Hey there fellow seafood lovers! I’ve been smoking shrimp for years, and let me tell you – getting that perfect smoky, tender shrimp is an art form Today, I’m gonna share everything I know about smoking shrimp at 300°F, including the exact timing you need for mouthwatering results
Quick Answer
At 300°F, shrimp typically takes 12-18 minutes to smoke perfectly. But stick around – there’s more to nailing this recipe than just timing!
The Perfect Temperature: Why 300°F?
You might be wondering why we’re smoking at 300°F. Well, here’s the deal
- Fast enough to keep shrimp from drying out
- Hot enough to cook evenly
- Perfect for retaining that juicy texture
- Prevents rubbery, overcooked shrimp
Essential Prep Steps
1. Choosing Your Shrimp
- Go for jumbo or colossal shrimp – they handle smoking better
- Fresh is best, but frozen works too (just thaw properly!)
- Peel and devein before smoking
- Pat dry thoroughly
2. Pre-Smoking Prep
Here’s my go-to seasoning mix
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
Smoking Process: Step by Step
-
Prep Your Smoker
- Preheat to exactly 300°F
- Choose your wood chips (more on this below)
- Line racks with foil if needed
-
Arrange Shrimp
- Single layer only
- Leave space between each shrimp
- Don’t overcrowd!
-
Monitor & Cook
- Watch for color change to pink
- Look for C-shaped curl (not O-shaped!)
- Internal temp should hit 120-140°F
Wood Selection Tips
Different woods = different flavors! Here’s what I recommend:
| Wood Type | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|
| Apple | Sweet, mild |
| Cherry | Fruity, light |
| Hickory | Classic, bold |
| Alder | Subtle, clean |
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
-
Moisture Control
- Quick brine (30-60 mins) before smoking
- Light oil spray during smoking
- Don’t leave them in too long!
-
Signs of Doneness
- Opaque flesh
- Light pink color
- C-shaped curl
- Firm but not rubbery
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking – Once they’re O-shaped, you’ve gone too far!
- Overcrowding – Give them space to smoke evenly
- Wrong Wood – Avoid mesquite, it’s too strong
- No Temperature Check – Use that thermometer!
Storage and Serving
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate up to 3-4 days
- Freeze for 2-3 months
- Keep in airtight container
Serving Ideas:
- Appetizer with cocktail sauce
- In pasta dishes
- On salads
- In tacos or wraps
- Mixed into rice dishes
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Having problems? Here’s what might be wrong:
Rubbery Shrimp?
- Cooked too long
- Temperature too high
- Overcrowded smoker
Not Enough Smoke Flavor?
- Too short cooking time
- Poor wood choice
- Not enough wood chips
Wrapping It Up
So there ya have it – everything you need to know about smoking shrimp at 300°F! Remember, the key is watching that 12-18 minute window carefully. I’ve messed up plenty of batches getting to this point, so learn from my mistakes!
Got questions? Drop ’em in the comments! And don’t forget to share your smoking adventures – I’d love to hear how your shrimp turned out!
#SmokingTips #SeafoodRecipes #BBQ #SmokingShrimp #CookingTips
How to smoke them
Ive smoked shrimp both peeled and unpeeled, and they are good both ways. If you have shell-on shrimp, go ahead and throw them on the smoker that way and serve them as “peel and eat” shrimp with the garlic butter sauce for dipping.
Either way, toss them with a little olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper before putting them on the smoker. This helps keep them from drying out while they smoke. I like to use a garlic-infused olive oil for a little extra flavor.
And serve them with this simple herb garlic sauce, your favorite dipping sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and melted butter or ghee.
How long to smoke shrimp
Think smoking shrimp is complicated or time-consuming? Its not—its actually one of the quickest and easiest foods to smoke once you learn how to do it.
The key to smoking shrimp is not to overcook them. I cant emphasize this enough. Unlike a thick cut of meat, shrimp smoke quickly and will be done in 20 minutes or so, depending on the heat of your smoker and the size of your shrimp.
You definitely need to keep an eye on them. I start checking them at 10 minutes and keep checking them until they are just cooked through. Jumbo shrimps will take longer than small or medium sized ones.
How To Smoke Shrimp On Traeger (Recipe Step-by-Step)
FAQ
How long to cook shrimp on a pellet grill at 350 degrees?
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.
How long do shrimp take to cook at 225 degrees?
Shrimp should be near perfect in 35 minutes at 225°F.Feb 14, 2025
Can you smoke shrimp in the shell?
Rinse and dry the shell-on shrimp; no cures, no brines — hell, no seasoning. Place them on an oiled rack in a smoker preheated to between 225 and 250°F (or, in our case, in a preheated charcoal grill containing a few handfuls of dry or soaked wood chips). Smoke for 30 to 60 minutes, peel and serve — hot! Or cold!