What Temperature To Grill Shrimp Skewers For Perfectly Cooked Shrimp

Grilled shrimp skewers are a crowd-pleasing appetizer meal, or side that can be made both quickly and easily. Marinating the shrimp in a tangy sauce helps bring out their sweet briny flavor when they hit the grill. While shrimp cook fast over high heat, knowing the right temperature to grill them is key to avoiding over or undercooked shrimp. Follow these simple tips on how to grill shrimp skewers to tender, juicy perfection every time.

Why Grilled Shrimp Skewers Are So Delicious

There are many reasons grilled shrimp skewers have become a backyard barbecue staple

• Quick cooking time – Shrimp cook fast on the grill, meaning you can have a tasty appetizer or meal ready in 15 minutes or less. Their small size means they cook through quickly when exposed to direct heat.

• Loads of flavor – The high heat of the grill caramelizes the natural sugars in the shrimp, concentrating their sweet taste. A bold marinade adds even more flavor.

• Easy to eat – Skewering the shrimp makes them easy to maneuver on the grill and to enjoy without utensils. Kids love shrimp skewers for their finger-food fun.

• Nutritious – Shrimp pack a nutritional punch, with protein, vitamin B12, selenium, and antioxidant astaxanthin. The omega-3’s in grilled shrimp support heart and brain health.

• Grillable year-round – Unlike seasonal grill fare like corn, shrimp can be found fresh year-round, making these skewers a quick and easy meal solution any night of the week.

Picking the Best Shrimp for Skewers

You can use any size shrimp for skewers, from medium to jumbo. Larger shrimp are easier to skewer and less likely to overcook. Look for fresh, raw, shell-on shrimp if possible, as these will have the best flavor and texture once grilled. If using frozen, defrosted shrimp, pat dry well before marinating.

When buying shrimp, look for:

• Firm, shiny flesh without graying or drying around the edges
• Clear, plump shape; avoid shriveled or limp shrimp
• Mild ocean aroma; discard any with an ammonia-like or fishy smell

Buying sustainably-caught U.S. shrimp supports local fishermen. Wild-caught shrimp offer excellent flavor and texture for skewers.

Prepping Shrimp for the Grill

Proper prep ensures your shrimp skewers come out juicy and tender:

• Peel – For the best infusion of flavor, peel off the shell before marinating. Leave the tail end intact if desired.

• Devein – Use a paring knife to slice down the shrimp back and remove the vein. This prevents any gritty texture.

• Dry – Pat shrimp dry with paper towels to allow the marinade to evenly coat.

• Marinate – Let the shrimp soak 15-30 minutes in a zesty marinade (like lemon-garlic or Cajun spice) for added flavor.

• Skewer – Thread 4-5 shrimp per skewer, leaving a tiny space between each for even cooking.

• Brush – Lightly brush skewers with oil to prevent sticking to the grill grates.

Choosing the Right Grill Temperature

The most important factor in perfectly cooked shrimp skewers is grilling at the proper temperature:

High Heat

• 400°F to 550°F is ideal for grilling shrimp. The high heat quickly sears the outside while locking in moisture inside.

• Hot grilling temperatures yield caramelized, charred shrimp with a slightly smoky flavor.

• Cooking over direct, intense heat avoids drying out or overcooking the shrimp’s delicate flesh.

Avoid Low Heat

• Temperatures under 400°F will cause the shrimp to steam rather than sear. This leads to bland, rubbery shrimp.

• Low heat gives the shrimp’s natural enzymes time to start breaking down the flesh, causing a mushy texture.

• Cooler grill temps mean the shrimp have to cook longer. This dries them out and toughens the meat.

For picture-perfect shrimp skewers, crank up the heat on your gas or charcoal grill. Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm your grill maintains a hot 400°F+ cooking surface.

How to Tell When Shrimp Are Done Grilling

Shrimp cook lightning fast on the grill. Here are visual signs to look for so you pull the skewers at the peak of perfection:

• Color change – The flesh turns from grayish to an opaque, solid pink when cooked through.

• Curling – As they cook, shrimp will curl into a tight “C” shape.

• Flaking – Gently press a thicker piece of shrimp. It should flake apart when fully cooked.

• Timing – Depending on size, shrimp need just 2-4 minutes per side over high heat. Jumbo shrimp may take up to 5 minutes per side.

• Internal temperature – Check larger shrimp with an instant-read thermometer. Pull them off the grill at 145°F.

A touch of charring on the outside while the inside stays moist is the hallmark of perfectly grilled shrimp.

7 Tips for Grilling Shrimp Skewers Like a Pro

Follow these simple tricks to take your shrimp skewers from bland to beautiful:

1. Preheat grill completely – Give your charcoal or gas grill 10-15 minutes to fully preheat before adding shrimp skewers.

2. Clean grates – Scrub grates free of all debris so shrimp don’t stick. Brush with oil for extra insurance.

3. Get organized – Have all tools and seasonings ready to go. Place cooked shrimp on a serving platter, not back on the cooking surface.

4. Mind the grill layout – Sear the shrimp over direct heat, not indirect. Avoid placing near the hot charcoal bank.

5. Work fast – Shrimp overcook quickly, so stay close and don’t walk away. Have tongs and mitts ready to pull them immediately when done.

6. Resist poking – Flipping the skewers just once halfway through prevents breaking the shrimp’s delicate flesh.

7. Watch for flare-ups – If marinade drippings cause flare-ups, carefully move shrimp to a cooler area of the grill to avoid scorching.

With a little planning and awareness, you’ll find grilling shrimp skewers fast, fun and full of flavor.

Killer Shrimp Skewer Recipes

To really bring out the sweetness of the shrimp, give them a flavor boost with one of these easy, delicious marinades:

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp each salt and pepper

Sriracha Lime Shrimp Skewers

• Juice of 2 limes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 Tbsp Sriracha
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Pinch of salt

Jerk Shrimp Skewers

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 Tbsp Caribbean jerk seasoning
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp each thyme, allspice, salt

Cajun Shrimp Skewers

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Grilled Shrimp Skewers Are Endless Summer Fun

From pool parties to beach barbecues, grilled shrimp skewers are the perfect pick for easy summer eating. Their global flavors and foolproof cooking method make them a crowdpleaser for all ages. Armed with the right techniques, you can master grilling plump, juicy shrimp skewers all season long. Ditch the hot dogs and hamburgers, and throw some shrimp on the barbie tonight!