How Long to Grill Shrimp on a Barbecue For Perfectly Cooked Shrimp

As the weather warms up, we start looking forward to firing up the barbecue and grilling delicious foods One of my favorite things to throw on the grill is shrimp. Their sweet, succulent taste pairs perfectly with the smoky flavor imparted by the grill But grilling shrimp can seem intimidating to novice grillmasters. How long should you grill shrimp for ideal doneness without overcooking? In this article, I’ll provide a complete guide on how long to grill shrimp on a barbecue along with tips and tricks for grilling shrimp to juicy, flavorful perfection.

How Long Does it Take to Grill Shrimp?

The amount of time needed to grill shrimp depends on a few factors

• Size of the shrimp – Smaller shrimp cook faster than larger shrimp. Jumbo shrimp can take 4-5 minutes per side while medium or cocktail shrimp may only need 2-3 minutes per side.

• Direct vs indirect heat – Cooking shrimp directly over the heat source will be faster than indirect grilling off to the side. Direct grilling takes 2-4 minutes per side while indirect heat requires 3-6 minutes per side.

• Temperature of grill – A hot grill around 400-450°F will cook the shrimp faster than a lower temperature of 300°F.

• Whether shrimp is shelled – Grilling shrimp in their shells protects the delicate meat and slows cooking time slightly.

As a general guideline when grilling medium shrimp directly over medium-high heat, allow approximately 2-3 minutes per side. But the best way to test doneness is to use a meat thermometer or check for visual cues.

How to Tell When Shrimp is Done Grilling

Because shrimp cooks so quickly on the grill, it’s easy to go from perfectly cooked to overdone in a matter of minutes. Keep a close eye on the shrimp and use these methods to test for doneness:

• Use an instant read thermometer – shrimp is fully cooked at 145°F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the shrimp, being careful not to touch bone.

• Check the color and opacity – properly cooked shrimp will turn pink/orange and become opaque throughout. Translucent gray patches mean they need more time.

• Test the texture – fully cooked shrimp feel firm yet still juicy. They should have a slight resistance when pressed but not be rubbery.

• Watch the timing – for medium shrimp, approximately 2 minutes per side over direct medium-high heat is sufficient.

Once the shrimp reaches the desired doneness, immediately remove it from the grill to prevent overcooking. Shrimp go from perfectly cooked to rubbery quickly, so staying vigilant is key.

Marinating Shrimp for the Grill

While not strictly necessary, marinating shrimp before grilling can infuse them with tons of flavor. The marinade also helps keep the shrimp moist and tender on the grill.

Some simple, tasty marinades for shrimp include:

• Lemon garlic – olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper

• Greek – olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, parsley

• Teriyaki – soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger

• Jerk – jerk seasoning, olive oil, lime juice

I recommend marinating the shrimp for 30 minutes to 1 hour before grilling. Acidic ingredients like citrus juice can start to break down the shrimp if left to marinate too long. And never reuse marinade after it’s touched raw shrimp to avoid bacteria.

For extra flavor, try brushing shrimp with reserved marinade during the last 1-2 minutes of grilling. This adds a tasty glaze without risk of over-marinating.

Grilling Shrimp Successfully

Follow these tips for flawlessly grilled shrimp every time:

• Dry shrimp well and coat lightly with oil to prevent sticking

• Use metal or pre-soaked wooden skewers to make flipping easy

• Grill over direct medium-high heat, about 400-450°F

• Cook 2-4 minutes per side depending on size. Don’t overcrowd.

• Flip shrimp just once during cooking

• Brush with marinade at end to glaze (optional)

• Check frequently for doneness using thermometer and visual cues

• Allow to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving

With a little practice, you’ll be an expert at grilling tender, juicy, flavorful shrimp to perfection in no time. Happy grilling!

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Shrimp

Grilling up shrimp during the summer is one of life’s great pleasures. But there are some common questions that come up when cooking shrimp on the barbecue. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

Should I remove the shells before grilling shrimp?

This comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer to grill shrimp in the shell because it helps retain moisture and adds flavor as the shells char. But shell-on shrimp are harder to eat. For easier eating, I recommend removing the shell but leaving the tail on for presentation.

Do I need to skewer the shrimp or can I grill them loose?

Skewering makes shrimp easier to maneuver on the grill and prevents them falling through the grates. But it’s fine to grill them loose as long as you are careful in flipping. Make sure to oil the grates well so they don’t stick.

What temperature should I grill the shrimp at?

Aim for medium-high heat, around 400-450°F. This allows the shrimp to char and caramelize on the outside without overcooking. Shrimp cook extremely fast at high temperatures.

Can I use a barbecue grate basket for grilling shrimp?

Yes, a grate basket is a great way to grill delicate foods like shrimp. It prevents them from falling through the grates while still allowing smoke and char flavor. Just be sure to oil the basket well before adding the shrimp.

How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?

Proper preparation is key. Pat shrimp very dry before grilling. Then coat lightly with oil. Make sure grill grates are clean and well-oiled. Don’t overcrowd the grill. And don’t try to flip the shrimp until they naturally release from the grates.

What’s the best way to add more flavor to grilled shrimp?

Marinating shrimp for 30 mins to 1 hour before grilling is delicious. You can also brush shrimp with sauce/glaze during the last 1-2 minutes of grilling for a flavor boost. Spice rubs and seasoned salts work well too.

Can I grill frozen shrimp straight from the freezer?

It’s best not to grill frozen shrimp directly. Defrost them first by placing in the refrigerator overnight. Grilling frozen shrimp can lead to uneven cooking.