Grilled shrimp is a culinary delight that never fails to impress. The succulent seafood, when perfectly seasoned and grilled, becomes a mouthwatering treat that can be prepared in just 5 minutes. If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your next outdoor gathering, look no further than this simple yet irresistible grilled shrimp recipe.
Grilling Shrimp: A Concept, Not Just a Recipe
Grilling shrimp is as straightforward as it gets. The only time-consuming part is preheating the grill! Consider it more of a concept than a recipe. The steps are so easy, you’ll memorize them after just one try. Here’s how to cook shrimp on the grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Thaw the shrimp if they’re frozen.
- Place the shrimp in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Grill for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn bright pink and are cooked through.
- Remove from the grill and spritz with fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.
For an added twist, brush the shrimp with our mouthwatering Homemade Teriyaki Sauce before grilling, and brush on another coat right before serving.
To Peel or Not to Peel?
The beauty of grilled shrimp is that you can prepare it with the shell on or peeled. While many believe that leaving the shell intact ensures incredible moisture, peeled shrimp can be just as tasty. Opt for tail-on shrimp if you want to make them more visually appealing. However, be careful not to overcook them, as even a minute too long can make the shrimp tough and dry.
Skewers or No Skewers?
Using skewers is entirely up to you. Although threading shrimp onto skewers may seem convenient for turning, it can be a bit tricky. Shrimp tends to spin on metal skewers, making them harder to manage on the grill. If you choose wooden skewers, remember to soak them beforehand to prevent burning. If you prefer a quicker and easier grilling experience, skip the skewers altogether.
Timing Is Everything
When it comes to grilling shrimp, timing is crucial. Fortunately, this recipe cooks up in a flash. It only takes 3 to 5 minutes to grill shrimp using medium-high direct heat (375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit). The exact cooking time will depend on factors such as the temperature of your grill, whether you’re cooking with the shell on, and the size of the shrimp.
For this particular recipe, we used medium shrimp, with 26 to 30 shrimp per pound. We’ve tested it both with the shell on and peeled, and both variations turned out wonderfully.
Thawing Frozen Shrimp
Thawing frozen shrimp is a breeze. Here are two options, depending on how much time you have:
- Night before: If you plan ahead, simply place the frozen shrimp in the refrigerator overnight.
- Day of: Place the frozen shrimp in a large bowl of cold water. Stir the bowl every 5 minutes to break up any clumps of frozen shrimp. In about 15 to 20 minutes, the shrimp should be defrosted and ready to grill.
Marinating for Extra Flavor
Marinating shrimp before grilling adds a tender and flavorful touch to the final dish. Take a look at our Perfect Shrimp Marinade recipe and allow the shrimp to marinate for 1 hour before grilling, following the instructions provided.
Explore Flavorful Variations
If you’re in the mood to experiment with different seasoning blends, here are a few options to consider:
- Cajun Grilled Shrimp: Give your shrimp a Cajun twist with a homemade Cajun seasoning blend.
- Blackened Shrimp: Try a simple mix of homemade spices for a bold and flavorful experience.
- Marinaded Shrimp: Opt for a zingy and straightforward marinade to enhance the natural taste of the shrimp.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled shrimp is a versatile dish and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are a few serving ideas to inspire you:
- Over whole grains: Place the grilled shrimp on a bed of whole grains, such as pesto quinoa, farro, turmeric rice, or even creamy polenta. You can make your own pesto using our homemade basil pesto recipe or use a store-bought alternative.
- In a salad: Shrimp pairs exceptionally well with salads. Consider serving it with a chopped salad, Italian salad, strawberry salad, watermelon salad, cucumber salad, or an elegant wedge salad.
- With potatoes: Potatoes and grilled shrimp make a fantastic combination. Try serving the shrimp alongside baked potato wedges or roasted rosemary potatoes for a satisfying meal.
- More grilled veggies: Take advantage of your grill and prepare some grilled asparagus, grilled peppers & onions, grilled peppers, grilled carrots, grilled avocado, grilled Caesar salad, or grilled romaine to complement the shrimp.
- In tacos: If you’re feeling adventurous, try our zesty Grilled Shrimp Tacos for a burst of flavors.
More Ways to Enjoy Shrimp
If you’re a fan of shrimp and want to explore different ways of cooking it, here are some of our favorite healthy shrimp recipes:
- Stovetop: Indulge in the flavors of our Garlic Butter Shrimp, which delivers an explosion of taste in under 10 minutes. You can also try Perfect Sautéed Shrimp or Honey Garlic Shrimp.
- Baked: Our Easy Baked Shrimp boasts incredible flavors, seasoned with garlic and herbs. For an irresistible crunch, add a crispy breading before roasting. You can even try shrimp as a topping on Shrimp Pizza.
- Broiled: If you’re short on time, broiled shrimp is your best friend. It’s one of the fastest cooking methods, and you don’t even need to preheat the oven.
Perfect for Your Palate and Lifestyle
This grilled shrimp recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and perfect for those following a pescatarian diet.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for a quick and delicious seafood treat, fire up the grill and try this perfect grilled shrimp recipe. Your taste buds will thank you.
Last updated: April 2020
