The Chef's Guide to Perfectly Grilled Shrimp Every Time

Grilled shrimp is one of the most enjoyable dishes to prepare over a flame, offering quick cooking times, effortless enjoyment, and incredible versatility. This succulent protein seamlessly complements any cuisine. To master the art of grilling shrimp, we sought advice from a seasoned chef and seafood specialist. Dive into our guide for expert tips, then explore our collection of delicious shrimp recipes.

Key Tips for Selecting the Best Shrimp

While any shrimp can be grilled, certain types yield better results. Price recommends wild shrimp over farmed ones, particularly from regions like the Gulf of Mexico or the Carolinas. Opt for larger sizes such as large, jumbo, or colossal shrimp for a juicier and more flavorful dish. "Aim for shrimp sized 16/20 for the best grilling experience," Price advises. Larger shrimp are also easier to handle on the grill, reducing the risk of losing them through the grates.

To ensure freshness, choose shrimp that are firm, light pink or grayish-transparent, with intact red gills and undamaged shells. Avoid shrimp with black spots, missing parts, slimy texture, or an unpleasant odor, as these indicate they are no longer fresh. In most cases, frozen shrimp are a better choice than so-called 'fresh' shrimp, which are often previously frozen and thawed for display. If available, live shrimp are the freshest and most ideal option.

Mastering the Art of Grilling Shrimp

Prepare all your meal components ahead of time, as grilling shrimp is a quick process that requires your full attention.

Essential Tools and Ingredients

• Propane or charcoal grill
• Shrimp
• Oil and seasoning, or marinade
• Skewers or grill basket (optional)
• Serving platter

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill to a temperature range of 375 to 450°F. After it reaches the desired heat, use a wire brush to clean the grill grate thoroughly. Apply oil to the grate to prevent shrimp and other foods from sticking during grilling.

Charcoal vs. Gas

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

You can grill shrimp with or without their shells, depending on your preference. If you're unsure, think about how they'll be served and what’s most convenient for your guests. Leaving the shells on helps retain more flavor, as the shells trap steam. "Cooking and serving head-on shrimp can add a fun touch, depending on the dish and occasion," Price suggests.

While the grill heats up, rinse your shrimp—whether fresh or frozen—under cold water. Rinsing frozen shrimp helps them thaw and allows you to check their quality, while rinsing fresh shrimp ensures they’re clean and ready for cooking.

After rinsing, pat the shrimp dry and lightly coat them with oil and your choice of seasonings. If you’ve marinated the shrimp, remove them from the marinade and let them sit briefly to avoid excess sauce dripping and causing flare-ups on the grill.

Step 3: Cook

Cook the shrimp over direct heat for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, depending on their size. "Keep a close eye on the shrimp while they cook, flipping them as needed to avoid overcooking," Price recommends.

Step 4: Rest

"After cooking the shrimp to your desired doneness, spread them out instead of stacking them," Price explains. "This prevents residual heat from overcooking them."

How to Tell When Shrimp Are Done

Grilled Shrimp Recipes to Try

Grilled shrimp are delicious straight from the grill, served at room temperature, or even chilled for creative dishes like shrimp cocktail or New England-style shrimp rolls. Price suggests incorporating grilled shrimp into Caesar salads or using them as a topping for risotto. If you need inspiration, explore these shrimp recipes and fire up the grill!

Grilled Shrimp Tacos

In this recipe, shrimp shares the grill with tortillas and lime halves, infusing them with a hint of smoky flavor. Serve these tacos with shredded cabbage, a creamy cumin-infused sauce, and tomatillo salsa, then finish with a squeeze of grilled lime juice.

Shrimp and Avocado Salad With Crispy Tortillas

For this refreshing salad, you can follow the recipe and sauté shrimp on the stove, but grilling them on skewers after a light oiling adds a subtle charred flavor that elevates the dish. While grilling, consider adding romaine halves, cabbage wedges, and avocado halves to the grill for extra depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can you grill shrimp from frozen?

  Technically, yes, but it's not ideal. "Grilling frozen shrimp can result in a tough exterior and uneven cooking, often leaving the inside undercooked," Price explains. "For the best results, thaw, peel, devein, marinate, and then grill the shrimp."

  If you're pressed for time, submerge the frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold tap water, refreshing the water every 10 minutes until thawed, which typically takes less than an hour. Voila, your shrimp is ready for the grill!

• How should I season grilled shrimp?

  Grilled shrimp pairs well with a variety of seasonings. Price recommends Old Bay, curry, sambal, sriracha, chipotle, garlic, ginger, and simple salt and pepper. He also favors bold citrus flavors like lime, lemon, and orange. Regardless of the seasoning, Price always uses a fat, such as olive oil, to enhance flavor and retain moisture.

• Do I grill the shrimp with the lid open or closed?

  Grill shrimp with the lid open to avoid overcooking. Closing the lid raises the grill's internal temperature, which can lead to overcooked shrimp. Since shrimp cook quickly and require frequent flipping, keeping the lid open ensures even cooking.