BBQ Shrimp Rub - Add Excitement to Your Shrimp!

Are you looking to add some excitement to your shrimp this summer? A BBQ shrimp rub is a simple way to spice up your shrimp kabobs. Let’s talk about how to make a rub and a rub that I use.

Picture this: the grill is sizzling, and the sun is setting. The air fills with a spicy, Cajun-infused aroma. This is from your shrimp kabobs that are coated in a smoky dry rub for grilled shrimp!

What Is a BBQ Shrimp Rub?

A BBQ shrimp rub is a blend of spices and herbs applied to shrimp before cooking. The rub is designed to enhance the shrimp’s natural flavor. A dry rub for grilled shrimp typically balances smoky, savory, and slightly sweet notes. It can also have a hint of heat and a touch of Cajun spices as well.

Common ingredients include paprika for color and smokiness, garlic and onion powders for savory depth, cayenne and black pepper for spice, some thyme for a bit of Cajun seasoning, and a touch of brown sugar for sweetness. This combination of ingredients will complement the delicate taste of shrimp without overwhelming it.

A Simple BBQ Shrimp Rub Recipe

Here’s a recipe to get you started:

• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Mix these ingredients together and store your BBQ shrimp dry rub in an airtight container. This batch will coat 1-2 pounds of shrimp. However, this depends on how much flavor you want to pack in.

How to Apply the Rub

Start by patting your shrimp dry with a paper towel. Then, coat them evenly with the BBQ shrimp dry rub. For the best results, let the shrimp sit with the spices for about 15 minutes before cooking. This short rest allows the flavors to seep in, making every bite more delicious.

Cooking Your BBQ Shrimp

Cooking your BBQ shrimp is quick and easy. You don’t need hours for this; it only takes a few minutes to cook. Get your grill hot and simply cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re pink and slightly charred.

I’ll never forget the first time I made BBQ shrimp for a family gathering. The spicy, smoky aroma filled the air, and everyone loved them. The shrimp were disappearing faster than I could cook them!

In Conclusion

The beauty of a BBQ shrimp rub lies in its versatility. You can make the rub your own. If you like it to be a little hotter, add some more cayenne pepper. Experiment to find your perfect blend, and enjoy the bold, smoky goodness it brings to your shrimp!

If you are short on time, no worries. We have you covered. Sometimes it’s easier to grab a bottle instead of making your own rub. I use Butcher BBQ Honey Rub. It has all the barbecue flavor I want, but with a touch of honey that is amazing on shrimp!

Let us know in the comments below how your BBQ shrimp rub turned out!