Hey there! I’m a seasoned griller and today I’m gonna share everything you need to know about grilling shrimp. As someone who grew up near the Gulf Coast, I’ve cooked tons of shrimp and learned all the tricks for getting them just right on the barbecue.
Quick Answer
For perfectly grilled shrimp, you typically need
- Medium shrimp: 2-3 minutes per side
- Jumbo shrimp: 4-5 minutes per side
- Total cooking time: 4-10 minutes depending on size
Factors That Affect Grilling Time
1. Shrimp Size
The bigger the shrimp, the longer they take to cook
- Small/Medium (41-50 per pound): 2-3 minutes per side
- Large (31-35 per pound): 3-4 minutes per side
- Jumbo (16-20 per pound): 4-5 minutes per side
2. Grill Temperature
I always recommend
- Medium-high heat (400-450°F) for best results
- Lower temps (300°F) will need longer cooking times
- Higher temps risk overcooking
3. Grilling Method
Your approach matters:
- Direct heat: 2-4 minutes per side
- Indirect heat: 3-6 minutes per side
- Skewered vs loose shrimp (skewered is easier to manage!)
How to Tell When Shrimp is Done
Ya don’t wanna mess this part up! Here’s what I look for:
- Color changes from gray to pink/orange
- Meat becomes opaque (not translucent)
- Texture is firm but still springy
- Internal temp reaches 145°F
Pro tip: If they form a “C” shape, they’re done. If they curl into an “O” shape, they’re overcooked!
My Favorite Pre-Grilling Tips
Marinade Time
Don’t go crazy with marinating! I’ve learned that:
- 30 minutes is usually perfect
- Maximum 1 hour for most marinades
- Longer than 2 hours can make shrimp mushy
Preparation Steps
- Thaw shrimp completely if frozen
- Pat dry with paper towels
- Remove shells (leave tails on if ya want)
- Skewer for easier handling
- Brush with oil to prevent sticking
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Listen, we’ve all been there! Here’s what not to do:
- Don’t overcook (they get rubbery real quick!)
- Don’t skip preheating the grill
- Don’t forget to oil the grates
- Don’t crowd the shrimp on the grill
- Don’t flip more than once if possible
My Go-To Grilling Method
Here’s what works for me every time:
- Preheat grill to medium-high (400-450°F)
- Clean and oil grates well
- Place shrimp on grill
- Cook 2-3 minutes first side
- Flip once
- Cook another 2-3 minutes
- Rest for 2-3 minutes before serving
Quick Troubleshooting Guide
Having issues? Here’s what might be wrong:
Shrimp sticking to grill?
- Make sure grates are clean and oiled
- Pat shrimp dry before grilling
- Don’t flip too early
Rubbery shrimp?
- Probably overcooked
- Next time, reduce cooking time
- Watch for that “C” shape
Final Thoughts
Grilling shrimp ain’t rocket science, but timing is everything! Start with these guidelines and adjust based on your grill and shrimp size. Remember, it’s better to slightly undercook (you can always add more time) than to overcook.
Got questions? Drop ’em in the comments! I love helping fellow grillers perfect their BBQ game. Now get out there and grill some awesome shrimp!
Note: These times are based on my experience and general guidelines. Your actual cooking time might vary slightly depending on your specific setup and conditions.
Change up the Flavor
I suggest using a blend of seasonings that you likely already have in your pantry, but you can have some fun with flavors. Here are a few other ways to season grilled shrimp:
- Cajun-style: Mix your shrimp in my Cajun seasoning with cayenne pepper and paprika for Cajun grilled shrimp. For milder flavors, start with my blackened seasoning.
- Garlic butter: Oil is better for grilling due to butter’s low smoke point, but you can toss your shrimp in garlic butter and fresh parsley after for a tasty meal.
- Seafood seasoning: Dust my magic seafood seasoning on your shrimp and whatever else comes off your grill.
- Teriyaki: Brush your shrimp with my homemade teriyaki sauce before and after grilling for a flavor bomb without the preservatives.
“My dad and I used this recipe tonight to grill shrimp! So helpful and flavorful.”
– Courtney
Great Ways to Serve
Shrimp is one of my favorite appetizers, but it’s super simple to turn into a main dish. Here are some of my favorite side dishes for shrimp – perfect for even the busiest weeknights:
Super Quick Video Tips: The Best Way to Grill Shrimp
FAQ
How long should shrimp be on the barbecue?
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 do you know if grilled shrimp is done?
Perfectly cooked shrimp will be opaque with a color ranging from pink or orange, depending on variety. Their tails should curl in slightly to make a C-shape. Overcooked shrimp will be a solid white-pink color, with their tails completely curled into a tight circle.Jul 19, 2023
How long to grill raw shrimp at 350 degrees?
How Long Does Shrimp Take to Grill? At 350 degrees Fahrenheit, shrimp take 5 to 7 minutes total grilling time. That means about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
How long does it take to cook shrimp on a grill?
The general rule of thumb is that larger shrimp will require a longer grilling time than smaller shrimp. This is because larger shrimp have more meat and need more time to cook through. On average, large shrimp (such as those labeled as jumbo or extra-large) will take around 4-5 minutes per side on a hot grill.
How do you Grill Jumbo Shrimp?
To grill them, skewer through the body in two places to keep them straight, then grill 2–2.5 minutes per side over medium-high heat. Brush with garlic butter or finish with a citrus glaze for added flavor. Jumbo shrimp can also be stuffed with herbs or wrapped in bacon before grilling.
How long do you cook Jumbo Shrimp?
Size of the shrimp – Smaller shrimp cook faster than larger shrimp. Jumbo shrimp can take 4-5 minutes per side while medium or cocktail shrimp may only need 2-3 minutes per side. Direct vs indirect heat – Cooking shrimp directly over the heat source will be faster than indirect grilling off to the side.
What is the best way to grill shrimp?
The best way to grill shrimp starts with how you season them. Shrimp have a mild, slightly sweet taste that works with a wide range of flavors. This is our favorite seafood seasoning. Or, you can go simple with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon. Or go bold with Cajun, Caribbean jerk, or BBQ rubs. Want something sweet and spicy?
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.
How do you cook shrimp on a charcoal grill?
For charcoal, build a hot zone and set your shrimp directly over the heat for best searing. Whether gas or charcoal, the key is even heat. Shrimp cook fast, so don’t walk away. Grill uncovered for even caramelization. If using a grill basket, lightly oil it to prevent sticking.