Yes, you absolutely can cook frozen shrimp on a Blackstone griddle! I’ve done it many times and while it’s not quite as ideal as using thawed shrimp, it’s totally doable with the right technique. Let me share everything I’ve learned about turning those icy crustaceans into a delicious meal.
The Quick Answer
You can cook frozen shrimp directly on your Blackstone, but for best results, I recommend thawing them first. If you’re in a hurry though, direct cooking works – just expect a few extra minutes of cooking time.
Best Methods for Thawing Frozen Shrimp
Here are my go-to methods for thawing shrimp before grilling:
-
Cold Water Method (30 minutes)
- Place frozen shrimp in a colander
- Run cold water over them
- Change water halfway through
- Pat dry with paper towels
-
Refrigerator Method (Overnight)
- Put shrimp in a leak-proof container
- Leave in fridge overnight
- Perfect for planning ahead
-
Thawing Tray Method:
- Use a special seafood thawing tray
- Features built-in drainage
- More efficient than regular thawing
Cooking Temperature and Time Guide
| Cooking Method | Temperature | Time Per Side |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Grilling | 400-450°F | 2-3 minutes |
| Frozen Shrimp | 400-450°F | 3-4 minutes |
| Butter & Garlic | 400-450°F | 2-3 minutes |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
-
Preheat Your Blackstone
- Heat to medium-high (350-400°F)
- Make sure surface is clean and oiled
-
Prepare the Shrimp
- If frozen, decide whether to thaw
- Remove shells if needed
- Pat dry with paper towels
-
Season Your Shrimp
- Add your favorite seasonings
- I love using:
- Garlic powder
- Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon juice
-
Cooking Process
- Melt butter on griddle
- Place shrimp in single layer
- Don’t overcrowd!
- Flip only once
- Cook until pink and opaque
My Favorite Flavor Variations
-
Classic Butter & Garlic:
- Melted butter
- Minced garlic
- Fresh parsley
- Squeeze of lemon
-
Asian-Style:
- Soy sauce
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Sesame oil
-
Spicy Cajun:
- Cajun seasoning
- Butter
- Hot sauce
- Fresh herbs
Tips for Perfect Results
- Don’t overcrowd the griddle – give those shrimp some space!
- Always use raw shrimp (not pre-cooked)
- Watch for color change to pink
- Internal temp should reach 145°F
- Keep a close eye – shrimp cook quick!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking (makes them rubber-like)
- Using too low heat
- Not patting shrimp dry
- Flipping too many times
- Forgetting to oil the griddle
What to Serve with Your Blackstone Shrimp
Here’s what I love serving alongside my grilled shrimp:
- Grilled veggies
- Rice (try fried rice on the Blackstone!)
- Fresh salad
- Garlic bread
- Pasta
- Corn on the cob
Safety Tips
- Keep griddle clean
- Use proper tools
- Watch for hot spots
- Don’t leave unattended
- Check internal temperature
The Bottom Line
While you can technically cook frozen shrimp on your Blackstone, I’ve found that taking a few extra minutes to thaw them first gives way better results. But hey, if you’re in a rush, frozen works too – just adjust your cooking time and expectations accordingly!
Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and techniques until you find your perfect shrimp recipe. Trust me, once you nail it, you’ll be the griddle master of your neighborhood!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this guide in more detail?
What to Serve with Shrimp?
When we serve this Grilled Shrimp on Blackstone we like to serve with different sides. Most of the time, I try to do sides that can easily be prepared or can be grilled so it is easy clean up. Here are some of our favorites:
Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Grilled Shrimp and rice makes for the perfect lunch the next day. Also see Leftover Shrimp Recipes.
When making this recipe, you can use fresh shrimp that you get at the meat counter or purchase frozen shrimp. If you purchase frozen shrimp, make sure to let it thaw before cooking. It will take about 20 minutes to thaw out. To let it thaw, place shrimp in a colander and let it run cold water until thaw. You can also put the frozen shrimp bag in the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
When preparing your Blackstone Griddle to cook your shrimp, make sure that it is heated properly. We use a temperature gun to make sure our griddle reaches a temperature of at least 350 degrees before cooking the Shrimp. Grilled Shrimp only takes a few minutes on each side.
What’s in this post: Grilled Shrimp on Blackstone
The perfect shrimp to grill is the large, jumbo or colossal size shrimp. We buy the shrimp that is already peeled and deveined. But you can grill shrimp with the peel on. I like to keep things easy, so I look for the shrimp that is already peeled.
When cooking shrimp on the Blackstone, always buy raw shrimp.
- Raw Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Butter
- Minced Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lemon, juiced
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers – Instead of putting shrimp directly on the griddle, thread the shrimp on a wooden skewers. Marinate the shrimp with butter and seasoning. Grill about 5 minutes on each side.
- Add Vegetables – Toss in red potatoes, broccoli, and squash on the griddle for a complete meal. Add your seasoning and this shrimp recipe turns into an amazing dish.
- Change the Seasoning – If you want to add some spice to your recipe, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
- Make Shrimp Tacos – Once you have finished grilling your shrimp, wrap them in a tortilla topped with your favorite tacos. You can also do shrimp fajitas.
- Olive Oil and Lemon Juice – Toss to coat the shrimp with Olive oil and Lemon Juice and cook on the stove top.
- Grilled Shrimp Salad – Top your favorite salad with grilled shrimp. This a nice change from the normal grilled chicken.
- Shrimp Scampi – Quickly grill your shrimp and add it to your favorite scampi sauce. Toss with some angel hair pasta for an amazing meal. You can have dinner done in about 30 minutes.
- Shrimp Fried Rice – Make Shrimp Fried Rice right on your griddle. If you have leftover white rice toss with your shrimp and veggies.
How to Grill Shrimp on Blackstone Griddle
FAQ
Can you put frozen shrimp on Blackstone?
How to cook shrimp on a Blackstone griddle?
Can you put frozen shrimp directly on the grill?
Grilling frozen shrimp is not recommended, as the outside can cook and dry out long before the inside is done. However, sautéing frozen shrimp, as in this recipe, helps prevent them from overcooking, resulting in more tender, juicier shrimp.
What not to do on a Blackstone griddle?
When using a Blackstone griddle, avoid preheating at too high a temperature, which can cause smoking and uneven cooking. Also, avoid adding large amounts of cold or frozen food to a hot griddle, as this can lower the temperature too quickly. Do not use abrasive scrubbers as they can scratch the surface.
How do you cook shrimp on a Blackstone?
When you are ready to cook, heat up your Blackstone, flat top, or cast iron over medium heat. Add in the marinated shrimp (with the liquid). Let cook for a few minutes, flip, and cook a few more minutes until the shrimp start to turn pink. Once cooked to your liking, pull them off and serve right away.
How long do you cook shrimp on a Blackstone griddle?
When you are ready to cook, heat up your Blackstone, flat top, or cast iron over medium heat. Add the marinated shrimp (with the liquid) to the griddle. Let cook for a few minutes, flip, and cook a few more minutes until the shrimp start to turn pink. About 5 minutes total.
How do you cook stuffed shrimp on a Blackstone Grill?
Split and devein – Use a sharp paring knife to slice through shrimp but not all the way through. Remove vein. Stuff – Fill shrimp cavity with compound butter, cheese, breadcrumbs, etc. Don’t overstuff. Cook – Place stuffed shrimp on oiled Blackstone flat side down. Grill 4 minutes on first side, flip, and grill 30 seconds more.
How long do you marinate Blackstone shrimp?
Take your Blackstone shrimp next level with these pro flavor tips: Marinate at least 15 minutes – Quick marinades pack a flavor punch. For bolder flavor, marinate raw shrimp 1-2 hours. Pat shrimp very dry – Dries surface for caramelized sear and helps seasonings stick better.
How do you thaw frozen shrimp?
Here’s how to prep like a pro: Thaw – If using frozen shrimp, thaw in the fridge overnight. Submerge bag under cold running water to quickly thaw. Peel – If using shells-on shrimp, peel off shell, legs, and tail. Leave tail on for grilled shrimp skewers. Devein – Use a paring knife to slice along the back and remove the digestive vein.