Elevate your grilling game with this easy and quick Grilled Colossal Shrimp! With two mouthwatering flavors—simple olive oil & salt or tangy BBQ sauce—this recipe is a two-for-one, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving an elegant appetizer or a delicious main course, these easy shrimp kabobs are guaranteed to impress.

Grilled shrimp skewers surrounded by a sprinkling of parsley lie on a white plate with some coleslaw on the side.

Are you looking for a shrimp recipe that elevates your grilling game to a new level? This recipe for Grilled Colossal Shrimp (or jumbo shrimp, if that’s all that’s available) is a two-for-one.

One half basks in a simple olive oil and salt mix, and the other is smothered in your favorite BBQ sauce. These easy shrimp kabobs are going to be your next go-to recipe this grilling season, whether you’re looking for a quick, yet elegant appetizer or a fresh, delicious main course.

And, if your taste buds lean decidedly towards either the olive oil and salt or the BBQ marinade, simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly to coat all of the shrimp in your chosen flavor. This flexibility makes the recipe a reliable go-to, no matter the occasion.

What You’ll Need to Make Grilled Shrimp Skewers

1 Pound Colossal Shrimp, cleaned and deveined (or Jumbo Shrimp as a substitute)
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 Tablespoon salt
2 Tablespoons BBQ Sauce
6-inch wooden skewers or bamboo skewers (To prevent the wooden skewers from burning on the grill, it’s a good practice to soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes before threading the shrimp onto them.)
Optional: diced fresh herbs for serving

Grilled shrimp skewers surrounded by a sprinkling of parsley lie on a white plate.

How to Make the Best Grilled Shrimp

Begin by thawing your shrimp if they’re not already. For a uniform flavor—and to make sure your shrimp cook evenly—remove the shrimp shells, leaving only the tail.

Now, divide the shrimp into two even batches. Brush half of the shrimp on all sides with the olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Next, brush the other half of the shrimp on all sides with barbeque sauce.

Next, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. (It’s important to make sure that the grill is fully preheated before you begin cooking to ensure that your shrimp gets those perfect grill marks.) Place your shrimp skewers directly on the grill. For the best-grilled shrimp, keep a close eye on them, turning once. The shrimp cooks quickly, usually needing only 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn opaque pink.

Once done, place the skewers on a serving tray and sprinkle them with your choice of fresh herbs for a pretty presentation, if you’d like.

2 grilled shrimp skewers surrounded by a sprinkling of parsley lie on a white backdrop.

Serving Suggestions

This recipe makes about 6 appetizer servings or 3 main dish servings. (I typically assume two colossal shrimp for an appetizer and 4 shrimp when I serve this as a main dish. Keep in mind that the number of pieces you receive in a pound of shrimp is going to vary from bag to bag, depending on the size of the shrimp).

If you’re serving this as an appetizer, just set a couple of small appetizer plates (I love these and these adorable minis from Crate & Barrel) and let guests serve themselves. For an extra special presentation, sprinkle a little bit of fresh parsley over the shrimp for an extra pop of color, and set out bowls of lemon wedges and red pepper flakes for anyone who wants a bit of extra heat.

If you’re going to serve the shrimp as a main dish, consider serving them on top of a bed of rice, in a simple salad, alongside a pile of grilled veggies, or with your favorite side dish.

2 grilled shrimp skewers surrounded by a sprinkling of parsley lie on a white plate.

Tips for Making This Recipe

Opt for fresh shrimp when possible. The freshness greatly influences the texture of the shrimp, ensuring they’re succulent and tender.

Cooking on medium-high heat is ideal. It cooks the shrimp thoroughly without overcooking them.

If you have leftovers, the best way to store them is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They make a great go-to meal for the next day.

If you don’t have an outdoor grill or aren’t in the mood to fire it up, you can also cook the shrimp on a grill pan or an indoor electric grill (this one is my go-to favorite during the winter or when I just don’t feel like uncovering my gas grill.) Keep the temperature at a medium-high heat to make sure you get nice grill marks without overcooking the shrimp.

Whether you need an appetizer for a gathering, are looking for a quick and healthy meal, or are simply in the mood for some succulent shrimp, this recipe is sure to become your new favorite. Making this grilled colossal shrimp recipe means getting the best of both worlds. Whether you stick to one flavor or mix it up, you’re in for a treat.

More Easy Recipes You’ll Love!

Easy Grilled Colossal Shrimp: Two Flavors, One Epic Recipe

Print Recipe

Elevate your grilling game with easy and quick Grilled Colossal Shrimp! With two mouthwatering flavors—simple olive oil & salt or tangy BBQ sauce—this recipe is a two-for-one, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving an elegant appetizer or a delicious main course, these easy shrimp kabobs are guaranteed to impress.

Prep Time:5

Cook Time:6

Ingredients

1 Pound Colossal Shrimp cleaned and deveined (or Jumbo Shrimp as a substitute)
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 Tablespoon salt
2 Tablespoons BBQ Sauce
6- inch wooden skewers or bamboo skewers To prevent the wooden skewers from burning on the grill, it’s a good practice to soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes before threading the shrimp onto them.
Optional: diced fresh herbs for serving

Instructions

Begin by thawing your shrimp if they’re not already. For a uniform flavor—and to make sure your shrimp cook evenly—remove the shrimp shells, leaving only the tail.
Now, divide the shrimp into two even batches. Brush half of the shrimp on all sides with the olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Next, brush the other half of the shrimp on all sides with barbeque sauce.
Next, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. (It’s important to make sure that the grill is fully preheated before you begin cooking to ensure that your shrimp gets those perfect grill marks.) Place your shrimp skewers directly on the grill. For the best-grilled shrimp, keep a close eye on them, turning once. The shrimp cooks quickly, usually needing only 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn opaque pink.
Once done, place the skewers on a serving tray and sprinkle them with your choice of fresh herbs for a pretty presentation, if you’d like.

Servings: 4

Easy Grilled Colossal Shrimp: Two Flavors, One Epic Recipe