Hey there, fellow grillers! I’ve been grilling shrimp skewers for years, and let me tell you – getting that perfect temperature is crucial for mouth-watering results. Today, I’m gonna share everything I’ve learned about grilling shrimp skewers at the right temp. No more rubbery, overcooked shrimp!
The Perfect Grilling Temperature for Shrimp Skewers
Here’s the simple truth – you want to grill shrimp at a moderate temperature of around 325-450°F. I usually aim for 325°F on my grill as this gives me better control and helps prevent overcooking.
The internal temperature of the shrimp is what really matters though. Here’s what you need to know:
- 140°F (60°C) – This is the sweet spot! Shrimp are perfectly done, just turning opaque
- 150°F (65°C) – Still okay, but starting to get firmer
- 160°F (71°C) – Danger zone! Your shrimp will be tough and rubbery
How Long Should You Grill Shrimp?
Cooking time depends on your shrimp size. Here’s my tried-and-true timing guide:
| Shrimp Size | Grilling Time (per side) |
|---|---|
| Small/Medium | 1-2 minutes |
| Large | 2-3 minutes |
| Jumbo | 3-4 minutes |
Understanding Shrimp Sizes
When buying shrimp, you’ll see numbers like “16-20” or “31-40” These numbers tell you how many shrimp you get per pound. Here’s a quick breakdown
- U10 – Under 10 per pound (Super Colossal)
- 16-20 – Extra Jumbo
- 21-25 – Jumbo
- 31-40 – Large
- 41-50 – Medium
Pro tip I prefer using larger shrimp (21-25 count) for grilling They’re easier to handle and less likely to overcook,
My Foolproof Grilling Method
-
Prep the Shrimp
- Thaw completely using cold water (never warm!)
- Pat dry thoroughly
- Season or marinate (15-30 minutes max for acidic marinades)
-
Skewer Like a Pro
- Use metal skewers or soaked wooden ones
- Thread shrimp snugly but not cramped
- Keep all shrimp facing same direction
- One type of food per skewer!
-
Grill Time
- Oil your grates well
- Place skewers on preheated grill
- Don’t walk away! These cook fast
- Flip once halfway through
- Check temp with instant-read thermometer
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Listen, we’ve all been there. Here are some mistakes I made so you don’t have to:
- Overcrowding the skewers
- Using mixed vegetables with shrimp
- Walking away from the grill (seriously, don’t!)
- Overcooking past 140°F
- Not preheating the grill properly
Quick Marinade Ideas
Want to add some flavor? Try these quick marinades (15-30 minutes only):
- Lemon garlic: Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning
- Asian-style: Soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil
- Spicy cajun: Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice
- Caribbean: Jerk seasoning, lime juice, olive oil
Serving Tips
Once your shrimp hit that perfect 140°F, here’s what to do:
- Remove from grill immediately
- Let rest for 1-2 minutes
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired
- Serve with lemon wedges
- Enjoy while hot!
Remember, perfectly grilled shrimp should be pink, opaque, and slightly firm – not rubbery! If you’re following these temp guidelines, you’ll nail it every time.
Final Thoughts
Getting the right temperature for grilled shrimp skewers isn’t rocket science, but it does need attention to detail. Trust me, once you nail the 325°F grill temp and 140°F internal temp combo, you’ll be the shrimp grilling hero at every cookout!
Happy grilling, friends! Drop me a comment if you’ve got any questions – I’m always happy to help fellow grill enthusiasts get their shrimp game on point!
How to Make Grilled Shrimp Skewers
- ▢ 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- ▢ 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ▢ 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ▢ ½ teaspoon salt
- ▢ ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ▢ 1 teaspoon oregano
- ▢ ½ teaspoon paprika
- ▢ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ▢ Chopped parsley for serving
- ▢ Lemon slices for serving
- Place the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, oregano, paprika and garlic powder in a large bowl; whisk to combine.
- Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss gently to coat evenly with the marinade. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours max.
- Skewer 4-6 shrimp on each soaked skewer and place on a plate while skewering the remaining shrimp.
- Heat a grill or grill pan over medium high heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until the color is pink and shrimp is opaque.
- Serve warm with fresh parsley and lemon slices, if desired.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
If you try this Grilled Shrimp recipe or any other recipe on Feel Good Foodie, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below! It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe.
- Don’t marinate the shrimp for longer than 2 hours. The acid from the lemon juice can actually cook the shrimp without any heat needed, which is what happens with a long marinade time.
- Broil the shrimp in the oven if you don’t have a grill. Once the broiler is preheated, place the shrimp skewers on a sheet pan coated with cooking spray or lined with parchment paper. Broil for 2-3 minutes, then flip and broil for another 2-3 minutes; watching it closely so it doesn’t over-cook.
- Peel and devein the shrimp before you marinade them. Otherwise all the marinade will be on the outside of the shrimp only. I prefer to leave the tails on, but you can remove them if you like.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp. Shrimp cook super fast, and only need 2 to 3 minutes each side. If you overcook them, they lose their juiciness and become rubbery. Th shrimp skewers are cooked when they turn an opaque pink, they are overcooked if they start to curl up.
Since you’re throwing the shrimp skewers on the grill, I recommend some other grilled options or an easy salad to go on the side. Here are some great options!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They will last up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet with a little olive oil.
Yes, you can freeze grilled shrimp and store for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool the shrimp completely before freezing, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
Skewering the shrimp is the easiest way to cook them on the grill. They won’t fall between the grates and it means that you can turn them all at the same time so that they cook evenly. You can use either metal or wooden skewers, if you use wooden, soak them in water for an hour before grilling so they don’t burn.
Super Quick Video Tips: The Best Way to Grill Shrimp
FAQ
What temperature do you grill shrimp skewer?
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.
What temperature should grilled shrimp be cooked at?
We recommend a shrimp cook temp of 135–140°F (57–60°C) for optimal juiciness, and with a fast and accurate Thermapen® ONE, you can hit that temperature far …Jun 1, 2019
What is the perfect temperature for shrimp?
Reaching the ideal internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is critical for achieving a delicious and safe shrimp dish. Undercooked shellfish may harbor harmful bacteria, so it’s crucial to get this right.
Can You Grill shrimp skewers?
From fiery fish tacos to grilled lobster tail, these highly rated recipes will up your seafood grilling game for good. Shrimp skewers are a simple way to make great seafood on the grill. Make sure to soak the wooden skewers in water before using.
How long do you cook shrimp skewers?
Place skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to maintain juiciness. Internal temperature should reach 120°F for perfectly cooked shrimp. Allow skewers to rest for 2 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
How do you cook a fried shrimp skewer?
Avoid shrimp with dark spots or an unpleasant odor. Use wooden or metal skewers for your shrimp. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each one for even cooking.
Can you cook shrimp on a grill?
Just prep the shrimp, drop it into the marinade, skewer it, and grill it up! The shrimp can also be cooked inside on a grill pan or in a cast-iron skillet. Serve with a fresh and fruity spinach salad, or grilled corn and potato salad. Dinner is served! Do you peel shrimp before grilling? It’s up to you!
How do I choose the best shrimp skewers?
The foundation of great shrimp skewers lies in choosing the right shrimp. Opt for large, fresh shrimp with a vibrant pink or orange tint. Avoid shrimp with dark spots or an unpleasant odor. Use wooden or metal skewers for your shrimp. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
Can You Grill succulent shrimp on skewers?
Grilling succulent shrimp on skewers is a delightful summer pastime that elevates any barbecue gathering. This comprehensive guide will guide you through the essential steps, ensuring you create mouthwatering shrimp skewers that will impress your guests. The foundation of great shrimp skewers lies in choosing the right shrimp.