Hey there, fellow grill enthusiasts! I’ve been getting this question a lot lately – can you actually grill already cooked shrimp? The short answer is Absolutely yes! And I’m gonna show you exactly how to do it without turning those precious shrimp into rubber
Why Would You Want to Grill Cooked Shrimp?
Look, I get it – it might sound weird to grill something that’s already cooked. But here’s the deal
- It adds that amazing smoky flavor you can only get from grilling
- It’s super quick (like, seriously quick!)
- It’s perfect when you’re in a hurry but still want that grilled taste
- You can’t mess it up as badly as raw shrimp (trust me, I’ve been there!)
What You’ll Need
Before we fire up that grill let’s gather our stuff
- Precooked shrimp (thawed if frozen)
- Olive oil
- Basic seasonings:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic (minced)
- Paprika
- Lemon juice
- Your trusty grill
- Aluminum foil (optional but recommended)
The Step-by-Step Process
1. Prep Work
First things first, let’s get those shrimp ready:
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If frozen, thaw your shrimp properly:
- Overnight in the fridge (best method)
- Quick method: Cold water bath for 15-20 minutes
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Make a quick marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Splash of lemon juice
2. Firing Up the Grill
Here’s where the magic happens:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F)
- Clean those grates! Nobody wants last week’s burger bits on their shrimp
- Light oil the grates to prevent sticking
3. The Actual Grilling Part
Now, pay attention ’cause this is the crucial part:
- Grill time: 2-3 minutes total (I’m not kidding!)
- 1-1.5 minutes per side
- Look for these signs:
- Light char marks
- Heated through
- Slightly curved shape (not tight circles – that means they’re overcooked!)
Pro Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
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Size Matters: Bigger shrimp work better on the grill. Look for large or jumbo sizes.
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The Foil Trick: If you’re nervous about timing, wrap them in foil with a bit of butter. It’s like training wheels for grilling shrimp!
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Keep ’em Moist: Brush with olive oil or marinade while grilling to prevent drying out.
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Don’t Walk Away: These babies cook fast – no bathroom breaks once they hit the grill!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t overcook! Seriously, this is the #1 sin of shrimp grilling
- Don’t use super high heat – medium-high is perfect
- Don’t forget to oil the grates
- Don’t skip the marinating step – even a quick 15-minute marinade makes a difference
Serving Suggestions
Make your grilled shrimp shine with these pairings:
- On top of a fresh garden salad
- Alongside grilled veggies
- In tacos (my personal fave!)
- With pasta or rice
- As an appetizer with dipping sauce
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s what to do:
- Store in an airtight container
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently – microwave in 30-second bursts
Final Thoughts
Grilling cooked shrimp might seem like a weird concept at first, but it’s actually a brilliant way to add flavor while keeping things simple. Just remember: quick cooking time, medium-high heat, and keep an eye on them!
Now get out there and give it a try! And hey, if you mess up the first batch, no worries – we’ve all been there. Practice makes perfect, and shrimp are pretty forgiving (as long as you don’t turn them into rubber bands!).
Got questions? Drop ’em in the comments below – I’d love to help you become a shrimp-grilling pro!
Grilling Cooked Shrimp and Vegetables
Preheat your outdoor grill to high. Thread the precooked shrimp on wooden or metal skewers and brush them with cooking oil, such as olive oil, which contains heart-healthy unsaturated fats.
Season the shrimp with herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, paprika or cayenne pepper, and set the shrimp aside.
Wash vegetables thoroughly and chop them into large chunks. Thread the vegetables onto separate skewers than the shrimp. Or, try wrapping them up in foil, as described by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Keep the vegetables separate because they will need to cook longer than the precooked shrimp, which only need a few minutes on the grill to heat them back up. Brush the vegetables with cooking oil, such as olive oil, and season them with your favorite herbs and spices.
Soak the chopped vegetables in water for 10 to 15 minutes before putting them on the grill. This will help them retain their moisture as they cook. Another alternative is to marinate the vegetables before cooking them.
According to Harvard Health, marinating food before grilling reduces the amount of carcinogens that form while grilling. Marinating the vegetables on the skewers cuts down on the mess because trying to thread slippery vegetables onto skewers is quite difficult and messy.
Place the vegetable skewers on the grill. Put them on the outer edges of the grill so they arent over direct heat, which can lead to burning. Close the lid and allow the vegetables to cook for several minutes until they are almost tender.
The amount of time this takes will depend on what type of vegetables youre using. Mushrooms, for example, cook more quickly than raw potatoes or carrots.
Add the shrimp skewers to the grill for the last minute or two of cooking the vegetables. Remove the shrimp skewers as soon as the shrimp is hot.
This will prevent the shrimp from getting dried out and tough. Take the vegetables off the grill last. Push the shrimp and vegetables off the skewers with a fork and serve the meal immediately.
If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before putting the shrimp and vegetables on them. This will help prevent the wood from splintering, which can leave small pieces in your food. It also moistens the wood so its less likely to burn while on the grill.
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Cooking oil
- Basting brush
- Herbs and spices
- Vegetable brush
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Outdoor grill
- Fork
- Serving platter
references
Super Quick Video Tips: The Best Way to Grill Shrimp
FAQ
Is it okay to cook already cooked shrimp?
Start by thawing the shrimp under refrigeration. Give them about 24 hours to thaw completely. Since they are cooked, you need only heat them through. Cooking them for any length of time will render them overcooked quickly, so add them to a dish at the end.
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.
How long to leave cooked shrimp on the grill?
Shrimp cook very quickly, so it’s imperative to watch your shrimp to make sure they don’t overcook. Shrimp typically take about 2-3 minutes per side on the grill. You’ll be able to tell when the shrimp are done because they’ll turn pink and opaque.
Can you grill shrimp on a grill?
Grill the shrimp over direct, medium heat for 5-7 minutes, turning the shrimp halfway through the process.