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Looking for a quick and delicious appetizer for your next barbecue? Try this smoked shrimp recipe that’s not only easy to prepare but also impressively fast to cook. Using an offset smoker, these skewered shrimp are infused with mouthwatering flavors from Old Bay seasoning and savory barbecue sauce. Perfect as a starter, this dish keeps the crowd satisfied while you grill up the main course. Plus, it’s economical and fun to make, making it a must-try for your next backyard gathering!
Ingredients For Offset Smoker Skewered Shrimp
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- For Offset Smoker Skewered Shrimp, you’ll need 5 large shell-on shrimp per skewer, along with 2 or 3 shakes of Old Bay seasoning, adding more if you prefer a spicier kick. Don’t forget to soak a 10-inch wooden skewer in water for 15 minutes before assembling your shrimp.
Ingredients for the shrimp barbecue sauce per skewer
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For the shrimp barbecue sauce per skewer, you’ll need 1/8 cup of sweet BBQ sauce of your choice, 1/8 cup of butter, 1 teaspoon of Louisiana hot sauce, and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
Directions For Making Offset Smoker Skewered Shrimp
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Elevate your grilling game with these directions for making Offset Smoker Skewered Shrimp. Marinate shrimp in a blend of spices and herbs, then smoke them to perfection on skewers for a succulent, smoky flavor that’s ideal for any barbecue or gathering.
Bring Your Offset Smoker to Temperature
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Preheat your offset smoker to maintain a consistent temperature of roughly 250°F throughout the entire smoking process.
Prepare the Shrimp
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- Place the shrimp in a large bowl and sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning. Using your hands, thoroughly mix and work the seasoning onto the shrimp. Skewer the seasoned shrimp onto wooden skewers. Arrange the skewered shrimp on an oven wire rack.
Make the Shrimp Barbecue Sauce
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In a small saucepan, whisk together the shrimp barbecue sauce ingredients and bring to a low simmer. Once warmed, transfer the shrimp barbecue sauce to a small bowl.
Smoke the Shrimp
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- Place the wire rack with the skewered shrimp onto your smoker. Smoke the shrimp for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the intensity of your heat and smoke. After 30 minutes of smoking, liberally brush the shrimp with the barbecue sauce, then flip the skewers over and brush the other side. Repeat this step one more time before the shrimp finish smoking.
Serve the Skewered Shrimp
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- Remove the skewered shrimp from the offset smoker. Serve the shrimp on the skewer, allowing guests to pull the shrimp off for a fun and enjoyable dining experience. Provide plenty of paper towels and a bowl for discarded shrimp shells, as this dish can get messy.
Variations and Additions for Offset Smoker Skewered Shrimp
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Shrimp Size:
- Shrimp come in various sizes, typically labeled by the number of shrimp per pound. For instance, in this recipe, 16/20 shrimp are used, meaning there are 16 to 20 shrimp per pound. The smaller the number, the larger the shrimp size. For example, U10 shrimp would be fewer than 10 shrimp per pound, indicating very large shrimp. Feel free to use any size shrimp you prefer or can find.
Shell On or Shell Off:
- The choice between shell-on or shell-off shrimp is up to you. Shell-on shrimp can add a bolder, richer flavor, and some enjoy peeling the shrimp as they eat. However, if your family or guests prefer not to peel shrimp, use pre-peeled shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time, as shell-off shrimp will cook faster.
Experiment with Shrimp Seasoning:
- Old Bay seasoning is a traditional choice that pairs wonderfully with seafood, especially shrimp. However, you can experiment with other seasonings. For a Louisiana twist, try Creole or Cajun seasonings. Both options offer delicious flavors that complement shrimp beautifully.
When is the Shrimp Ready to Come Off the Offset Smoker?
- The shrimp are done when they feel firm to the touch, and the tails look cooked and slightly charred. The best way to ensure the shrimp are cooked to your liking is to sample one. If it tastes perfect, then they’re ready!
Tips and Tricks for Offset Smoker Skewered Shrimp
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Shrimp Portion Amount:
- Calculate the amount by estimating how many skewers each person will eat, then multiply by 5 for the total number of shrimp needed.
Shrimp Barbecue Sauce:
- Adjust the sauce ingredients based on the number of shrimp. Taste and modify the hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce to your preference.
Skewering the Shrimp:
- Skewer through the tail and body to prevent the shrimp from falling off and drying out.
Using a Wire Oven Rack and Drip Pan:
- Place skewered shrimp on a wire rack to prevent sagging and for easier handling. Use a drip pan to catch drippings and make cleanup easier.
