Grilling shrimp is one of the quickest and tastiest ways to enjoy this delicious seafood. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or a summer BBQ feast, grilled shrimp can be a star on your plate. If you’ve never grilled shrimp before or want to perfect your technique, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know – from prepping to grilling to serving.
Why Grill Shrimp?
Shrimp cooks fast and absorbs flavors beautifully, making it a perfect candidate for the grill. The high heat caramelizes the surface, creating a smoky, slightly charred flavor that pairs wonderfully with a variety of marinades and seasonings. Plus, grilling shrimp is super easy and takes less than 10 minutes!
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Shrimp on the Grill
1. Choose the Right Shrimp
For grilling, jumbo or colossal shrimp (about 21-25 count per pound) work best because they’re large enough to handle the heat without drying out or falling through the grill grates. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, but if frozen, be sure to thaw them completely before grilling.
2. Prep Your Shrimp
– Peel and Devein: Remove the shell, leaving the tail on for a nice presentation and easy handling. Deveining is optional but recommended for better taste and appearance. To devein, make a shallow cut along the back and pull out the dark vein.
– Marinate or Season: A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper works wonders. You can also add spices like smoked paprika, Old Bay seasoning, or herbs for extra flavor. Marinate for 15 minutes to an hour, but don’t overdo it to avoid mushy shrimp.
3. Skewer Your Shrimp
Threading shrimp onto skewers makes grilling easier and prevents them from falling through the grates. Use wooden skewers soaked in water for at least 30 minutes or metal skewers for convenience.
4. Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high, around 350-450°F (175-230°C). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
5. Grill the Shrimp
Place the shrimp skewers directly over the heat. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side, turning once. The shrimp are done when the outside turns pink and opaque, and the inside is firm but juicy. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp become tough and rubbery quickly.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Remove shrimp from the grill and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. Fresh lemon wedges, garlic butter, or your favorite dipping sauce are perfect accompaniments.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Shrimp
– Don’t overcook: Shrimp cook very fast. Watch for the color change and firmness. When they curl into a loose “C” shape, they’re done. If they curl tightly into an “O,” they’re likely overcooked.
– Use a marinade wisely: Acidic marinades (with lemon or vinegar) should be brief to avoid breaking down the shrimp too much.
– Shell on or off: Grilling with shells on can lock in moisture, but peeled shrimp absorb marinades better and grill faster.
– Experiment with flavors: Try garlic, chili flakes, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs in your marinade for variety.
Flavor Ideas for Grilled Shrimp
– Classic Lemon Garlic: Olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
– Spicy Cajun: Olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder.
– Sweet and Tangy: Honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of lime juice.
– Herbaceous: Olive oil, fresh parsley, oregano, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
What to Serve with Grilled Shrimp?
Grilled shrimp pairs well with:
– Fresh salads or grilled vegetables
– Rice or quinoa for a hearty meal
– Pasta tossed in olive oil or a light cream sauce
– Crusty bread to soak up any juices or sauces
Grilled shrimp is versatile and can be the main dish or a flavorful addition to tacos, skewers, or pasta bowls.
Grilling shrimp is simple, fast, and yields delicious results every time. With just a few steps – picking the right shrimp, seasoning, and careful grilling – you’ll have a tasty, impressive dish perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the smoky, juicy flavors of shrimp fresh off the grill!