Tangy, Smoky, Boozy Bliss: Bourbon BBQ Shrimp You Need to Try! (From My Ewing Kitchen)

  

Living in Ewing, I'm no stranger to a good backyard BBQ. But sometimes, you want something a little more… sophisticated, a little more exciting than your standard burgers and hot dogs. That's where this Bourbon BBQ Shrimp comes in!

 

This isn't your average sticky-sweet BBQ sauce. We're talking about a rich, tangy, and slightly smoky sauce with a delightful hint of bourbon that elevates the humble shrimp to a whole new level. It's surprisingly easy to make and cooks up in minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a standout appetizer at your next gathering right here in Ewing.

 

The bourbon adds a warmth and depth that complements the smoky barbecue flavors beautifully. Don't worry, the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a delicious, nuanced taste. Trust me, even if you're not a big bourbon drinker, you'll love what it does for this shrimp!

 

What You'll Need:

 

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your preference)

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ cup ketchup

¼ cup bourbon

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Crusty bread or rice, for serving

Let's Get Saucy!

 

Prep the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear later. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.

Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant (be careful not to burn it!).

Whisk the Bourbon BBQ Sauce: Pour in the ketchup, bourbon, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until well combined. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.

Cook the Shrimp: Add the prepared shrimp to the skillet with the bourbon BBQ sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.

Coat and Serve: Toss the shrimp in the delicious bourbon BBQ sauce to ensure they are fully coated. Remove from the heat.

Garnish and Enjoy: Transfer the bourbon BBQ shrimp to a serving platter or bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately with crusty bread for soaking up that amazing sauce or over a bed of fluffy rice.