Hey there, fellow grill enthusiasts! I’m super excited to share my complete guide on grilling shrimp After years of experimenting and learning from both successes and failures, I’ve finally mastered the art of grilling these little ocean treasures Let me show you how to get that perfect char and juicy texture every time!
Quick Answer
To grill shrimp perfectly, preheat your grill to 375-450°F, season the shrimp with oil and seasonings, and grill for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. That’s it in a nutshell, but keep reading for all my pro tips and secrets!
What You’ll Need
Essential Equipment:
- Grill (gas or charcoal)
- Tongs
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- Grill brush
- Serving platter
Basic Ingredients:
- Large or jumbo shrimp (16/20 count per pound)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Your favorite seasonings
- Lemon wedges
Step-by-Step Guide to Grilling Perfect Shrimp
1. Choosing Your Shrimp
Look, I’ve made plenty of mistakes with shrimp selection, but here’s what I’ve learned:
- Size Matters: Go for large or jumbo shrimp (16/20 per pound). Trust me, smaller ones are just gonna fall through the grates!
- Fresh vs. Frozen: Here’s a secret – frozen shrimp are usually better than “fresh” ones at the seafood counter (which were probably frozen anyway)
- Wild vs. Farmed: Wild shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico or Carolinas typically have better flavor
2. Preparing the Shrimp
Before you even think about firing up that grill:
- Thawing: If frozen, thaw in cold water (about 30-60 mins)
- Cleaning:
- Rinse under cold water
- Pat dry thoroughly
- Devein if needed
- Shell on or off? Your choice! (I prefer shell-off except for the tail)
3. Seasoning Your Shrimp
Here’s my go-to simple marinade
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
Pro tip: Don’t marinate longer than 1 hour – the acid can make shrimp mushy!
4. Prepping the Grill
- Clean those grates! Nobody wants stuck-on shrimp
- Preheat to 375-450°F
- Oil the grates to prevent sticking
5. The Actual Grilling Part
Now here’s where the magic happens
-
If Using Skewers:
- Soak wooden ones for 20 mins first
- Thread shrimp on skewers (makes flipping easier)
-
Grilling Time:
- Place shrimp on direct heat
- Grill 1-2 minutes per side
- Keep that lid OPEN! (learned this the hard way)
How to Know When They’re Done
Look for these signs:
- Color changes from gray to pink
- Meat becomes white and opaque
- Shape forms a “C” (if it’s an “O”, they’re overcooked!)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking: Seriously, don’t walk away from the grill! Shrimp cook super fast
- Closing the Lid: Keep it open to prevent overcooking
- Using Too Small Shrimp: They’ll fall through the grates
- Not Preheating: Cold grates = sticky shrimp
Tasty Variations to Try
1. Cajun Style:
- Mix your favorite Cajun seasoning with oil
- Add a touch of cayenne if you’re feeling brave
2. Garlic Butter:
- Grill with oil first
- Toss in melted garlic butter after grilling
3. Asian-Inspired:
- Brush with teriyaki sauce
- Add some sesame seeds
- Squeeze of lime instead of lemon
Serving Suggestions
Here’s what I love serving with grilled shrimp:
- On a bed of citrus rice
- In tacos with fresh slaw
- Over a crisp Caesar salad
- Alongside grilled veggies
- As an appetizer with cocktail sauce
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? (rare in my house!)
- Store in an airtight container
- Keep for 2-3 days max in the fridge
- Reheat gently to avoid rubber-like texture
Final Thoughts
Grilling shrimp isn’t rocket science, but it does need your attention! Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be the shrimp-grilling hero at every BBQ. Remember, practice makes perfect, and even if they’re not Instagram-worthy the first time, they’ll probably still taste amazing!
Got questions? Drop ’em in the comments below! I’d love to hear about your shrimp-grilling adventures!
Would you like me to explain any part in more detail?
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Kingsford® Preserve the Pit
Kingsford remains committed to celebrating Black barbecue culture by launching the second year of Preserve the Pit and doubling the investment in aspiring barbecue professionals.
An American-made company founded over 100 years ago, Kingsford has a lot to be proud of. Our employees have been continuing the family tradition in backyards across the nation.
Kingsford has been fueling legendary grills since 1920, and we’re still America’s #1 charcoal for good reason. Our briquets light faster, burn longer, and deliver the high heat you need for exceptional results. Whether you’re searing steaks or savoring smoky flavors, one thing’s for certain — nothing beats the original.
Once you know how to cook shrimp on a grill, you won’t want you to cook it any other way. With these grilling techniques and a few simple ingredients, you’ll be enjoying full-flavored, char-grilled shrimp anytime you like. Let’s get started!
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Before starting, make sure you have everything on this list. We recommend Kingsford® Original Charcoal Briquets.
- Kingsford® Original Charcoal Briquets
- Wooden Skewers or Flat, Metal Skewers
- Small pan or microsafe bowl
- Paper Towels
- Digital Meat Thermometer
- Shrimp (Shell On)
- Olive Oil
- Kosher Salt
- Ground Black Pepper
- Fresh Lemon Juice or Melted Butter
- Cooking Oil
- If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 1 hour.
- To prevent the shrimp from spinning, use flat metal skewers or 2 wooden skewers side by side. Place 4 to 6 shrimp per skewer or double skewer.
- Brush the shrimp with olive oil, and season with kosher salt and ground black pepper.
- For finishing, squeeze a fresh lemon for juice, and melt some butter in a small pan or microwave-safe bowl.
Super Quick Video Tips: The Best Way to Grill Shrimp
FAQ
How long should shrimp be cooked on the grill?
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.
What is the secret to grilling shrimp?
Shrimp are a great protein to cook at a high heat, but you don’t want the heat so high that they burn. Always aim to keep your grill at between 350-450 degrees.
Can I grill shrimp without skewers?
Is it better to grill frozen or thawed shrimp?
Is It Safe to Cook Shrimp from Frozen? Totally! According to FDA seafood guidelines, shrimp should be cooked until the flesh is firm and clear. But shrimp are so small and fatty, they reach that point from frozen in a matter of a few minutes.
Can you cook shrimp on a grill?
Yes, you can cook shrimp directly on grill grates. However, using skewers makes it easier to handle and flip the shrimp. 6. Should I oil the grill grates before cooking? Yes, lightly oiling the grill grates before cooking shrimp will help prevent sticking and make flipping them easier. 7. Can I grill shrimp in a grill pan?
How long does it take to grill shrimp?
You can grill shrimp in less than 10 minutes. One of the most delightful foods you can cook over a fire, grilled shrimp are quick to make, easy to eat, and so versatile. No matter which cuisine you prefer, this luscious protein absolutely fits in. For details about grilling shrimp to perfection, we consulted a chef and seafood expert.
Can frozen shrimp be grilled?
Frozen shrimp can be grilled. Thread shrimp onto 8 metal or soaked wooden skewers. Grill shrimp, covered, over medium heat 3-5 minutes on each side or until shrimp turn pink, basting occasionally with butter mixture. Remove from grill; brush with reserved butter mixture. Thread shrimp onto 8 metal or soaked wooden skewers. Grill shrimp, covered, over medium heat 3-5 minutes on each side or until shrimp turn pink, basting occasionally with butter mixture.
How do you cook shrimp skewers on a grill?
Place shrimp skewers on clean grill grates and grill for 2-3 minutes per side. Remove when shrimp is pink. DO NOT overcook or it will turn rubbery fast. While shrimp is resting, in a small bowl mix together melted butter, salt, chopped parsley and garlic. Brush the garlic butter mixture on grilled shrimp and serve.
How do you cook shrimp on a gas grill?
For a gas grill, you’ll simply light it up to the desired temperature. For a charcoal grill, pour the charcoal bits into the chimney, let them heat, then you’ll spread them evenly across the bottom grate and place the top grate above the coals. Shrimp needs to cook over direct heat, meaning directly above the heat source.
How do you spice up grilled shrimp?
Adding flavor through marinades, spice rubs, or sauces is key to amazing grilled shrimp. The high, direct heat caramelizes the sugars and ingredients on the outside of the shrimp while the inside steams and stays juicy. Get creative with your own spice combos! The shrimp will soak up the flavors as it cooks.