The Ultimate Guide: How Long to Cook Shrimp on Your Traeger Grill (With Pro Tips!)

Hey there, fellow grill enthusiasts! I’ve been cooking on my Traeger for years now, and lemme tell you – grilling shrimp is one of those things that seems simple but can be tricky to get just right. Today, I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about cooking perfect shrimp on your Traeger, especially that all-important timing question!

Quick Answer

For those who just want the basic timing – cook your shrimp at 350°F for 5-7 minutes total (2-3 minutes per side). But stick around, ’cause there’s a lot more to nailing the perfect grilled shrimp!

The Complete Guide to Cooking Shrimp on Your Traeger

Preparation Steps

Before we even talk about cooking times, here’s what you gotta do first:

1. Thaw Your Shrimp

   • Never cook frozen shrimp directly
   • Thaw in sealed plastic bag submerged in water
   • Takes about 10-20 minutes
   • Pat dry with paper towels after thawing

2. Prep Your Shrimp

   • Remove shells (optional – I’ll explain why later)
   • Devein the shrimp
   • Pat dry again if needed

3. Season or Marinate

   • Quick Season Option:
     • Toss with olive oil
     • Add your favorite seasoning right before grilling
   • Marinade Option:
     • Minimum 30 minutes
     • Up to 8 hours (except citrus marinades)
     • With citrus: max 2 hours to avoid mushy shrimp

Perfect Timing Guide

Here’s my foolproof timing chart for different sizes of shrimp

Temperature Settings

Listen up this is important! I’ve found these temp settings work best

• Ideal Temperature: 350°F
• Don’t Go Higher: Higher temps can dry out your shrimp real quick
• Preheat Time: 15 minutes with lid closed

Pro Tips for Perfect Traeger Shrimp

1. Shell On or Off?

Ya know what? This is totally up to you, but here’s what I’ve learned:

• Shell-on = more moisture retention
• Shell-off = better seasoning absorption
• I personally leave tails on for presentation

2. How to Avoid Dry Shrimp

Nobody likes tough, rubbery shrimp! Here’s what works for me:

• Don’t overcook (seriously, watch those times!)
• Use marinade for extra moisture
• Consider leaving shells on
• Keep that lid closed!

3. Signs Your Shrimp is Done

Look for these indicators:

• Color changes to opaque pink
• Meat becomes pearly white
• Shrimp forms a “C” shape
• If it’s a tight “O” shape, it’s overcooked!

My Favorite Basic Traeger Shrimp Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds large shrimp
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Fire up your Traeger and set to 350°F
2. Mix oil, garlic, and seasonings
3. Toss shrimp in mixture
4. Place on grill (I use a grill mat sometimes)
5. Cook 2-3 minutes per side
6. Remove when pink and opaque

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Listen, we’ve all been there! Here’s what NOT to do:

• ❌ Overcrowding the grill
• ❌ Forgetting to preheat
• ❌ Walking away (shrimp cook fast!)
• ❌ Using wrong temperature
• ❌ Cooking frozen shrimp

Serving Suggestions

Your perfectly cooked Traeger shrimp will go great with:

• Grilled veggies
• Over pasta
• In tacos
• As an appetizer with cocktail sauce
• On skewers with pineapple

Final Thoughts

Cooking shrimp on your Traeger isn’t rocket science, but it does need attention to detail. The key thing to remember is that timing is everything – 5-7 minutes total at 350°F is your sweet spot. Keep an eye on ’em, and you’ll be serving up perfect shrimp every time!

Remember, practice makes perfect, and don’t be afraid to experiment a little once you’ve got the basics down. Trust me, your family and friends are gonna love what comes off your Traeger!

Got any questions about grilling shrimp? Drop ’em in the comments below – I love helping fellow Traeger enthusiasts get the most outta their grills! Happy grilling, y’all!

Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article in more detail?