This delicious BBQ Shrimp Cocktail is a quick and easy appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. Juicy, smoky shrimp are grilled to perfection and paired with a creamy, tangy white BBQ sauce. You can whip this up in minutes using simple ingredients, making it a stress-free yet impressive dish for seafood lovers!
Recipe Ingredients:
Shrimp:
- 1 pound extra-large (U16) shrimp, peeled and deveined, tail on
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon store-bought BBQ rub seasoning
White BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives, plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 8 thin lemon slices, for serving
How To Make BBQ Shrimp Cocktails?
- Preheat the grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Season the shrimp: Toss the shrimp with olive oil and BBQ rub until evenly coated; set aside.
- Make the white BBQ sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, horseradish, mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the chives and parsley, then season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the shrimp: Cook the shrimp on the hot grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly charred.
- Assemble the cocktails: Divide the white BBQ sauce among 4 martini glasses. Cut a small slit in each lemon slice and place 2 slices on the rim of each glass. Arrange 4 shrimp on the edge of each glass.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with extra chives and parsley before serving. Enjoy immediately!

Recipe Tips:
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor: Fresh, high-quality shrimp will give you the juiciest and most delicious results. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook fast! Grill them for only 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly charred. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough.
- Let the sauce chill for better flavor: Prepare the white BBQ sauce ahead of time and let it sit in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This helps the flavors blend beautifully.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste: If you like more heat, add a pinch of cayenne to the BBQ rub or a bit of extra horseradish to the sauce. For a sweeter touch, add a little honey to balance the tanginess.
- Use a grill pan if you don’t have a BBQ: No grill? No problem! A grill pan on the stove works just as well. You can also roast the shrimp in the oven at 200°C / 400°F for 6-8 minutes if needed.
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers?
- Refrigerate: Let the leftover BBQ Shrimp Cocktails cool to room temperature. Store the shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers. The shrimp will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days, while the sauce can last up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until heated. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 281
- Total Fat: 3.4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8g
- Cholesterol: 317mg
- Sodium: 1,171mg
- Potassium: 501mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.4g
- Sugars: 9.4g
- Protein: 35g
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BBQ Shrimp Cocktails
Description
This delicious BBQ Shrimp Cocktail is a quick and easy appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. Juicy, smoky shrimp are grilled to perfection and paired with a creamy, tangy white BBQ sauce. You can whip this up in minutes using simple ingredients, making it a stress-free yet impressive dish for seafood lovers!
Ingredients
Shrimp:
White BBQ Sauce:
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Season the shrimp: Toss the shrimp with olive oil and BBQ rub until evenly coated; set aside.
- Make the white BBQ sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, horseradish, mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the chives and parsley, then season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the shrimp: Cook the shrimp on the hot grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly charred.
- Assemble the cocktails: Divide the white BBQ sauce among 4 martini glasses. Cut a small slit in each lemon slice and place 2 slices on the rim of each glass. Arrange 4 shrimp on the edge of each glass.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with extra chives and parsley before serving. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor: Fresh, high-quality shrimp will give you the juiciest and most delicious results. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook fast! Grill them for only 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly charred. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough.
- Let the sauce chill for better flavor: Prepare the white BBQ sauce ahead of time and let it sit in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This helps the flavors blend beautifully.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste: If you like more heat, add a pinch of cayenne to the BBQ rub or a bit of extra horseradish to the sauce. For a sweeter touch, add a little honey to balance the tanginess.
- Use a grill pan if you don’t have a BBQ: No grill? No problem! A grill pan on the stove works just as well. You can also roast the shrimp in the oven at 200°C / 400°F for 6-8 minutes if needed.
BBQ Shrimp Cocktails