Hey grill lovers! I’ve been experimenting with smoking different foods on my pellet grill, and let me tell you – smoked shrimp is a game-changer! Today, I’m gonna share my foolproof method for smoking shrimp that’ll make your taste buds dance. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never want to cook shrimp any other way!
Why Smoke Shrimp on a Pellet Grill?
Before we dive in here’s why smoking shrimp on a pellet grill is awesome
- Takes only 10-30 minutes (perfect for busy folks!)
- Creates amazing smoky flavor while keeping shrimp juicy
- Super easy to control temperature
- Perfect for both beginners and pros
- Great for parties and impressing guests
What You’ll Need
Essential Equipment:
- Pellet grill
- Wood pellets (apple, cherry, or hickory work best)
- Meat thermometer
- Grill basket or mat (to prevent shrimp from falling through)
For the Shrimp:
- Fresh or thawed medium to large shrimp (16/20 count)
- Olive oil
- Your favorite seasonings
- Optional: bamboo skewers
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep Your Shrimp
First things first let’s get those shrimp ready
- If frozen, thaw completely in cold water (about 30 mins)
- Peel and devein the shrimp
- Leave tails on if you want (I like to – looks prettier!)
- Pat dry with paper towels
2. Season Those Bad Boys
Here’s my go-to simple seasoning mix:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Mix everything in a bowl and toss your shrimp until they’re well-coated, Let ’em sit for about 15-30 minutes while you prep the grill
3. Prep Your Pellet Grill
Time to fire up that grill!
- Clean your grates
- Fill hopper with your chosen wood pellets
- Preheat to 225°F-250°F
- Wait for good smoke to develop
Pro tip: I love using apple or cherry wood pellets for shrimp – gives ’em a slightly sweet smoky flavor that’s just chef’s kiss!
4. Smoking Process
Now for the fun part:
- Place seasoned shrimp on grill basket or mat
- Space them evenly (don’t crowd!)
- Close lid and let the magic happen
- Smoke for about:
- 10-15 minutes for medium shrimp
- 15-20 minutes for large shrimp
- 20-30 minutes for jumbo shrimp
5. How to Know When They’re Done
Your shrimp are ready when:
- They’re pink and opaque
- Have a nice “C” shape (not tight “O” shape – that means overcooked!)
- Internal temp reaches 120°F
Tips for Success
-
Don’t Overcook! Seriously, this is crucial. Overcooked shrimp = rubber bands
-
Size Matters: Bigger shrimp (16/20 count) work better for smoking – they don’t dry out as quick
-
Moisture is Key: Some folks like to baste with butter halfway through – totally optional but super tasty!
-
Get Creative with Flavors: Try these variations:
- Cajun style
- Garlic and lemon
- Asian-inspired (soy sauce + sesame oil)
- Simple salt and pepper
Serving Suggestions
Here’s how I like to serve my smoked shrimp:
As Main Dish:
- Over rice
- With grilled veggies
- In tacos
- On pasta
As Appetizer:
- With cocktail sauce
- On skewers
- With melted butter
- In a seafood platter
Common Problems & Solutions
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here’s what to do:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Shrimp falling through grates | Use a grill mat or basket |
| Too much smoke | Reduce pellet amount or try milder wood |
| Rubbery texture | Shorter cooking time next time |
| Not enough flavor | Marinate longer before smoking |
Wrapping Up
And there ya have it, folks! Smoking shrimp on a pellet grill ain’t rocket science, but these tips will help you nail it every time. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and techniques.
Happy grilling!
P.S. Don’t forget to share this guide with your fellow grill enthusiasts – spread the smoky love!
How To Make Smoked Shrimp On A Pit Boss Pellet Grill | Baller BBQ
FAQ
Can you smoke shrimp on a pellet grill?
How long do you smoke shrimp at 225 degrees?
How long to cook shrimp on a pellet grill at 350 degrees?
Preheat your grill to 350-450°F and set it up for direct cooking. Grill the shrimp over direct, medium heat for 5-7 minutes, turning the shrimp halfway through the process. The outside of the shrimp should turn a nice pink color when it is cooked while the meat inside should be white and opaque.
How long to smoke fish at 225 on a pellet grill?
Smoke your salmon for 3-4 hours, at 225 degrees Fahrenheit until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do you cook smoked shrimp on a pellet grill?
There are endless possibilities when it comes to flavoring smoked shrimp on the pellet grill. Here are a few popular recipe ideas: Marinate peeled shrimp in olive oil, melted butter, chopped garlic, lemon juice, parsley, Traeger Fin & Feather seasoning, salt, and pepper. Smoke at 400°F for 4-6 minutes until done.
Can you smoke shrimp in a pellet smoker?
Follow these tips when getting your shrimp ready for the pellet smoker: Choose raw, shell on shrimp – Smoking already cooked or prepared shrimp can cause it to become rubbery and dry out too much. Raw shrimp will cook gently and absorb the perfect amount of smoke flavor. Use large shrimp – Opt for jumbo or colossal size shrimp.
How long do you smoke shrimp on a grill?
Once the grill is at the right temperature, place the seasoned shrimp directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and let the shrimp smoke for 15-20 minutes, or until they are pink and opaque. Be sure to keep an eye on the shrimp to prevent overcooking. What type of wood pellets should I use for smoking shrimp?
Do you smoke shrimp on a Traeger pellet smoker?
We smoke shrimp on the Traeger pellet smoker. Pellet smokers have a higher moisture content than wood chips so no water is needed. However, if you have an electric smoker, make sure to check the steam pot and keep it filled with water. Maintaining a high moisture content within the smoker is important.
Can you smoke shrimp on a charcoal grill?
Place the shrimp on the smoker racks (or on aluminum foil or a foil pan, to prevent them from falling through the grates). Smoke for about 60 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink. Remove from the smoker and serve immediately. This smoked shrimp recipe works on a charcoal smoker or a pellet grill as well.
How do you cook shrimp on a gas grill?
Fill the Hopper: Fill the pellet hopper with your chosen wood pellets. Keep extra pellets on hand in case you need to refill during the smoking process. Set Up for Indirect Cooking: Position your grill grates for indirect cooking. This method prevents direct heat on the shrimp, ensuring even smoking.