Looking to master grilling shrimp? I’ve spent years perfecting the art of grilling these delicious crustaceans, and I’m excited to share everything I know about getting that perfect char while keeping them tender and juicy. Let’s dive into the essential timing and techniques for grilling shrimp to perfection!
Quick Answer
For medium-sized shrimp over medium-high heat (400-450°F):
- Direct heat: 2-3 minutes per side
- Total cooking time: 4-6 minutes
- Internal temperature: 145°F
Detailed Timing Guide Based on Shrimp Size
| Shrimp Size | Time Per Side | Total Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| Small/Medium | 2-3 minutes | 4-6 minutes |
| Large/Jumbo | 3-4 minutes | 6-8 minutes |
| Colossal | 4-5 minutes | 8-10 minutes |
Essential Steps for Perfect Grilled Shrimp
1. Preparation
- Clean and devein shrimp
- Pat dry with paper towels
- Lightly coat with olive oil
- Season with salt and pepper
- Soak wooden skewers (if using) for at least 30 mins
2. Grill Setup
- Preheat grill to medium-high (400-450°F)
- Clean and oil grates well
- Create dual cooking zones (direct and indirect heat)
3. How to Tell When Shrimp is Done
Watch for these signs:
- Color changes from gray to pink/orange
- Flesh becomes opaque
- Slight curl shape (but not tight C-shape)
- Internal temp reaches 145°F
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
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Size Matters: I always recommend using larger shrimp (16/20 count or bigger) for grilling. They’re easier to handle and less likely to overcook.
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Marinade Time: Y’all don’t wanna marinate shrimp for more than 30 minutes! The acid in marinades can start “cooking” the shrimp and make them mushy.
-
Shell Game We usually remove most of the shell but leave the tail on. It makes a nice handle and looks pretty too!
My Favorite Marinade Options
Quick 30-minute marinades that never fail:
- Classic: Olive oil + lemon + garlic + herbs
- Asian-inspired: Soy sauce + ginger + sesame oil
- Spicy: Cajun seasoning + olive oil + lime
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Listen up! Here’s what not to do:
- Don’t overcrowd the grill
- Never walk away (shrimp cook super fast!)
- Don’t keep flipping (once per side is enough)
- Avoid high heat (leads to tough, rubbery shrimp)
Serving Suggestions
We love serving grilled shrimp with:
- Grilled veggies
- Rice pilaf
- Fresh salad
- Crusty bread
- Lemon wedges
Troubleshooting Tips
Having issues? Here’s what might be wrong
Rubbery Shrimp
- Usually means they’re overcooked
- Solution: Reduce cooking time or heat
Sticking to Grill
- Grates might not be clean/oiled enough
- Solution: Clean thoroughly and oil both grates and shrimp
Uneven Cooking
- Could be due to different sizes
- Solution: Sort shrimp by size before grilling
Storage and Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers (which rarely happens at my house!):
- Store in airtight container
- Keep refrigerated up to 3 days
- Reheat gently to avoid toughening
Final Thoughts
Grilling shrimp ain’t rocket science, but it does need attention to detail. Remember, they cook quick – just a few minutes per side. Keep an eye on ’em, and you’ll have perfectly grilled shrimp every time!
Would you like me to explain any part of this guide in more detail? I’d love to help you become a shrimp-grilling pro! Drop your questions in the comments below. Happy grilling, y’all!
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 raw shrimp take to cook on a grill?
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.
How long does it take to fully cook raw shrimp?
Here’s associate food editor Kendra Vaculin’s rule of thumb: Cook medium shrimp for approximately 3 minutes, large shrimp for 4–5 minutes, and jumbo shrimp for 6–7 minutes. As for small shrimp, blink and you could miss it, so don’t walk away. You can buy shrimp either in the shell or peeled.
Is it better to grill raw or cooked shrimp?
How do you tell if grilled shrimp is done?
Check for the ‘C’. As shrimp cooks, it curves into the shape of a ‘C’. The flesh will turn opaque with a pearly pink hue, and the tails will turn bright red.