Hey there, foodies! Ever wondered about that famous “shrimp on the barbie” phrase? Well, I’m gonna break it down for ya and share everything you need to know about this iconic dish that’s become a worldwide sensation.
The Story Behind Shrimp on the Barbie
Let’s start with a fun fact – this phrase actually blew up thanks to those awesome Australian tourism ads featuring Paul Hogan (yep Crocodile Dundee himself!) in the 1980s. When he said “I’ll slip an extra shrimp on the barbie for you” it stuck like crazy and became Australia’s unofficial catchphrase!
But here’s the funny thing – Aussies actually call them “prawns,” not shrimp! Still, the name stuck, and now it’s super popular at places like Outback Steakhouse, where they serve up a mean version with 550 calories of pure deliciousness.
What Makes It Special?
At its heart, shrimp on the barbie is pretty simple:
- Jumbo shrimp (about 16-20 per pound)
- Special seasoned butter glaze
- High-heat grilling
- Served with remoulade sauce
The magic is in how it’s cooked – quick and hot on the grill, getting that perfect char while staying juicy inside
How to Make Restaurant-Style Shrimp on the Barbie
The Perfect Shrimp
- Always use raw jumbo shrimp
- Make sure they’re:
- Deveined
- Shelled
- Tail-on
- Never use pre-cooked shrimp (trust me, they’ll turn into rubber!)
The Secret Seasoning Mix
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Butter
- Old Bay seasoning
- Light brown sugar
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cumin
- Ground red pepper
- Fresh minced garlic
Cooking Tips
- Thread shrimp on skewers (helps with flipping!)
- Brush with seasoned butter mixture
- Grill over medium heat
- Cook 2-4 minutes per side
- They’re done when pink and opaque
Pro tip: Don’t walk away! These little guys cook super fast, and nobody likes overcooked shrimp!
That Amazing Remoulade Sauce
Y’all can’t have proper shrimp on the barbie without this sauce! Here’s what goes in it
- Mayonnaise
- Brown mustard
- Relish
- White vinegar
- Spices (paprika, onion salt, cajun seasoning, black pepper)
Why It’s Perfect for Summer BBQs
This dish is awesome because:
- It cooks in minutes
- It’s light and fresh
- You can easily make it for 2 or 20 people
- It’s great as an appetizer or main dish
- Everyone loves it!
Storage and Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers (which, let’s be real, rarely happens), they’ll keep for 2-3 days in the fridge. But here’s a pro tip – instead of reheating them (which can make them tough), chop ’em up and throw them in:
- Salads
- Quesadillas
- Shrimp salad
What to Serve With It
Make it a complete meal with:
- Steamed rice
- Cucumber salad
- Grilled potatoes
- Quinoa salad
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re throwing a backyard BBQ or just want something special for dinner, shrimp on the barbie is always a winner. It’s got that perfect mix of being fancy enough for company but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Remember, the key to nailing this dish is using fresh shrimp, not overcooking them, and making that awesome remoulade sauce. Now get out there and fire up that grill – you’ve got some shrimp to cook!
And hey, if you try this recipe, drop a comment below – I’d love to hear how it turned out for ya!
STEP 1
Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat with the minced garlic. Add all other ingredients except shrimp.
GRILLED SHRIMP ON THE BARBIE
▢1 lb raw jumbo shrimp ▢¼ cup butter ▢1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning ▢¾ tablespoon light brown sugar ▢½ teaspoon garlic powder ▢½ teaspoon onion powder ▢½ teaspoon cumin ▢¼ teaspoon ground red pepper ▢2 garlic cloves minced
Thread your shrimp close together on a skewer. If using wood, soak them in water for 10 minutes before threading the shrimp. If you use metal, like I do, skip straight to threading the shrimp.
Shrimp on the Barbie | Grilled Shrimp Recipe with Basting Sauce
FAQ
What does putting a shrimp on the barbie mean?
“Barbie” is Australian slang for BBQ and the phrase “slip a shrimp on the barbie” often evokes images of a fun social gathering under the sun. Australians, however, invariably use the word prawn rather than shrimp.
What is grilled shrimp on the Barbie Outback?
At Outback Steakhouse, “Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie” refers to a dish of shrimp seasoned with a special blend of herbs and spices, then grilled over an open flame. It is served with a classic rémoulade sauce and your choice of two freshly made sides.
Where does the term shrimp on the barbie come from?
“Shrimp on the barbie” got its beginnings through ads. A commission to boost tourism in Australia produced television commercials starring Paul Hogan, which started in 1984. Before being known as Crocodile Dundee (1986), Mr.