Smoky Chipotle Grilled Shrimp with Zesty Ranch Sauce - Perfect Summer BBQ

Introduction

 has become my go-to party starter this spring. I first whipped it up during last year's Memorial Day cookout, and honestly? It was a total game-changer. The spicy-smoky punch of chipotle meets perfectly grilled shrimp that's just... well, kissed by flame (that's the technical term in my kitchen, ha!). What really makes this dish sing is that cooling ranch sauce – it's got this addictive tang that keeps everyone coming back. Trust me, make extra because these little guys disappear FAST.

Timing

  • Prep time: 20 minutes
  • Marinating time: 30 minutes
  • Cook time: 6-8 minutes
  • Total time: About 1 hour

Ingredients

  • 1½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (16-20 count)
  • 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (or 2 if you're spice-shy)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced (the pre-minced stuff works too, I won't judge)
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 fat lime)
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Chipotle Ranch:
  • 1 cup ranch dressing (I like the refrigerated kind)
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, super finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Mix those chipotles, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, and honey in a bowl. The aroma might make your eyes water a bit - that's when you know it's good! Toss in the shrimp and coat them evenly. Let them hang out in the fridge for 30 mins (but not longer, or the lime juice will start "cooking" them).

Smoky Chipotle Grilled Shrimp with Zesty Ranch Sauce - Perfect Summer BBQ


Step 2: Make the Ranch Sauce

While the shrimp are marinating, stir together the ranch ingredients. Y'know what's funny? I actually discovered this sauce combo by accident when I spilled some adobo sauce into my ranch one day. Sometimes kitchen mistakes turn into magic! Let it chill in the fridge - it gets better as it sits.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Get your grill nice and hot - like medium-high hot (around 400°F).Smoky Chipotle Grilled Shrimp with Chipotle Ranch Dipping 

  Thread those shrimp onto skewers if you're using them. Metal ones are best, but if you're using wooden ones, soak them first or they'll turn into tiny torches!

Step 4: Grill Time

Place those babies on the grill and listen to that sizzle!