Hey there, fellow grill enthusiasts! I’ve been grilling shrimp for years at Shung Grill, and I’m super excited to share my tried-and-true tips for getting those succulent, perfectly grilled shrimp every single time. Let’s dive right into the most important question – how long should you actually cook raw shrimp on the grill?
Quick Answer: For perfectly grilled shrimp, cook them for 2-3 minutes per side on medium-high heat (400-450°F). But hold up! There’s more to know to get them just right.
Essential Pre-Grilling Steps
Before we jump into the cooking process, let’s get everything ready:
1. Choosing Your Shrimp
- Go for medium to large shrimp (26/30 count or bigger)
- Fresh shrimp should be:
- Firm to touch
- Have a mild ocean scent
- Look translucent
- NO ammonia smell (that’s a big red flag!)
2. Prep Work Matters!
Here’s what I always do before firing up the grill:
-
Clean ’em up
- Devein those bad boys
- Remove shells (leave tails on for easier handling)
- Give them a good rinse under cold water
-
The Marinade Situation
Basic Marinade Recipe:- Olive oil- Fresh lemon juice- Minced garlic- Your favorite herbs
Pro tip: Don’t marinate longer than 30 mins! Trust me, I learned this the hard way – any longer and you’ll end up with mushy shrimp
The Actual Grilling Part
Perfect Temperature Setting
I’ve found that medium-high heat (400-450°F) works best. Here’s my foolproof method:
- Preheat the grill properly
- Clean those grates (dirty grates = sticky shrimp)
- Oil the grates lightly
Cooking Time Breakdown
| Shrimp Size | Time Per Side |
|---|---|
| Medium | 2 minutes |
| Large | 2-3 minutes |
| Jumbo | 3-4 minutes |
How to Know When They’re Done
Look for these signs
- Color changes from grey to pink
- Slight curl (but not too tight!)
- Meat becomes opaque
- Internal temp hits 145°F
Common Mistakes (I’ve Made Them All!)
- Overcrowding the grill – give those shrimps some space to party!
- Walking away from the grill – these little guys cook FAST
- Overcooking – nobody likes rubber shrimp, seriously
Pro Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
-
Skewer Strategy:
- Use double skewers to prevent spinning
- If using wooden skewers, soak them first
- Leave small spaces between each shrimp
-
Seasoning Suggestions:
- Keep it simple: salt, pepper, garlic powder
- Add a pinch of cayenne for some heat
- Finish with fresh lemon juice
Serving Ideas
We love serving our grilled shrimp with:
- Grilled veggies (asparagus is amazing!)
- Rice pilaf
- Fresh salad
- Warm crusty bread
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Having problems? Here’s what might be going wrong:
- Shrimp sticking to grill? → Probably didn’t oil the grates enough
- Rubbery texture? → Overcooked! Remember: less is more
- Not getting good grill marks? → Grill wasn’t hot enough
Storage Tips
If you somehow end up with leftovers (doesn’t happen often at my place!):
- Store in airtight container
- Keep in fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently to avoid toughening
Final Thoughts
Grilling shrimp isn’t rocket science, but it does need your attention. The key is getting that timing right – 2-3 minutes per side is your sweet spot. Remember, you can always cook them a bit more, but you can’t un-cook overcooked shrimp!
I’d love to hear about your grilling adventures! Drop a comment below with your favorite shrimp grilling tips or any questions you might have. Happy grilling, friends!
P.S. Don’t forget to check out our other grilling guides on Shung Grill for more tips and tricks!
Would you like me to explain or break down any specific part of this article in more detail?
Do You Leave the Shell on When Grilling Shrimp?
You can grill shrimp with or without the shells. Some folks prefer to leave the shell on during grilling because it keeps the shrimp tender when cooked over high heat. If you decide to remove the shell before grilling, keep a close eye on your shrimp so they don’t overcook.
Can You Grill Frozen Shrimp?
You should thaw frozen shrimp before cooking it. If you don’t thaw frozen shrimp, the seasoning is unlikely to stick to the shrimp during the cooking process. Also, your shrimp won’t cook evenly and may be unsafe to serve. If you try to cook frozen shrimp, the outside can look done while the insides remain raw.
To thaw frozen shrimp, put them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them until they’re fully thawed. It only takes 10 to 20 minutes to thaw frozen shrimp. After the shrimp have fully thawed, remove excess water by patting them with paper towels. Once your shrimp are thawed and the excess water is removed, you’re ready to season and grill.
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.
How long does it take to grill shrimp?
I did some research on grilling times for shrimp and tested methods to find the perfect timing. Here’s what I learned about how long it takes to grill shrimp, plus tips for ensuring tender, flavorful results every time. The total grill time for shrimp is 4-6 minutes for medium or large shrimp. Jumbo shrimp may take 6-8 minutes total.
How do you cook raw shrimp on a grill?
Grilling shrimp requires minimal preparation and can be done quickly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook raw shrimp on the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F. This will ensure that the shrimp cook evenly and develop a nice char on the outside while maintaining their tenderness on the inside.
How to cook grilled shrimp without overcooking?
Utilizing skewers or a grill basket, marinating the shrimp, and choosing the right size shrimp are all additional steps you can take to ensure perfectly grilled shrimp every time. So fire up the grill and enjoy some delectable grilled shrimp without the fear of overcooking.
Are shrimp grilled fast?
Shrimp grills so incredibly fast compared to other grilled food like burgers, chicken, or even veggies. How long does shrimp take to cook? Shrimp are small and take very little time to cook.
How long do you marinate shrimp before grilling?
A simple marinade can consist of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15-30 minutes but no longer than two hours, as the acid can start to cook the shrimp. Now that your shrimp are ready, it’s time to get grilling! Here’s a step-by-step rundown of how to grill shrimp effectively: 1.
How do you cook shrimp on a gas grill?
Grill Prep is Key: Ensure your gas grill is clean and preheated to medium-high heat (400°F to 450°F) for optimal cooking. Master Cooking Techniques: Use direct heat for smaller or skewered shrimp and indirect heat for larger pieces to maintain moisture and prevent burning.