The Ultimate Guide: How Long to BBQ Shrimp Perfectly Every Time (With Pro Tips!)

Hey grill lovers! I’ve been grilling shrimp for years, and lemme tell you – getting that perfect char while keeping the inside tender can be tricky! But don’t worry, I’m gonna break down exactly how long to BBQ shrimp and share some game-changing tips I’ve learned along the way.

The Quick Answer

For jumbo shrimp (21-25 count)

• First side: 3 minutes
• Second side: 2 minutes
• Total cook time: 5 minutes on medium-high/high heat

What You’ll Need for Perfect BBQ Shrimp

Essential Equipment:

• Clean grill (gas or charcoal)
• Tongs
• Oil for grating
• Timer (your phone works great!)

The Marinade Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tsp sugar (helps with caramelization!)
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Choosing the Right Shrimp

Look, not all shrimp are created equal when it comes to grilling! Here’s what ya need to know:

Best Size for Grilling:

• Jumbo (21-25 count per pound) – My top pick!
• Colossal (13-15 count per pound) – Works great too
• Large (31-35 count per pound) – Okay, but watch em closely

Fresh vs. Frozen:

I’ll be honest – in most places, unless you’re right by the coast, frozen shrimp is your best bet They’re frozen right on the boat, preserving that fresh-from-the-ocean taste!

Step-by-Step Grilling Guide

1. Prep Work (15 mins):

• Thaw shrimp if frozen
• Peel and devein (leave tails on for easy handling)
• Mix marinade ingredients
• Toss shrimp in marinade

2. Grill Setup:

• Heat to medium-high/high
• Clean those grates!
• Oil the grates (super important)

3. The Actual Grilling:

First Side: 3 minutes↓Flip when you see pink color and slight char↓Second Side: 2 minutes↓Done when shrimp are pink & opaque

How to Know When They’re Done

Y’all, this is crucial! Here’s what to look for:

• Color: Pink with slight charring
• Texture: Firm but not rubbery
• Shape: Curved into a loose “C” (if they’re in a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked!)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking – This is the biggest no-no! Overcooked shrimp = rubber bands
2. Skipping the marinade – Even 10 mins makes a difference
3. Using too small shrimp – They’ll fall through the grates!
4. Cold shrimp on hot grill – Let em come to room temp first

Pro Tips from My Kitchen

1. Skewer Option: If you’re worried about shrimp falling through, thread em on skewers! Just soak wooden skewers in water first.

2. The Tail Trick: Leave those tails on! Makes it way easier to flip and looks prettier on the plate.

3. Temperature Test: When done, shrimp should be 120°F internal temp. But honestly, I just look for that perfect pink color!

Serving Suggestions

Quick Sides That Work Great:

• Grilled veggies (throw em on while the shrimp marinate)
• Simple green salad
• Rice or quinoa
• Grilled lemon halves for squeezing

Sauce Options:

• Melted butter with garlic
• Cocktail sauce
• Chimichurri
• Lemon aioli

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Here’s the deal:

• Fridge: Up to 3 days in airtight container
• Reheat: Just 30 secs in microwave (covered!)
• Better yet: Eat cold in a salad!

Final Thoughts

Remember, grilling shrimp is quick – we’re talking 5 minutes total! The key is staying right there at the grill (no wandering off to grab another drink! ). Once you get the timing down, you’ll be the BBQ shrimp master at every cookout!

Quick Troubleshooting:

• Shrimp sticking? Grates weren’t oiled enough
• Too rubbery? Cooked too long
• Not enough flavor? Marinade time was too short

Now get out there and grill some shrimp! And hey, if you’ve got any questions or your own tips, drop em in the comments – I’d love to hear what works for you!

Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this guide in more detail?