Grilling shrimp to perfection is easier than you think! With the right timing and a few helpful tips, you can enjoy tender, juicy shrimp with just the right amount of char every time.
It's very easy to overcook shrimp on the grill. Here are some tips to keep your shrimp perfectly grilled every time!
Shrimp cook quickly, so it’s important to watch them closely to avoid overcooking. Larger shrimp may take a minute or two longer, but the key is knowing when they're done.
According to the FDA, shrimp is cooked through when the flesh becomes firm, pearly, and opaque. Raw shrimp is sown here. As they cook, you will see the flesh turn white.
Why Use Skewers?
Shrimp can slip through the grill grates easily. To prevent this, use skewers—either metal or wooden. If using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes to avoid burning on the grill.
Grilling Times
Shrimp grills quickly, so it's important to watch it as it cooks.
- Jumbo Shrimp: 3–4 minutes per side
- Large Shrimp: 2–3 minutes per side
- Medium Shrimp: 2 minutes per side
Defrosting Frozen Shrimp
To defrost shrimp, place them in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 10 minutes. They’ll be ready to grill in about 20 minutes.
Top Tips For Perfect BBQ Shrimp
- Shrimp absorb marinades quickly. A quick 15–30 minute soak in garlic, lemon, olive oil, soy sauce, or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro adds great flavor.
- Whether on skewers or directly on the grill, leave a bit of space between each shrimp for even heat.
- Shrimp grill best over direct heat—medium-high for a gas grill or directly over the coals on a charcoal grill.
- Shrimp are best served right off the grill. For large batches, keep them warm in foil until ready to eat.
- Shrimp cooks in just a few minutes, and with a hot grill and simple seasoning, you can achieve delicious results. The key is to watch the shrimp closely to avoid overcooking.
Garlic Grilled Shrimp with Garlic Butter
A melted garlic butter sauce takes these grilled shrimp to a whole new level. This is an easy-to-follow recipe that guarantees a hit at any gathering.
Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Grilled shrimp kebabs are marinated in white wine, olive oil, minced garlic to enhance their flavor. Skewered alongside tomatoes, onions, and summer squash, they're absolutely delicious!
Smoked Shrimp Skewers
These Shrimp Skewers are marinaded in a tangy Italian marinade and then grilled to perfection!
Grilled Peel 'n Eat Shrimp
Here's a grilled shrimp recipe with the shell on. The shrimp are seasoned with Old Bay and butter. Beware: These shrimp are saucy and you should have lots of napkins handy!
Grilled Shrimp Bowl
Try this incredible Shrimp Bowl Recipe that includes grilled zucchini, bell peppers, corn, avocado, and flavorful shrimp with a spicy garlic taste. It's so easy to pull together for a healthy and delicious lunch or dinner.
Shrimp Skewers with Vegetables
Garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs make these shrimp-kabobs so delicious.
Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp
Cilantro lime shrimp skewers are a quick and easy dinner or appetizer. Shrimp is soaked in a mixture of cilantro, lime juice, honey, and spices, then grilled to perfection.
Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers
This is an easy, summer meal that comes together in no time! You can even throw some extra veggies on the grill for a balanced, colorful meal.
Thai Shrimp with Coconut Milk and Lime
A quick and healthy dinner made with coconut milk, Thai seasoning, and lime juice.
Grilled Curry Shrimp
These grilled curry shrimp are both sweet and spicy. Jumbo wild-caught shrimp are skewered and seasoned with a simple curry rub for a great appetizer course.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp
The smoky taste of the shrimp goes well with the tangy chili marinade, making a easy dish for weeknight meals!
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Bacon-wrapped shrimp is a savory bite of crispy bacon and tender, juicy shrimp that’s perfect for any appetizer spread!
Texas Roadhouse Shrimp
Texas Roadhouse Shrimp make the perfect main dish, surf ’n turf addition, or appetizer, with a flavor that’s just like the irresistible shrimp served at the famous restaurant!
Jalapeño Tequila Shrimp
For an easy appetizer packed with flavor, try Grilled Jalapeño Tequila Shrimp!
Honey Lime Shrimp
Easy to make quick honey lime shrimp is grilled and ready to eat in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight meals or casual dinners.
Shrimp and Veggie Kabobs
These shrimp and veggie kabobs with Wild Blueberry Barbecue Sauce are sure to be a hit at your last summer hoorah!
What Goes with Grilled Shrimp?
Grilled shrimp pairs well with light, fresh sides like a crisp salad, steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a tangy slaw. Here are our favorite pairings:
- Lemon Asparagus Rice
- Spanish Rice
- Roasted Asparagus
- Roasted Tiny Red Potatoes
- Chickpea Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Mexican Black Bean Salad With Chili Lime Vinaigrette
- Caesar Salad
- Fried Mahi Mahi
- Roasted Yellowtail Snapper with Old Bay
Grilled shrimp can be garnished with herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil, a squeeze of lemon or lime juice, and chopped green onions. You can also add a dash of red pepper flakes for a bit of color and heat.
Check out our collection of shrimp recipes made with Key West pink shrimp!
And don't forget a fresh authentic Key West Key Lime Pie for dessert!
FAQ
Yes, you can use a Lodge cast-iron grill pan. You'll have to work in batches because the surface is only 10 inches across, but it is manageable. Try this recipe for sautéed shrimp for indoor cooking.
BBQ shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, with bright red tails. You can use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature of the small pieces has reached 120 °F (49 °C).
If you are serving grilled shrimp with lots of other sides and seafood, you could probably do a quarter pound per person. To be safe, I would cook one-third pound per person for kabobs or grilled shrimp main course.
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