Old Bay Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Nothing says summer like grilled fresh shrimp. Living in Massachusetts, grilled shrimp skewers are a summertime staple at my house.

And one of my favorite grilled shrimp seasonings is the classic Old Bay Seasoning.

Its distinctive blend of spices adds a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the shrimp. Add a little butter, lime juice, and garlic into the mix and you're in grilled shrimp marinade heaven.

And the best part? You only need 5 ingredients and about 45 minutes to make this easy Old Bay shrimp recipe. Plus, it pairs well with grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, rice, potatoes, and so much more.

So, what are you waiting for? Fire up the grill and add this succulent Old Bay grilled shrimp skewers recipe to your summer grilling menu today!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful- Old Bay Seasoning is made with a distinct blend of spices that pair perfectly with seafood. This recipe combines the classic flavors of Old Bay with butter, lime, and garlic for an easy marinated grilled shrimp recipe that is bursting with flavor.
• Ready in 45 Minutes- From start to finish, this Old Bay shrimp recipe is ready in just 45 minutes. It's perfect for a quick and easy weeknight summer dinner.
• Only 5 Ingredients- With just a few simple ingredients, you can make one of the best grilled shrimp recipes you'll ever taste.
• Versatile- Serve these shrimp alongside all of your favorite summer side dishes. From corn on the cob and salad to rice and baked potatoes, the possibilities are endless.
• Perfect for Summer- Nothing says summer like grilled shrimp with Old Bay Seasoning. This recipe can easily be scaled up for a crowd and served at a backyard BBQ or summer cookout.

Ingredient Notes

Here are some notes on the key ingredients. For the full list of ingredients, check out the recipe card below.

• Shrimp- One pound of extra jumbo shrimp will contain about 16-20 shrimp. The larger size makes the shrimp easy to skewer and ensures they stay juicy and tender during cooking.
• Old Bay Seasoning- Old Bay Seasoning is a classic seafood seasoning blend. It consists of a combination of spices, including paprika, celery salt, and black pepper.
• Butter- Since Old Bay Seasoning already contains plenty of salt, it's important to use unsalted butter so the shrimp don't taste too salty.
• Garlic- Grating or finely mincing the garlic distributes its flavor evenly throughout the dish. Fresh garlic complements the other flavors in the marinade and enhances the overall taste of the shrimp.
• Lime Juice- Adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the marinade. The acidity of the lime juice balances the richness of the butter.

Sustainability Tip: Look for MSC certified shrimp for a sustainable, eco-friendly seafood option.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few ways you can try customizing this easy Old Bay grilled shrimp recipe to fit your diet and taste preferences.

Substitutions

• Shrimp- Substitute shrimp with scallops, cod chunks, or lobster tail. Keep in mind that the cook time for each of these substitutions will vary.
• Old Bay Seasoning- Swap Old Bay Seasoning for your preferred seafood seasoning blend or make a homemade version.
• Butter- Olive oil, coconut oil, or canola oil can be used in place of butter.
• Garlic- Replace one clove of fresh garlic with ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder.
• Lime Juice- Substitute lime juice with lemon juice or orange juice.

Variations

• Reduced Sodium- Classic Old Bay Seasoning is high in sodium. To reduce the sodium, use half the amount of Old Bay Seasoning or choose the 30% less sodium version.
• Gluten-Free- These grilled shrimp with Old Bay and butter are naturally gluten-free. However, always double-check the label of any ingredient before using it.
• Dairy-Free- Swap the butter for olive oil or coconut oil to make this recipe dairy-free.
• Spicy- Use Old Bay Hot Seasoning or add a few shakes of cayenne pepper to make spicy Old Bay grilled shrimp.
• Cajun- Swap Old Bay Seasoning for your favorite Cajun seasoning blend.
• Herbs- Add chopped cilantro or parsley to add a fresh, herbaceous flavor.

How to Make Old Bay Grilled Shrimp

Here is how to make grilled Old Bay shrimp.

Step 1: Prepare the marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lime juice, Old Bay Seasoning, and garlic until well combined.

Step 2: Marinade the shrimp. Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry using paper towels. Place them in the bowl of marinade and toss until the shrimp are well coated. Let the shrimp marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Soak the skewers. While the shrimp is marinating, soak the bamboo skewers in water to prevent them from burning on the grill. Preheat the grill over high heat for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Skewer the shrimp. Thread 4-5 shrimp onto each bamboo skewer, piercing them through the tail and head. If the butter in the marinade solidified, microwave the marinade for 15 seconds to remelt it. Brush the shrimp skewers with the marinade, making sure they are evenly coated.

Step 5: Grill the shrimp. Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill over direct, high heat. Keep the grill lid open. Grill the shrimp for approximately 3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become tough if grilled for too long.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy. Once the shrimp are cooked through, remove them from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. Serve immediately, and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Choose high-quality shrimp. Opt for the freshest, highest-quality shrimp you can find for the best flavor and texture.
• Don't over-marinate. Shrimp are delicate and can begin to break down quickly in a marinade. Only marinate the shrimp for about 30 minutes before cooking.
• Soak the skewers. Soaking the bamboo skewers helps prevent them from burning on the grill.
• Cook quickly. Keep a close eye on the shrimp as they cook quickly. Most shrimp only need about 2-3 minutes per side before they're done.

What to Serve With Old Bay Grilled Shrimp

Grilled shrimp with Old Bay and garlic marinade is a versatile main dish that pairs well with a variety of your favorite summer side dishes.

Serve this easy grilled shrimp recipe alongside grilled vegetables for a light and healthy summer dinner. Try grilled corn on the cob, bell peppers, zucchini, or summer squash.

Alternatively, if you're looking for starchy side dishes, potatoes, rice, pasta, and bread all pair well with grilled Old Bay shrimp. I love serving this recipe with baked potatoes, herbed potato salad, cilantro lime rice, pasta salad, or jalapeño cheddar sourdough bread.

Finally, these flavorful shrimp skewers practically beg to be served with a delicious dipping sauce or fresh salsa. Try this homemade salsa, cilantro garlic sauce, pineapple mango habanero salsa, or 4-ingredient guacamole.

Storage and Reheating

How to Store

• Refrigerator- Store leftover grilled Old Bay shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezer- For longer storage, freeze leftover grilled shrimp with Old Bay Seasoning for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat

• Grill- Preheat the grill over medium-high heat for 10 minutes. Place the leftover shrimp skewers on the grill and heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
• Stovetop- Heat a small amount of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Remove the shrimp from the skewers and add them to the skillet. Heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully warmed through.
• Oven- Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove the shrimp from the skewers and place shrimp in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Cover them with aluminum foil. Reheat shrimp for 5-7 minutes or until fully heated through.
• Microwave- Remove the shrimp from the skewers and place them in a single layer on a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish loosely with a damp paper towel or microwave-safe lid. Heat on half power (50%) in 30-second intervals until the shrimp are fully warmed through.
• Air Fryer- Preheat air fryer to 350°F. Remove the shrimp from the skewers and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes or until fully warmed through.

Make Ahead

Homemade Old Bay grilled shrimp are best prepared just before serving. But, if you're looking to get a head start on meal prep or party planning, you're in luck!

The Old Bay marinade for shrimp can be made up to 3 days in advance, then stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. Just microwave the marinade for 15-30 second to remelt the butter before using.

Additionally, peel and devein the shrimp up to 24 hours ahead of time. Then, store the raw shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

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