How Long Should You Grill Shrimp on a Charcoal Grill For Perfectly Cooked Shrimp Every Time?

This simple method for cooking shrimp on the grill always makes the meatiest, tastiest shrimp! Coated in a slightly spicy lemon seasoning and served with garlic herb butter, you’ll fall in love with this seafood favorite all over again.

Grilling shrimp on a hot charcoal grill infuses them with a smoky, charred flavor that can’t be beat. But shrimp cook quickly, so knowing exactly how long to grill them prevents overcooking. Undercooked shrimp are unsafe, but overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. Follow this guide for tips on achieving tender, juicy shrimp off the grill every time.

Average Grill Times Per Side

As a general rule, medium shrimp need about 2 minutes per side over direct high heat on a charcoal grill. Jumbo shrimp take about 3 minutes per side. Here are some more specific guidelines:

Small shrimp: 1-2 minutes per side
Medium shrimp: 2 minutes per side
Large/Jumbo shrimp: 2-3 minutes per side

Shrimp continue cooking even after you remove them from the grill, so account for carryover cooking in your total time It’s always better to slightly undercook shrimp rather than overcooking them

Signs of Perfectly Cooked Shrimp

Don’t rely solely on grill times The shrimp themselves will let you know when they’re done cooking Look for these visual cues

Opaque pearly flesh
Pink or orange color throughout
Tightly curled into a “C” shape

The flesh should feel firm yet slightly yielding. Shrimp that are too soft or mushy are undercooked. Tough, rubbery shrimp are overcooked.

An instant-read thermometer should register 145°F when inserted into the thickest part. Discard any shrimp that don’t reach this safe minimum temperature after cooking.

Tips For Grilling Shrimp to Perfection

Follow these tips and techniques for flawlessly grilled shrimp:

Use shells-on shrimp for the best flavor and texture. The shells protect the delicate flesh.
Clean and devein shrimp beforehand. Rinse well and remove the vein with a paring knife.
Skewer shrimp tightly so they don’t spin. Soak wooden skewers 30 minutes before using.
Oil the grill grates. Shrimp can stick if the grates aren’t properly oiled.
Grill shrimp over direct high heat. Place the skewers on the hot side of the grill.
Move shrimp as little as possible. Turn them only once during cooking.
Watch them closely. Shrimp overcook quickly and become rubbery.
Brush with oil or sauce during last minute only. Too early can cause sticking.
Don’t crowd the grill. Allow space between each skewer for even cooking.
Rest shrimp for 5 minutes before serving. Temperature will rise slightly.

How to Tell When Shrimp Are Overcooked

It’s easy to overcook shrimp on the grill since they have a short window between perfect and overdone. Signs of overcooked shrimp include:

Tough, rubbery texture
Lack of plumpness, appear shriveled
Dry, stringy flesh
Full curled into a complete circle shape
Dull, opaque color
Unpleasant chewy bite

Discard any shrimp exhibiting these characteristics and focus on taking the rest off the grill as soon as they are slightly underdone. They will continue to cook off direct heat.

Serving Grilled Shrimp

Grilled shrimp make fantastic appetizers or meals. Serve them while hot off the grill alongside:

Melted lemon garlic butter for dipping
Tangy cocktail sauce
Fresh chimichurri sauce
Grilled corn on the cob and new potatoes
Charred peppers and zucchini
Creamy coleslaw or potato salad
Rice pilaf or pasta salad

Or take your shrimp tacos, salads, pasta, or rice bowls to the next level by using smoky grilled shrimp. Refrigerate leftovers and reheat gently to prevent rubbery overcooked shrimp.

Grilling Shrimp to Perfection

It only takes a few minutes to grill shrimp to tender, juicy perfection. Keeping a close eye on grill times, checking for visual doneness cues, and avoiding overcrowding ensures you achieve flawlessly grilled shrimp every time you fire up the charcoal grill. Use this guide for simple, fool-proof techniques for your best shrimp yet.

how long do you grill shrimp on charcoal grill

For the Grilled Shrimp

Large Shrimp: To get rid of the shell, pull off the head and legs of each shrimp and then peel off the shell from the top down. You can leave the tail on for decoration if you want to. Next, take a knife and carefully peel off the shrimp’s back vein. To loosen it, use the tip of a knife. If you need to, use tweezers to hold it.
Olive Oil
Fresh-Minced Garlic: Don’t use garlic from a bottle; it won’t have the same strong flavor as garlic that has been freshly minced.
Red Pepper Flakes
Salt & Pepper
Zest a fresh lemon. Make sure you zest only the lemon’s yellow skin and not its white pith.

Ways to Season Your Shrimp

Looking for another way to flavor your shrimp? I’ve got you covered with some fail-proof options.

Classic Shrimp Seasoning
Old Bay Seasoning
Cajun Spice
Italian Seasoning
Southwest Seasoning
Blackened Seasoning

There are a lot of tasty ways to use grilled shrimp, especially when they are flavored with garlic and lemon.

Put Them in Tacos
Serve Them Over Pasta
Make Shrimp Salad
Use Them as a Bloody Mary Garnish
Pair Them With Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Serve Them Over Rice or Quinoa
Make Shrimp Ceviche

how long do you grill shrimp on charcoal grill

Don’t let your grilled shrimp sit at room temperature for longer than 2 hours. Once they’re cool, put them in a container that won’t let air in and put it in the fridge for 3–4 days. If you haven’t already, take the shrimp off the skewers before putting them away.

Warm them up over medium heat with a little extra butter to keep them nice and juicy. They should heat through in about 3 minutes.

Super Quick Video Tips: The Best Way to Grill Shrimp

FAQ

How to keep shrimp moist on the grill?

Treating the shrimp with salt and baking soda helps them stay plump and juicy and brown more efficiently as they grill. Drying the shrimp out in the refrigerator gives them a jump-start on browning. Squeezing the shrimp together on a skewer gives them less surface area, which helps them stay juicier as they cook.

Do you rinse shrimp before grilling?

Thaw frozen shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or under cool running water in a colander for about an hour. Rinse and drain the shrimp in the colander and dry thoroughly before prepping for cooking.

Should shrimp be room temp before grilling?

As mentioned above, shrimp needs to be fully thawed and at room temperature to be cooked correctly. However, you should never just let it sit out or place it in warm water.

How long do you cook shrimp on a grill?

STEP THREE: Grill on high to medium-high heat, turning once until charred and pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Cook time may vary based on the heat of your grill. You have two options when serving this grilled shrimp recipe. Either serve the shrimp straight from the grill with the shells left on or remove them before serving.

How do you cook frozen shrimp on a grill?

First things first—preheat your grill to medium-high and ensure your shrimp is defrosted if initially frozen. Mix the shrimp with olive oil and kosher salt in a bowl, then grill for 1–2 minutes per side. The shrimp should turn a bright pink and be cooked throughout. Remember, cleanliness is key.

How do you season grilled shrimp?

Seasoning shrimp can be as simple or complex as you like and there are many delicious grilled shrimp recipes to choose from. If you’re looking for something simple, coat them in olive oil, flavored butter, or barbecue sauce. These can be brushed on while the shrimp are on the grill, but you’ll have to work fast because they cook quickly.

Can You Grill cooked shrimp?

This guide will answer that question and more, providing detailed instructions and expert tips to help you master the art of grilling shrimp. Yes, you can indeed grill cooked shrimp. Besides being a rich source of protein and low in calories, shrimp’s versatility allows it to feature in a range of dishes—from salads and appetizers to main courses.