Hey there! As a passionate home cook who’s grilled countless shrimp skewers over the years, I’m excited to share my complete guide on how to skewer jumbo shrimp perfectly every time. Trust me, I’ve made all the rookie mistakes so you don’t have to!
Why Should You Skewer Jumbo Shrimp?
Before we dive into the how-to let’s quickly cover why skewering is the way to go
- Prevents shrimp from falling through grill grates
- Ensures even cooking on all sides
- Makes flipping way easier (one flip instead of dozens!)
- Creates an impressive presentation
- Allows for better marinade coverage
- Helps maintain shape while cooking
Choosing the Right Shrimp
The success of your skewers starts with picking the right shrimp:
Best choices
- Jumbo or large shrimp (16/20 size or bigger)
- Raw, not pre-cooked
- Fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp
- Peeled and deveined
- Tail-on preferred for presentation
Essential Equipment
You’ll need:
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- Large bowl for marinating
- Brush for basting
- Paper towels
- Cutting board
- Bowl of water (for soaking wooden skewers)
Step-by-Step Skewering Process
1. Prep Work
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 mins (skip for metal ones)- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels- If not already done, peel and devein shrimp- Apply your chosen marinade (15-30 mins max)2. The Perfect Skewering Technique
Here’s my foolproof method
- Thread first skewer through thickest part near head
- Add second parallel skewer near tail
- Leave small gaps between each shrimp
- Arrange 5-6 shrimp per skewer pair
- Alternate directions to prevent spinning
Pro tip: I’ve learned that double-skewering is a game-changer! It stops those annoying spins when flipping.
Marinating Tips
The right marinade makes all the difference! Here’s my go-to quick marinade:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Important: Never marinate longer than 2 hours! The acid will start “cooking” your shrimp.
Grilling Your Skewered Shrimp
Follow these steps for perfect results:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat
- Clean and oil grates well
- Place skewers on grill
- Cook 2-3 minutes per side
- Watch for color change to pink/orange
- Remove when just opaque
Temperature tip: Shrimp are done at 140°F internal temp
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from my fails:
- Overcrowding skewers
- Marinating too long
- Overcooking (they get rubbery!)
- Not soaking wooden skewers
- Placing shrimp too close together
- Using small shrimp (they cook too fast)
Serving Suggestions
Make your skewers shine with these finishing touches:
- Fresh squeezed lemon
- Chopped parsley
- Garlic butter brush
- Chimichurri sauce
- Cocktail sauce
- Garlic aioli
Storage Tips
If you’ve got leftovers:
- Store in airtight container
- Keep refrigerated up to 3 days
- Best eaten within 24 hours
- Reheat gently to avoid toughening
Final Thoughts
Skewering jumbo shrimp might seem tricky at first, but with these tips and techniques, you’ll be a pro in no time! Remember, the key is in the prep work and not overcooking. We’ve gone through lots of shrimp perfecting these methods, and I’m confident these tips will help you nail it every time.
Got questions about skewering shrimp? Drop them in the comments below! I’d love to help you become a shrimp skewering master too!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this guide in more detail?
What vegetables are good with shrimp?
Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus are particularly tasty with shrimp, but shrimp is delicious with any veggie, in any form: -Grilled: The grilled bell peppers in this recipe are superb or add other vegetables such as zucchini and/or mushrooms. Another fun option is all veggie skewers to serve alongside the shrimp. -Stir fried: Stir fry any veggies to serve alongside shrimp such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, snow peas, mushrooms, carrots, etc. -Roasted: Serve shrimp with roasted veggies such as Roasted Broccoli, Baked Asparagus, Roasted Cauliflower, Roasted Carrots, Roasted Asparagus, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, or Roasted Squash.
What temp do I grill shrimp skewers?
Grill large shrimp UNCOVERED using medium-high direct heat, 375 to 400 degrees F. This allows the outsides to char quickly while the insides cook to juicy perfection.
Super Quick Video Tips: The Best Way to Grill Shrimp
FAQ
What is the best way to prepare jumbo shrimp?
Jumbo shrimp take more time to cook through, allowing them to stay in contact with the heat long enough to develop a char. For the juiciest shrimp, grill them with the shell on. The shell imparts a distinct flavor to the shrimp and acts as a heat buffer, helping to prevent overcooking.
What size shrimp is best for skewers?
Large shrimp are best for kabobs. The meatier pieces are easier to skewer and stay juicier on the grill. Plus, they won’t fall through the grill grates!Apr 12, 2024
Do you marinate shrimp for kabobs?
Yes, marinating shrimp for kabobs is a common practice that helps to enhance their flavor and keep them juicy during grilling.
How do you skew shrimp on a grill?
If using bamboo skewers, be sure to soak them in water for 20 minute before threading so they don’t burn on the grill. 2. Take a second skewer and thread it near the tail end of the already skewered shrimp, working your way up. Give them a trial turn to make sure none of the shrimp spin. 3.
How do you skewer a fried shrimp?
Use double skewers: To provide added stability, consider using two skewers instead of one. By inserting two skewers through each shrimp, you create a more secure hold. This method is particularly effective when grilling larger shrimp or those with a tendency to slip off a single skewer. Properly thread the shrimp:
How do you thread a shrimp skewer?
Properly thread the shrimp: To thread the shrimp onto the skewers, start by inserting the skewer into the tail end of the shrimp and then thread it through the body, ensuring that the skewer comes out near the head end. By threading the skewer through the thickest part of the shrimp, you create a more secure hold.
How long do you cook shrimp on a skewer?
When top coals are partially covered with ash, pour evenly half of the grill. Set cooking grate in place, cover, and open lid vent completely. Heat grill until hot, about 5 minutes. Clean and oil cooking grate. Add 5 or 6 shrimp per skewer. Grill the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. How long does it take to cook shrimp on a skewer?
How do I choose the best shrimp skewers?
The foundation of great shrimp skewers lies in choosing the right shrimp. Opt for large, fresh shrimp with a vibrant pink or orange tint. Avoid shrimp with dark spots or an unpleasant odor. Use wooden or metal skewers for your shrimp. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
How long do you soak a skewer of shrimp?
Soak bamboo skewers for at least 30 minutes or even overnight. Shrimp: Jumbo shrimp (about 16 to 20 per pound) are easy to skewer. See my full tutorial on how to clean shrimp for guidance on cleaning out the vein. Use raw shrimp with the tails still on. Cooked shrimp may taste rubbery if you cook them again.