Ingredients
- Shrimp – Fresh or frozen peeled and deveined shrimp with the tail still attached works best.
- Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed works really well.
- Fajita Seasoning – This is my secret ingredient for the marinade. It is absolutely delicious.
- Salt, Pepper, Granulated Garlic, Paprika – Combine all of the spices together in a bowl.
- Olive Oil – Mix together the spices and olive oil and brush the marinade on both sides of the shrimp.
Prepare the skewers, season and cook them on the BBQ grill over aluminum foil.
How To Make Grilled Shrimp On The Barbie
- Start the BBQ grill up on high heat. Usually between 400-450 degrees F.
- Peel and devein the shrimp if you have to. I usually purchase peeled and deveined shrimp so that I don’t have to go through this process but if you didn’t, you’ll have to do it yourself. Leave the tails on.
- Rinse the shrimp in cold water to remove any loose shell pieces.
- Transfer to a plate and pat dry completely with a paper towel.
- Line a baking sheet or a large plate with aluminum foil to place the skewers onto once you’re done preparing them.
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, fajita seasoning, granulated garlic, paprika, salt and pepper.
- Insert the shrimp through the skewers. I did 7-8 shrimp on each kabob but you can do less if you’d like.
- Squeeze the lemon juice over the shrimp.
- Brush each kabob with the marinade. Make sure to catch every shrimp and brush the back as well.
- Carry the kabobs over to the grill and transfer them onto the grill while still on top of the aluminum foil. I cook them on the aluminum foil but if you have a special pan or griddle for grilling, you may use that as well or just place them horizontally on the grill if you prefer.
- Close the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes. Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until completely cooked through.
- Serve shrimp on the barbie immediately with some chopped cilantro or parsley, fresh lemon juice and any dipping sauce of choice.
Instructions For Peeling And Deveining
Purchase peeled and deveined shrimp to make things easier. However, if you can’t find any then you’ll have to do it yourself.
- Start peeling at the head and work your way down to the tail. Do not remove the tail because it’s great for flavor. Use your bare hands or a good pair of kitchen shears to peel off the shell.
- Use a small pairing knife to devein. Insert the knife into the shrimp’s back just about a 1/4 of an inch deep. Once you see the long, dark vein, you can remove it with the knife or your fingers.
What Is Fajita Seasoning?
Fajita seasoning is a combination of spices like chili powder, onion powder, paprika, granulated garlic, sugar and salt. You can certainly make your own but I buy mine at at grocery store in the spice aisle. It can also be purchased from here if you can’t find it.
Should I Marinate Over Night?
You don’t have to marinate the skewers over night. I do recommend marinating in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour but it is not necessary. The time will just help the shrimp hold on to the flavor of the spices a little better. If you do decide to marinate the shrimp ahead of time, you can leave it in the refrigerator in an air tight container for up to 24 hours.
Lemon Or Lime Juice?
Whether you season your seafood with lemon or lime juice is going to be a personal preference. I like both and sometimes tend to use lime juice a lot more. However, for this recipe, I definitely loved the flavor of the lemon juice over lime.
What To Serve With
You can serve with some white rice and veggies or simply on its’ own for a keto friendly and low carb meal. Roasted or grilled potatoes make a great option as well.
Recipe Notes
- Bamboo or metal skewers work well for this recipe.
- Pat dry completely with a paper towel before seasoning. Doing this helps the marinade stick to the seafood or any meat you’re cooking, for that matter.
- Squeezing the lemon juice over the shrimp first and not mixing it in directly with the rest of the marinade will help all of that lemon flavor absorb much better.
- Marinate in the refrigerator inside of an air tight container for 1 hour and up to 24 hours maximum. Although you don’t have to and it will still be very tasty if you don’t have the time.
Shrimp On The Barbie
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs shrimp peeled, deveined and with tail on
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice 1 large lemon
- 3 tsp fajita seasoning or to taste
- 1 tsp granulated garlic or to taste
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper or to taste
- 1 tsp paprika or to taste
- fresh cilantro for garnishing
Instructions
- Start the BBQ grill up on high heat. Usually between 400-450 degrees F.
- Peel and devein the shrimp if you have to. I usually purchase peeled and deveined shrimp so that I don’t have to go through this process but if you didn’t, you’ll have to do it yourself. Leave the tails on.
- Rinse the shrimp in cold water to remove any loose shell pieces.
- Transfer to a plate and pat dry completely with a paper towel.
- Line a baking sheet or a large plate with aluminum foil to place the skewers onto once you’re done preparing them.
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, fajita seasoning, granulated garlic, paprika, salt and pepper.
- Squeeze the lemon juice over the shrimp.
- Carry the kabobs over to the grill and transfer them onto the grill while still on top of the aluminum foil. I cook them on the aluminum foil but if you have a special pan or griddle for grilling, you may use that as well or just place them horizontally on the grill if you prefer.
- Close the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes. Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until completely cooked through.
- Serve shrimp on the barbie immediately with some chopped cilantro or parsley, fresh lemon juice and any dipping sauce of choice.
Notes
- Bamboo or metal skewers work well for this recipe.
- Pat dry completely with a paper towel before seasoning. Doing this helps the marinade stick to the seafood or any meat you’re cooking, for that matter.
- Squeezing the lemon juice over the shrimp first and not mixing it in directly with the rest of the marinade will help all of that lemon flavor absorb much better.
- Marinate in the refrigerator inside of an air tight container for 1 hour and up to 24 hours maximum. Although you don’t have to and it will still be very tasty if you don’t have the time.