Hey there! I’m Thomas, and I’ve been grilling shrimp for over 10 years. Let me tell ya – grilled shrimp is one of the easiest and tastiest things you can throw on your BBQ. Today I’m gonna share my foolproof method for getting perfectly grilled shrimp every single time
What You’ll Need
The Shrimp:
- Large or jumbo shrimp (26-30 or 21-25 count per pound)
- Raw, uncooked shrimp with tails on
- Plan for about 1/4 pound per person
- Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp both work great
Basic Equipment:
- BBQ grill or grill pan
- Tongs for flipping
- Basting brush
- Small bowl for marinades
- Skewers (optional but recommended)
Step-by-Step Grilling Guide
1. Prep Your Shrimp
- Rinse under cold water and pat dry
- Leave those tails on – they protect the meat and look pretty!
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 mins
2. Season Those Bad Boys
Here’s my go-to simple marinade that never fails:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2-3 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon each garlic and onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh lemon juice
Mix it all up and coat your shrimp. Don’t marinate longer than 30 mins or the acid starts “cooking” them!
3. Fire Up That Grill
- Preheat to medium-high heat (375-450°F)
- You want direct heat for best results
- Grill’s ready when you can hold your hand 5 inches above for 3-4 seconds max
4. Time to Grill
- Thread 4-5 shrimp on each skewer (if using)
- Place directly on clean, oiled grates
- Grill 2-3 minutes per side
- Watch for:
- Pink color outside
- White/opaque meat inside
- Nice grill marks
- C-shape (O-shape means overcooked!)
Pro Tips From My Kitchen
-
Don’t Overcrowd: Give those shrimp some space to cook evenly
-
Flip Only Once: Too much flipping = dry shrimp
-
Watch Like a Hawk: These little guys cook FAST – just a few mins total
-
Remove Immediately: Take ’em off as soon as they’re done
My Favorite Serving Ideas
- Toss with pasta and garlic butter
- Make epic shrimp tacos
- Serve over rice with grilled veggies
- Add to salads
- Just eat ’em straight off the skewer!
Common Mistakes (I’ve Made ‘Em All!)
- Using too high heat
- Overcooking (they get rubbery real quick)
- Not patting shrimp dry before grilling
- Marinating too long
- Overcrowding the grill
Some Killer Marinade Ideas
Spicy Cajun Style:
- Melted butter
- Cajun seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- Cayenne pepper
Asian-Inspired:
- Soy sauce
- Fresh ginger
- Lemongrass
- Rice vinegar
- Brown sugar
Mediterranean:
- Olive oil
- Fresh herbs (oregano, basil, parsley)
- Lemon zest
- Garlic
- Red pepper flakes
Storage Tips
- Best eaten fresh off the grill (duh!)
- Can store leftovers up to 3 days in fridge
- Reheat gently to avoid rubber-town
Listen, grilling shrimp ain’t rocket science, but it does need a bit of attention to detail. Follow these steps and I promise you’ll be the BBQ hero at your next cookout. Got questions? Drop ’em in the comments – I’m always happy to help fellow grillers!
Remember: The key to perfect grilled shrimp is prep, proper heat, and paying attention. Now get out there and fire up that grill!
Do You Leave the Shell on When Grilling Shrimp?
You can grill shrimp with or without the shells. Some folks prefer to leave the shell on during grilling because it keeps the shrimp tender when cooked over high heat. If you decide to remove the shell before grilling, keep a close eye on your shrimp so they don’t overcook.
How Long Does Shrimp Take to Grill?
At 350 degrees Fahrenheit, shrimp take 5 to 7 minutes total grilling time. That means about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’ll be able to tell when your shrimp are done cooking because they will turn opaque and pink.
Super Quick Video Tips: The Best Way to Grill Shrimp
FAQ
How long does it take to grill shrimp on the grill?
Do you grill shrimp with lid open or closed?
When it comes to grilling shrimp, keeping the shell on definitely has the advantage. The idea of leaving the shell on is primarily to protect the tender meat. It provides a more robust layer to shield against the flame, a heat deflector, if you will.
What seasoning to put on shrimp for grilling?
- Lemon: fresh lemon juice and zest gives the shrimp the best flavor.
- Seasoning: for the seasoning blend you’ll need a combination of old bay, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Olive Oil: a little olive oil helps to pull everything together.
What are some common grilling mistakes with shrimp?
- Skipping the Deveining Step. …
- Not Thawing Shrimp Properly. …
- Overcooking Shrimp. …
- Skipping the Seasoning. …
- Using the Wrong Cooking Method. …
- Throwing Away Shrimp Shells. …
- Not Drying Shrimp before Cooking. …
- Forgetting to Preheat the Pan.
Can you cook grilled shrimp off the grill?
Grilled shrimp are excellent right off the grill, rested at room temperature, or even chilled for a unique take on a shrimp cocktail or a New England-style shrimp roll. Price recommends adding grilled shrimp to Caesar salad or atop a risotto. If you’re fresh out of ideas, choose one of these shrimp recipes and get grilling!
Can you cook shrimp on a BBQ?
Grilling shrimp on a BBQ is one of the quickest and tastiest ways to prepare this popular seafood. With just a few minutes over direct heat you can have tender, juicy shrimp with tons of smoky, charred flavor. As a busy home cook and BBQ enthusiast, grilled shrimp has become one of my go-to meals.
How long does grilled shrimp take to cook?
With just a few minutes over direct heat you can have tender, juicy shrimp with tons of smoky, charred flavor. As a busy home cook and BBQ enthusiast, grilled shrimp has become one of my go-to meals. It comes together fast, it’s budget-friendly, and it’s hard to mess up.
How do you cook shrimp on a gas grill?
Grill Prep is Key: Ensure your gas grill is clean and preheated to medium-high heat (400°F to 450°F) for optimal cooking. Master Cooking Techniques: Use direct heat for smaller or skewered shrimp and indirect heat for larger pieces to maintain moisture and prevent burning.
What can I do with grilled shrimp?
Check out this grilled garlic butter shrimp recipe. Yum! Try using your grilled seafood in shrimp tacos or over rice. And since you already heated the grill, maybe with some grilled vegetables like asparagus. I love shrimp, so I have over 40 shrimp recipes for you to enjoy, here are a few with different cooking methods.
How do you devein grilled shrimp?
To devein shrimp, use a small pairing knife or deveiner to cut a slit along the back and remove the black, stringy vein. Seasoning shrimp can be as simple or complex as you like and there are many delicious grilled shrimp recipes to choose from. If you’re looking for something simple, coat them in olive oil, flavored butter, or barbecue sauce.