🌊 Beach BBQ Shrimp — CJ’s Family Day at the Shore

Hey—Chris here. I’m keeping this space raw, simple, and real. Sometimes it’s a shitty recipe, sometimes it’s advice, sometimes it’s just a moment worth sharing. My buddy CJ the Skeleton reminds me to open up a little—and today’s story is about a trip to the beach.

We packed the cooler, grabbed the boards, and hit the sand. The water was perfect — waves rolling in, kids laughing, sun baking the sand just enough to make the ocean feel like heaven. Between swims, games of catch, and trying to keep sand out of the snacks, CJ was already firing up the little grill we dragged down with us. Because a day at the beach isn’t complete without smoke in the air and something sizzling.

And what’s better than shrimp skewers kissed by the salt air?

WHY THIS SHRIMP SLAPS

— Cooks in minutes = more time in the water 🌊

— Citrus + chili = bright, bold, refreshing flavors

— Pairs perfectly with an ice-cold beer 🍺

— Lightweight, easy to pack, no stress

 

QUICK STATS

— Yield: 4 skewers (serves 2–3)

— Prep: 10 minutes

— Cook: 6–8 minutes

— Skill: Easy

 

 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined (tails on)

• 2 limes (juice + zest)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp chili flakes or 1 fresh chili, sliced

• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

• Kosher salt & cracked pepper

• Wooden or metal skewers

 

 

GEAR

 

• Portable beach grill (or cast iron pan over charcoal)

• Small cooler with ice packs

• Foil tray for marinating

• Tongs

 

 

METHOD (CJ’s step-by-step)

 

1. Prep Marinade: Mix lime juice + zest, olive oil, garlic, chili, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a foil tray. Toss shrimp and marinate 15–20 minutes while you swim.
2. Fire Up: Build medium heat on your beach grill. (CJ swears by a small charcoal kettle you can carry with one hand.)
3. Skewer: Thread shrimp onto skewers. Don’t overcrowd — give them room to cook evenly.
4. Grill: Place skewers on the grate. 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly charred.
5. Serve: Squeeze extra lime over the top, sprinkle with cilantro, and eat straight off the stick.

 

 

 

CJ’S DAD TIPS

 

• Shrimp cooks fast — don’t walk away, you’ll miss it.

• Bring extra skewers for the kids with pineapple chunks only — they’ll love it.

• Foil is your friend — keeps sand out of everything.

• Keep one hand for the tongs, one hand for the beer.

 

 

BEER PAIRING 🍺

 

CJ cracks open an ice-cold Corona with lime for this one. Light, crisp, citrusy — it’s the perfect partner to salty ocean air and smoky shrimp. If craft’s more your thing, a crisp Pilsner or Kölsch also nails it.

 

 

MAKE-AHEAD & LEFTOVERS

 

• Fridge: Marinated raw shrimp keeps 24 hrs. Cooked shrimp lasts 2 days, but let’s be honest — they’re gone in minutes.

• Cooler hack: Freeze the shrimp overnight in the marinade bag. By the time you hit the beach, they’ll be thawed and ready to grill.

 

 

NUTRITION (rough, per skewer)

~150 kcal • 20g protein • 5g fat • 6g carbs

SHOP THE WHOLE LIST IN ONE CLICK (Amazon)

👉 Amazon Shopping List – Beach BBQ Shrimp

CLOSE IT OUT

 

A good day at the beach is about more than swimming and sun. It’s about that mix of saltwater, smoke, and laughter. CJ says it best: Grill, Chill, Repeat.

When you make it, tag @grillchillgear so CJ can repost your masterpiece.