How to Grill Shrimp on BBQ: A Foolproof Guide for Perfect Results Every Time

Hey there fellow grillers! After years of experimenting with grilling shrimp, I’ve finally nailed down the perfect technique that I’m super excited to share with y’all today. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never want to cook shrimp any other way!

Quick Answer

To grill shrimp on BBQ, preheat to 375-450°F, season shrimp with olive oil and spices, grill for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. That’s it in a nutshell, but keep reading for all my pro tips and secrets!

What You’ll Need

Essential Equipment:

• BBQ grill or grill pan
• Tongs
• Basting brush
• Small mixing bowl
• Wooden or metal skewers (optional but recommended)
• Grill brush for cleaning

Basic Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp (26-30 count per pound)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Seasonings of your choice
• Lemon wedges for serving

Choosing the Right Shrimp

Listen up y’all – this part’s crucial! Here’s what I’ve learned about picking the perfect shrimp

• Size Matters: Go for large or jumbo shrimp (26-30 or 21-25 count per pound)
• Fresh vs Frozen: Both work great! I often use frozen cause it’s convenient
• Shell On or Off: Either works, but I prefer peeled with tail-on
• Wild vs Farmed: Wild-caught has better flavor if you can find it
• Raw vs Pre-cooked: Always buy raw! Pre-cooked will get super rubbery

Prep Work (Don’t Skip This!)

1. Thawing Frozen Shrimp

   • Place in fridge overnight (best method)
   • Quick thaw: Cold water bath for 15-20 mins
   • NEVER use hot water – it’ll start cooking them!

2. Cleaning & Deveining:

   • Rinse under cold water
   • Remove shells (leave tails if desired)
   • Cut along back and remove dark vein
   • Pat dry with paper towels

My Favorite Marinades & Seasonings

I’ve tried tons of combinations, but these are my top 3:

1. Classic Lemon Garlic

• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Salt & pepper

2. Spicy Cajun

• Melted butter
• Cajun seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne (if you’re brave!)

3. Asian-Inspired

• Soy sauce
• Fresh ginger
• Lemongrass
• Rice vinegar
• Brown sugar

Step-by-Step Grilling Instructions

1. Preheat Your Grill

   • Set to medium-high heat (375-450°F)
   • Clean grates thoroughly
   • Oil grates to prevent sticking

2. Season the Shrimp

   • Toss with olive oil first
   • Add your chosen seasonings
   • Don’t marinate longer than 30 mins!

3. Optional: Skewer the Shrimp

   • Thread 4-5 shrimp per skewer
   • If using wooden skewers, soak 30 mins first
   • Leave space between each shrimp

4. Time to Grill!

   • Place directly on hot grates
   • Grill 2-3 mins per side
   • Look for pink color and slight char
   • Don’t overcook – they’ll get tough!

Pro Tips from My Kitchen

• Keep the lid OPEN while grilling
• Don’t crowd the grill – give ’em space!
• Only flip ONCE
• Remove as soon as they’re opaque
• Brush with melted butter right after grilling

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t make these rookie errors:

• Overcooking (biggest mistake!)
• Using too low heat
• Marinating too long
• Forgetting to oil the grates
• Moving shrimp too much

Serving Suggestions

Here’s how I love serving my grilled shrimp:

• On a bed of cilantro lime rice
• In tacos with fresh slaw
• Over mixed green salad
• With grilled veggies
• As an appetizer with dipping sauce

Storage & Leftovers

• Store in airtight container
• Keep refrigerated up to 3 days
• Reheat gently to prevent toughening
• Great cold in salads!

Troubleshooting Tips

Having issues? Here’s what might be wrong:

FAQs

Q: Can I grill frozen shrimp?
A: Nope! Always thaw completely first.

Q: Do I need to use skewers?
A: Not required but makes it easier to flip them.

Q: How do I know when they’re done?
A: They’ll be pink with opaque flesh (no gray parts).

Happy grilling!

#grilling #bbq #seafood #cooking #summerrecipes