BBQ Grilled Shrimp Skewers (Spicy)

BBQ grilled shrimp skewers - a sweet and spicy keto recipe that makes a great appetizer at home or for cookouts and gatherings!

It's grilling season, and this BBQ grilled shrimp skewers are the perfect excuse to fire up your grill if you haven't done so already.

This recipe is a real treat with my family, and we make it every chance we get. It is also perfect for tailgating, game day, cookouts, July 4th parties, you name it.

I use a homemade spicy keto BBQ sauce that provides a sweet and spicy flavor and transforms this into a finger-licking appetizer!

What kind of shrimps do I use?

For this recipe, raw and fresh shrimps work best, not frozen. If you use frozen shrimps, there is a chance it might be a bit too soft when defrosted and that might be a challenge when threading them on the skewers.

I use about a pound and a half of medium-sized shrimps, so if you go with a different size, you'll have to adjust accordingly. 

I also buy the shrimps peeled and deveined. It might be cheaper to buy it intact and peel it yourself, but I like to save time when I can.

The shrimps I used had the tails off but you can leave it on if that is your preference. Some prefer to grab on the tail when eating shrimps. I like to throw them inside my mouth!

Ingredient used

• Shrimps: Fresh, raw shrimps. If your shrimps are frozen, you can quickly defrost them using an air fryer.
• Black pepper, olive oil, and salt: I use these spices to lightly flavor the shrimps before grilling. You only need just a bit because the barbecue sauce will still be added.
• Keto Spicy BBQ Sauce: This sauce is so good, you won't believe it's low carb!

Tools used in making grilled shrimp skewers

For this recipe, you will need skewers to hold the shrimps together. 

You can use either metal or wood (bamboo), but I prefer metal skewers because they are reusable. Cleanup is also a breeze, as I can put them in the dishwasher when I am done.

I like this set from Amazon, which comes with a grill rack set and additional bamboo skewers.

Note that wooden bamboo skewers are prone to burning, so before you use them, you will have to soak them in water for about 30 minutes. If you don't pre-soak the wooden skewers, they might catch on fire on the grill!

How to make keto BBQ grilled shrimp

1. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them for about 30 minutes before use. Skip this step if you are using metal skewers.

2. Rinse the shrimps under running water and pat dry. Alternatively, you can leave them on a colander to drain. Add about a tablespoon of oil and some salt and pepper, and mix thoroughly.

3. Thread the shrimp on the skewers, leaving some space between them. I do about 5 shrimps on each one.

4. The best way is to put in the shrimps so they form a 'C' shape. This prevents them from falling off the skewer.

5. Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and brush some of the barbecue sauce on both sides. Grill the shrimps for 6-8 minutes on each side or until the shrimps are done and no longer pink.

6. Add as much spicy barbecue sauce as you like. Remember, the sauce is quite spicy, so only go overboard if you can handle it. Serve and enjoy!

Can I make BBQ grilled shrimps in the oven?

Yes, you sure can! The steps are the same up to the point when you thread the shrimps on the skewers.

Preheat the oven to 375F. Line a baking sheet with some foil paper, then place the shrimp skewers on the baking sheet.

Cook for 15 minutes or until done, flipping halfway. Coat with extra BBQ sauce.

These keto grilled BBQ shrimps contain 6 servings and each serving is 1 carb. It keeps well in the fridge for a day or two.

What can I eat grilled shrimps with?

You can eat these keto grilled shrimps as an appetizer or finger food. You can also turn it into dinner or lunch by serving with a low-carb salad like this broccoli bacon salad or keto coleslaw.

It also goes great with veggies like asparagus or broccoli.

How do you reheat BBQ shrimps?

Grilled shrimps taste best if eaten on the same day, and this recipe can be scaled up or down easily.

But if you end up with leftovers, you can reheat them in the microwave, covered for a few minutes. They might splash a bit because of the barbecue sauce used.

Tips when making this recipe

• Your cooking time will vary on your grill and also the size of the shrimps. You'll have to watch it closely, so it does not burn.

• If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 mins before use.

Enjoy these other keto appetizers and side dishes!

Cayenne Pepper Wings

Peppered Gizzard

Keto Cucumber Bites with Tuna

Air Fryer Turkey Bacon

Instant Pot Asparagus

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings