Looking to grill some juicy shrimp but not sure about the timing? I’ve grilled countless batches of shrimp and learned exactly how long to cook them at 400°F for the perfect result Let me break it down for you with this simple guide!
Quick Answer
At 400°F, shrimp typically takes
- Small shrimp (36-45 per pound): 1-2 minutes per side
- Medium shrimp (26-35 per pound): 2 minutes per side
- Large shrimp (16-25 per pound): 2-3 minutes per side
- Jumbo shrimp (10-15 per pound): 3-4 minutes per side
Why 400°F is the Sweet Spot
We’ve found that grilling shrimp at 400°F is ideal because
- Creates perfect sear on the outside
- Keeps the inside tender and juicy
- Cooks quickly without drying out
- Allows nice char marks to develop
- Falls within optimal 375-450°F grilling range
How to Tell When Shrimp is Done
Watch for these key signs your shrimp is perfectly cooked:
- Color changes from gray translucent to solid pink
- Forms a “C” shape (overcooked shrimp curl into tight “O” shape)
- Feels firm but still slightly springy
- No longer translucent in center
- Develops light char marks
Pro Tips for Perfect Grilled Shrimp
Preparation
- Pat shrimp completely dry before grilling
- Lightly coat with oil to prevent sticking
- Season just before grilling
- If using wooden skewers, soak 30 mins before use
During Grilling
- Ensure grill is fully preheated to 400°F
- Place shrimp in single layer (not crowded)
- Don’t flip too early – let grill marks form
- Watch carefully as they cook fast
- Have spray bottle ready for flare-ups
My Favorite Seasoning Combinations
Here’s what I love putting on my grilled shrimp:
Basic Blend:
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Salt & pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Cayenne (optional for heat)
Zesty Citrus:
- Lemon zest
- Fresh herbs
- Red pepper flakes
- Sea salt
Sweet & Spicy:
- Honey
- Sriracha
- Sesame oil
- Garlic
Serving Suggestions
These quick-cooking shrimp pair great with:
- Fresh summer salads
- Grilled vegetables
- Rice or grain bowls
- Tacos with fresh toppings
- Pasta tossed in garlic butter
- As appetizers with dipping sauce
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s what to do:
- Store in airtight container
- Keep refrigerated up to 3 days
- Enjoy cold in salads
- Reheat gently at 50% power in microwave
- Use in rice bowls or pasta dishes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t make these rookie errors:
- Overcrowding the grill
- Using too low heat
- Overcooking until rubbery
- Not preheating properly
- Forgetting to oil the shrimp
Bottom Line
Grilling shrimp at 400°F is super quick and easy once you know the proper timing. Just remember that size matters – bigger shrimp need a bit more time. Keep a close eye on them since they cook fast, and you’ll have perfectly grilled shrimp in no time!
With these tips and timing guidelines, you’ll be grilling up mouth-watering shrimp like a pro. The key is getting that grill nice and hot, watching carefully, and pulling them off right when they turn pink. Now fire up that grill and get cooking!
Have any questions about grilling shrimp? Drop them in the comments below! I’d love to help you achieve shrimp-grilling success.
Note: Cooking times may vary slightly based on your specific grill and conditions. Always check for doneness using visual cues rather than relying solely on time.
Time to Fire Up the Grill
It’s time to start the grilling process! Here’s my tested method to BBQ shrimp on the grill (or you can go ahead and jump to the full recipe):
Step 1: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (375-450°F).
Step 2: Place fresh or thawed shrimp in a mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and season with oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and kosher salt.
Step 3: Place the shrimp directly on a grill for 1-2 minutes per side until they’re bright pink and cooked through. Timing will depend on the exact temperature, whether you’re cooking with the shell on, and how big the shrimp are – just make sure to keep the lid open!
Step 4: Remove shrimp from the grill and serve with a few squirts from fresh lemon wedges, to taste.
Expert Tip! How to Know It’s Cooked Through
It’s important to ensure the shrimp is fully cooked through. Shrimp start out being U-shaped before being cooked. As they grill, they should start resembling a C-shape. The outside of the shrimp should turn a nice pink color, and the meat inside should be white and opaque.
If your shrimp starts to be O-shaped, that’s a big indicator it’s overcooked and may turn out rubbery.
Super Quick Video Tips: The Best Way to Grill Shrimp
FAQ
How long do shrimp need to cook at 400 degrees?
How long to bake shrimp at 400? Making shrimp in the oven is easy! Place thawed shrimp in a single layer on a sheet pan and bake 8-10 minutes.
How long should shrimp be grilled?
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 to grill shrimp in foil at 400 degrees?
To bake this easy grilled shrimp recipe, do so for the same amount of time and the same temperature as you would the BBQ. So, 400 degrees for 14-18 minutes.May 29, 2020
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.
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 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 long do you marinate shrimp before grilling?
Give your Shrimp Enough Time in the Marinade: You want your shrimp to absorb the flavor and the oil of the shrimp marinade, so allow at least 30 minutes and no more than 1 hour for your shrimp to marinade. How long to grill shrimp? 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. It all depends on the size of the shrimp that you use: Small to medium shrimp may only need 1 to 2 minutes per side, but large or jumbo shrimp may need 2 to 3 minutes per side. It’s quick either way, so don’t walk away from the grill!
Can you cook raw shrimp on a grill?
For grilling, raw shrimp works best. Pre-cooked shrimp often dries out and becomes rubbery on the grill. Choose raw shrimp that smells fresh, not fishy, with firm flesh. The shells should be shiny and clear, not murky or cracked. Whole shrimp will have the head, shell, tail, and legs still attached.