Yes, you absolutely can grill shrimp straight from frozen! I’ve done it many times when I’m craving some smoky grilled shrimp but forgot to thaw them ahead of time. While thawed shrimp is ideal, frozen shrimp can still turn out delicious with the right technique Let me share everything I’ve learned about grilling frozen shrimp successfully
Why Choose Frozen Shrimp for Grilling?
There are several good reasons to keep frozen shrimp on hand for grilling:
- Convenience – No need to run to the store when you’ve got shrimp in the freezer
- Cost-effective – Frozen shrimp is usually cheaper than fresh
- Food safety – Commercially frozen shrimp has less risk of contamination
- Consistent quality – Frozen shrimp maintains quality for up to 12 months
- Always available – Not dependent on fresh seafood availability
Two Methods for Grilling Frozen Shrimp
Method 1: Direct Grilling from Frozen (Shell-On)
This method works best with shell-on frozen shrimp since the shell helps protect the delicate meat while cooking.
What you’ll need
- Frozen shell-on shrimp
- Wooden or metal skewers
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 lime
- Your favorite seasonings
- Basting brush
- Grill
Steps
- Preheat grill to medium heat (350-450°F)
- If using wooden skewers, soak in warm water for 15 minutes
- Thread frozen shrimp onto skewers lengthwise
- Mix melted butter with lime juice and brush onto shrimp
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, or preferred seasonings
- Grill 3-5 minutes per side until white and opaque
- Add final seasoning when removing from grill
Method 2: Thaw First Method (Better for Peeled Shrimp)
For best results with peeled shrimp, I recommend thawing first:
- Place frozen shrimp in colander
- Run cold water over them, turning occasionally
- Let drain for 5 minutes
- Pat completely dry with paper towels
- Toss with oil and seasonings
- Grill 2-3 minutes per side
Pro Tips for Perfect Grilled Shrimp
Temperature Control
- Maintain medium heat around 400°F
- Too hot will burn outside before inside cooks
- Too low won’t give nice char marks
⏰ Timing is Everything
- Shell-on frozen: 3-5 minutes per side
- Thawed peeled: 2-3 minutes per side
- Done when white and opaque
Simple Seasonings Work Best
- Light coating of salt and pepper
- Fresh citrus juice
- Cajun or Italian seasonings work great
- Don’t overdo marinades – they can burn
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t overcrowd the grill – Leave space between shrimp for even cooking
- Skip heavy marinades – They often burn before flavoring the shrimp
- Never walk away – Shrimp cook quickly and can easily overcook
- Don’t guess at doneness – Look for white, opaque color throughout
Serving Suggestions
Your perfectly grilled shrimp deserves perfect accompaniments! Try:
- Squeeze of fresh lemon or lime
- Garlic butter sauce
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Rice pilaf
- Fresh garden salad
My Personal Experience
I gotta tell ya, I was skeptical first time I tried grilling frozen shrimp. But now it’s one of my go-to quick dinner solutions! The key is really watching that grill temperature and not walking away. I’ve had the best success using shell-on shrimp and keeping the seasonings simple.
Can you grill shrimp from frozen? Heck yeah! While thawing first gives more consistent results, grilling directly from frozen is totally doable when you’re short on time. Just remember:
- Shell-on works better for frozen
- Keep heat at medium
- Don’t overcook
- Simple seasonings are best
Now fire up that grill and get cooking! Your perfectly grilled shrimp dinner is just minutes away. Got any questions about grilling frozen shrimp? Drop ’em in the comments below!
Happy grilling!
How To Grill Shrimp
Follow my simple method for grilling shrimp below:
- Prep the grill. Heat grill to medium-high/high. Clean the grates and then rub oil on the grates.
- Make the marinade. In a low, wide bowl, combine the oil, lemon juice, garlic, Old Bay, sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the shrimp. Add the shrimp to the bowl of marinade, then fold gently to evenly coat the shrimp.
- Grill the shrimp. Place shrimp on the hot grill grates and cook for 3 minutes, or until they have some char. Flip shrimp and cook for another 2 minutes, or just until shrimp are no longer translucent. Take care to not overcook. Smaller shrimp will take less time.
- Serve hot. For the best texture and flavor, serve the grilled shrimp immediately. I also recommend offering fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over the top.
How Do You Know When Grilled Shrimp Is Done?
After both sides of the shrimp have been grilled, they should be pink on the outside, white and completely opaque on the inside (not translucent), and firm to the touch.
Pull the shrimp off the heat when they are done – overcooking them can make them tough and rubbery. Remember my goal >>> tender, succulent shrimp ALWAYS!
How to Cook Frozen Shrimp on a Grill : Grilled Shrimp Recipes
FAQ
Is frozen shrimp good for grilling?
Grilling frozen shrimp is not recommended, as the outside can cook and dry out long before the inside is done. However, sautéing frozen shrimp, as in this recipe, helps prevent them from overcooking, resulting in more tender, juicier shrimp.
Do I have to thaw shrimp before grilling?
Yes – thawing shrimp before you use them in your meal prep will give you a tastier end result. Cooking frozen shrimp won’t harm you, but the texture won’t be as appetising as if you cook from thawed. If time allows, leave your shrimp in the fridge overnight to thaw.Jul 24, 2023
How do you cook frozen shrimp without thawing it?
- Make a Cajun spice blend for the shrimp. …
- Preheat the oven and a baking sheet. …
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water to remove ice crystals. …
- Season the shrimp. …
- Broil the shrimp on the preheated baking sheet. …
- Broil for 5 minutes.
Is it better to grill cooked or uncooked shrimp?
Shrimp, like most seafood, becomes gross when overcooked. I’d go with raw for frying or barbequing. If you haven’t cooked shrimp before then don’t make your first big batch your first time – try small amounts at home.
Can you cook frozen shrimp before grilling?
Yes, you can absolutely cook frozen shrimp on the grill. Just make sure to properly thaw them before grilling to ensure even and thorough cooking. How do I thaw frozen shrimp before grilling? The safest and best way to thaw frozen shrimp is to place them in the refrigerator overnight.
Can You marinate frozen shrimp before grilling?
Marinating frozen shrimp can help enhance their flavor. You can use a variety of marinades such as garlic and lemon, teriyaki, or Cajun seasoning. Simply place the shrimp in a bowl with your desired marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes before grilling. What temperature should I grill frozen shrimp at?
Can you cook shrimp without thawing them?
Yes, deveined or ‘zipperback’ shrimp with the shell on but the vein already removed can be cooked from frozen. Deveining frozen shrimp is challenging, so it’s best to thaw shrimp with the vein left in before use. Shrimp is on the grill for a family gathering in the backyard.
Can You thaw frozen shrimp before grilling?
The day before grilling, place frozen shrimp in a single layer on a tray or plate. Put in the refrigerator overnight. This may take 8-12 hours depending on the amount. Do not stack shrimp as that will impede even thawing. Once thawed, peel the shrimp, leaving the tails intact if desired.
How do you cook frozen shrimp on a grill?
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning. Meanwhile, remove the frozen shrimp from their packaging and rinse them under cold water to remove any ice crystals. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Drizzle or brush the shrimp with oil or melted butter to help prevent them from drying out during grilling.
How do you eat grilled shrimp?
When you remove the shrimp from the grill, toss them right away with a squirt of fresh lemon or lime juice. The acid brightens the sweet smoky flavor. Sprinkle with a bit of chopped parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve the grilled shrimp while hot off the grill, or enjoy chilled for shrimp cocktails.