Hey there, fellow grill enthusiasts! I’m super excited to share my tried-and-tested tips for grilling shrimp perfectly every time. As someone who’s been grilling for years at Shung Grill, I know that timing is everything when it comes to these delicate seafood morsels.
The Short Answer
For jumbo shrimp (21-25 count), you’ll need
- 3 minutes on the first side
- 2 minutes on the second side
That’s it! But hold on, there’s more you need to know to get that restaurant-quality result.
Perfect Grilling Time Based on Shrimp Size
| Shrimp Size | First Side | Second Side | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (41-50) | 2 mins | 1-2 mins | 3-4 mins |
| Medium (31-35) | 2-3 mins | 2 mins | 4-5 mins |
| Large (26-30) | 3 mins | 2 mins | 5 mins |
| Jumbo (21-25) | 3 mins | 2 mins | 5 mins |
| Colossal (13-15) | 4 mins | 2-3 mins | 6-7 mins |
Essential Pre-Grilling Steps
Before we jump into the actual grilling, here’s what ya need to do:
-
Prep Your Shrimp
- Peel and devein (leave tails on if desired)
- Pat dry with paper towels
- Season or marinate (but don’t marinate too long!)
-
Get Your Grill Ready
- Heat to medium-high/high (350-450°F)
- Clean those grates real good
- Oil the grates to prevent sticking
How to Tell When Shrimp is Done
Look for these signs:
- Color changes from grey to pink
- Meat becomes white and opaque
- Shape forms a loose “C” (if it’s a tight “C”, they’re overcooked!)
Pro Tips for Perfect Grilled Shrimp
-
Size Matters
- Always try to use jumbo or larger shrimp
- Bigger shrimp = easier handling
- Less likely to fall through grates
-
Skewer Situation
- Metal skewers work great
- If using wooden skewers, soak ’em for 30 mins
- Thread shrimp so they touch but aren’t cramped
-
Temperature Tips
- Keep grill at medium-high (350-450°F)
- Don’t walk away – shrimp cook fast!
- Use direct heat cooking method
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Overcooking
- Leads to rubbery, tough shrimp
- Watch carefully – they cook quick!
- Remember: you can’t un-cook overcooked shrimp
-
Wrong Size Selection
- Too small = falls through grates
- Too big = uneven cooking
- Stick to 21-25 count or larger
My Favorite Quick Marinade Recipe
Mix together:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Serving Suggestions
Here’s what I love serving with grilled shrimp:
- Fresh lemon wedges
- Cilantro lime rice
- Grilled vegetables
- Light summer salads
- Garlic butter sauce
Storage and Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftover grilled shrimp (rare in my house!):
- Store in airtight container
- Keep refrigerated up to 3 days
- Reheat gently in microwave or skillet
- Use in salads or cold dishes
Troubleshooting Common Issues
-
Shrimp Sticking to Grill
- Solution: Make sure grates are clean and oiled
- Use higher heat to create better sear
-
Uneven Cooking
- Solution: Choose similar-sized shrimp
- Arrange them evenly on skewers
-
Falling Through Grates
- Solution: Use larger shrimp
- Always use skewers
Final Words
Remember, grilling shrimp is super quick – we’re talking 5-7 minutes total! The key is preparation and attention. Once you’ve got these basics down, you’ll be grilling perfect shrimp every time.
Don’t forget to experiment with different marinades and seasonings once you’ve mastered the timing. And hey, if you mess up the first time, no worries! We’ve all been there. Just remember: it’s better to undercook slightly (you can always put them back on) than to overcook.
Six steps to grilling shrimp
Raw shrimp on a skewer, ready for the grill – How to grill shrimp
1. For the best possible results, buy fresh shrimp on the day that you plan to grill them. Shrimp thaw quickly and can go bad even more quickly. Make sure that you buy either jumbo or colossal sized shrimp for easier grilling.
2. Shrimp can be grilled with or without their shells. I like to peel the shrimp prior to grilling. Remove all of the shell except for the part that is around the tail of the shrimp. Removing the shell will allow the marinade to penetrate the meat and give the shrimp more taste.
3. Devein the shrimp by using a small, sharp knife to cut down the back of each peeled shrimp. Pull out the back vein while washing the shrimp under cold water. The vein is noticeable in jumbo or colossal shrimp.
ully grilled shrimp on a skewer – How to grill shrimp
4. Give the shrimp flavor in the marinade of your choice. My favorite is just a simple brush of olive oil on the shrimp with some salt, pepper and squeeze of lemon.
5. Thread your shrimp on a skewer for easy grilling. You can use a wooden skewer or metal skewer, both options work well.
6. Now it is time to grill the shrimp. 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. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp or else it will become tough.
Take the shrimp off the grill and it is time to enjoy, perfect for a shrimp cocktail or to pair with your favorite dipping sauce!
Super Quick Video Tips: The Best Way to Grill Shrimp
FAQ
How long do you grill shrimp for?
How do you know if grilled shrimp is done?
Perfectly cooked shrimp will be opaque with a color ranging from pink or orange, depending on variety. Their tails should curl in slightly to make a C-shape. Overcooked shrimp will be a solid white-pink color, with their tails completely curled into a tight circle.Jul 19, 2023
How long does it take to fully cook raw shrimp?
Cook the shrimp, stirring occasionally, until the flesh is totally pink and opaque, and you see no more grey bits. Depending on the size of your shrimp and how many you have in the pan, this will usually take 4 to 5 minutes.
Is it better to grill frozen or thawed shrimp?
Yes, be sure to thaw frozen shrimp before grilling. Thawing ensures even cooking, a beautiful sear, and avoids excess moisture. Thaw shrimp in the refrigerator for 8-10 hours or rinse under cold running water for 5-10 minutes.
How long do you Grill shrimp on a grill?
How long should I grill shrimp on the grill? The ideal grilling time for shrimp typically ranges from 2 to 3 minutes per side, depending on their size and temperature of the grill. For medium-sized shrimp, you can generally expect them to be cooked through in about 4 to 6 minutes total.
How to cook grilled shrimp without overcooking?
Utilizing skewers or a grill basket, marinating the shrimp, and choosing the right size shrimp are all additional steps you can take to ensure perfectly grilled shrimp every time. So fire up the grill and enjoy some delectable grilled shrimp without the fear of overcooking.
How long do you marinate shrimp on a gas grill?
Marinating Time: Allow the shrimp to marinate for 15 to 30 minutes. Avoid marinating for longer, which can make the shrimp mushy. Following these steps enhances your shrimp grilling experience, setting you up for a delicious outcome. Properly prepping your gas grill ensures the best grilling experience for shrimp.
How do you cook shrimp on a gas grill?
Grill Prep is Key: Ensure your gas grill is clean and preheated to medium-high heat (400°F to 450°F) for optimal cooking. Master Cooking Techniques: Use direct heat for smaller or skewered shrimp and indirect heat for larger pieces to maintain moisture and prevent burning.
How do you Grill Jumbo Shrimp?
To grill them, skewer through the body in two places to keep them straight, then grill 2–2.5 minutes per side over medium-high heat. Brush with garlic butter or finish with a citrus glaze for added flavor. Jumbo shrimp can also be stuffed with herbs or wrapped in bacon before grilling.
How long should you marinate shrimp before grilling?
Try honey, lime, chili, and garlic. Marinades that contain acid (like lemon or vinegar) should be used for no more than 30 minutes—acid can make shrimp mushy if left too long. Dry rubs and oil-based marinades are ideal if you’re short on time. Before you grill, clean and devein your shrimp.