Name: BBQ Shrimp Spaghetti Squash Boats
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 1 spaghetti squash; salt and pepper, (to taste); olive oil, (for cooking); 8 jumbo shrimp, (peeled and deveined); 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, (); 1/2 cup mango salsa; 1 avocado, (mashed); pickled onions, (for topping); cilantro, (for topping)

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Easy and delicious BBQ Shrimp Spaghetti Squash Boats. They’re not only packed with great taste, they’re also Whole30 and family friendly!

If you like this recipe, check out these Taco Spaghetti Squash Boats and this Lasagna Spaghetti Squash Boat recipe!

Table of Contents

BBQ Shrimp Spaghetti Squash

These BBQ Shrimp Spaghetti Squash boats are rich in flavor, easy to make, and healthy. It’s a win from all angles!

I’m always on a mission to find ways to make busy nights easier, get food on the table faster, and eat healthy(ish). As I type that, I realize for some…that seems like a pipe dream.

Allow me to help make that pipe dream a reality…this recipe checks all the boxes for being the perfectly quick healthy meal!

BBQ Shrimp Spaghetti Squash Ingredients

Squash: for this recipe, you will need 1 spaghetti squash. If you are cooking for more or meal prepping for the week, add according to need.

Protein: either fresh shrimp or frozen shrimp will do the trick (just make sure to defrost them first). I used jumbo shrimp for this recipe.

Pro tip: I buy mine deveined to save on some prep time.

Wet ingredients: Whole30 BBQ Sauce, mango salsa, and olive oil.

Pro tip: If you don’t want to make your own Whole30 BBQ Sauce, you can use a store bought one, this is my favorite. If you aren’t worried about keeping the recipe Whole30 compliant, try this one.

Toppings: I added pickled onions, avocado, and cilantro to mine. You can add whatever you like to yours!

How to Make BBQ Shrimp Spaghetti Squash

1. Roast the spaghetti squash. Preheat the oven to 400° F. Carefully poke small holes around the spaghetti squash with a sharp knife and microwave for 5 minutes to soften the squash.

Slice the spaghetti squash in half, lengthwise, season with salt and pepper, and place it flesh side down on a rimmed baking sheet flesh with 1/4 cup of water.

Roast for 45-60 minutes or until the squash strands are easy to pull apart with a fork. When the squash is ready, pull at the strands with a fork.

Pro tip: you can also make spaghetti squash in the microwave!

2. Cook the shrimp. About 10 minutes before the squash is finished, heat a pan over medium-high heat with 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce on med-high heat.

Add shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side.

Note: you can also cook the shrimp in your preferred method (I love the air fryer) and toss in BBQ sauce once finished cooking.

3. Serve the spaghetti squash. To serve, divide the shrimp between each spaghetti squash boat and top with avocado, mango salsa, pickled onions, and cilantro.

Whole30 BBQ Sauce

Homemade BBQ Sauce is not as hard as you might think! It just takes a few ingredients like tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, coconut aminos, orange juice, a few spices, and dates to sweeten it naturally.

This BBQ Sauce Recipe is super easy and quick to make and tastes incredible!

BONUS: the sauce is Whole30, Paleo, and Keto friendly

Questions you may have

What is spaghetti squash?

Spaghetti squash is a vegetable that doubles as a low-carb pasta alternative! When cooked, the center becomes soft and stringy, kind of like pasta.

For anyone on a new lifestyle kick, this is a great option to fill your pasta craving and it is full of nutrients like carotene.

How do you pick a good spaghetti squash?

When picking out a squash, the process is simple and easy to remember, it is the same as picking out melons; pick out one that is firm and heavy.

bbq shrimp spaghetti squash boat with avocado

How do you store BBQ Shrimp?

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Leftovers will be good for 2-3 days.

Can I freeze shrimp and spaghetti squash?

Yes! Cook and prepare the recipe as listed. When done, allow the boats to cool completely. Once cooled place into an air-tight container and freeze for up to 6 months. When ready to eat, move to the fridge to let it thaw out.

What Goes With BBQ Shrimp?

If you’re looking for something else to eat with BBQ shrimp, try these:

More Delicious Recipes To Try

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