Hey there fellow grillers! I’m super excited to share my tried-and-true tips for grilling shrimp. After years of experimenting (and yes, some overcooking disasters), I’ve finally nailed down the perfect timing for BBQ shrimp. Let me break it down for ya!
Quick Answer
For perfectly grilled shrimp cook them for 2-3 minutes per side over medium-high heat (400-450°F). But hold up – there’s more to it than just timing!
The Perfect Timing Guide Based on Shrimp Size
| Shrimp Size | Direct Heat Grilling Time | Internal Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Medium | 2-3 mins per side | 145°F |
| Large | 3-4 mins per side | 145°F |
| Jumbo | 4-5 mins per side | 145°F |
How to Tell When Your Shrimp are Done
Look for these signs
- Pink/orange color all over
- Opaque (not translucent) flesh
- Slight resistance when pressed
- C-shape (not O-shape – that means they’re overcooked!)
My Top Tips for Perfect Grilled Shrimp
Prep Work
- Pat shrimp completely dry
- Light coating of olive oil (or avocado oil if you’re grilling super hot)
- Season well – I love using:
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- A pinch of cayenne for kick
Grilling Method
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat
- Clean and oil the grates well
- Thread shrimp on skewers (makes flipping way easier!)
- Place directly over heat
- Don’t walk away – these cook fast!
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
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Skewer Smart: Soak wooden skewers for 20 mins before using. I learned this the hard way after having way too many burnt skewers!
-
Marinade Magic: If you’re marinating, keep it short – 30 mins to 1 hour max. Any longer and the shrimp can get mushy.
-
Size Matters Bigger ain’t always better! I find large or extra-large shrimp work best for grilling Small ones cook too fast and can dry out before getting that nice char
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the grill
- Using super high heat
- Walking away (seriously, these cook FAST!)
- Cooking frozen shrimp (defrost first!)
My Favorite Serving Suggestions
I love serving grilled shrimp with:
- Fresh tomato salad
- Grilled asparagus
- Cucumber salad
- Roasted veggies
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re amazing cold in a salad the next day!
Final Thoughts
Grilling shrimp might seem tricky at first, but once you get the timing down, it’s actually super easy! Just remember: hot grill, dry shrimp, quick cooking, and keep an eye on ’em. Before you know it, you’ll be the shrimp grilling master at your next BBQ!
Remember, practice makes perfect, and even if you overcook them the first time (we’ve all been there!), they’ll probably still taste pretty darn good. Happy grilling, friends!
Got any questions about grilling shrimp? Drop ’em in the comments below – I’d love to help ya out!
Six steps to grilling shrimp
Raw shrimp on a skewer, ready for the grill – How to grill shrimp
1. For the best possible results, buy fresh shrimp on the day that you plan to grill them. Shrimp thaw quickly and can go bad even more quickly. Make sure that you buy either jumbo or colossal sized shrimp for easier grilling.
2. Shrimp can be grilled with or without their shells. I like to peel the shrimp prior to grilling. Remove all of the shell except for the part that is around the tail of the shrimp. Removing the shell will allow the marinade to penetrate the meat and give the shrimp more taste.
3. Devein the shrimp by using a small, sharp knife to cut down the back of each peeled shrimp. Pull out the back vein while washing the shrimp under cold water. The vein is noticeable in jumbo or colossal shrimp.
ully grilled shrimp on a skewer – How to grill shrimp
4. Give the shrimp flavor in the marinade of your choice. My favorite is just a simple brush of olive oil on the shrimp with some salt, pepper and squeeze of lemon.
5. Thread your shrimp on a skewer for easy grilling. You can use a wooden skewer or metal skewer, both options work well.
6. Now it is time to grill the shrimp. 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. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp or else it will become tough.
Take the shrimp off the grill and it is time to enjoy, perfect for a shrimp cocktail or to pair with your favorite dipping sauce!
Super Quick Video Tips: The Best Way to Grill Shrimp
FAQ
How long does it take to grill shrimp on the grill?
Is it better to grill frozen or thawed shrimp?
Yes, be sure to thaw frozen shrimp before grilling. Thawing ensures even cooking, a beautiful sear, and avoids excess moisture. Thaw shrimp in the refrigerator for 8-10 hours or rinse under cold running water for 5-10 minutes.
Do you grill shrimp with lid open or closed?
When it comes to grilling shrimp, keeping the shell on definitely has the advantage. The idea of leaving the shell on is primarily to protect the tender meat. It provides a more robust layer to shield against the flame, a heat deflector, if you will.