Grilled Shrimp--2 ways

My mom has this great recipe for grilled shrimp, but I didn't have it written down anywhere. When I called her (2 hours before dinner time), she wasn't there, so I had to improvise in order to give the little crustaceans enough marinatin' time. I love what I came up with! So, that's what I'll give you here first. (Scroll down for my mom's recipe.)

Kickin' Lime Shrimp

What you need

1 to 1 1/2 pounds shrimp, de-shelled, de-veined, tails on
1-2 limes (depending on how much you like the taste)--squeeze juice out and throw in the lime "shells" too
about 1 Tbs Essence*
salt and pepper
about 2 Tbs soy sauce

Mix all ingredients together and marinate covered, in fridge for about 2 hours. Grill or broil (this is what I did because I don't have a grill) for about 4-5 minutes max. If you decide to grill, you can soak some bamboo skewers for 30 minutes, then thread the shrimp on. It makes it easier to turn. If you broil, no need to turn!
*Essence (Creole spice mixture): You can make your own! Click here.


Shrimp Spice Rub

This is my mom's recipe. It's great tasting and good if you forgot to marinate your shrimp before dinner!

What you need
1 to 1 1/2 pounds shrimp, de-shelled, de-veined, tails on
3 Tbs Old Bay seasoning
3 Tbs brown sugar
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp cumin
1/4 cup olive oil
1 clove garlic, smashed

Mix Old Bay, sugar, garlic and onion powder, and cumin together in small bowl. Heat oil in skillet and put in garlic clove. Let heat over warm for a bit. Take off heat. Brush shrimp with oil mixture. Sprinkle on spice rub. If grilling, thread onto bamboo skewers (that have been soaked for 30 minutes). Grill or broil for 4-5 minutes.