Learn how to grill shrimp perfectly so you can have juicy skewers whenever you’re cooking outdoors. It’s really fast and easy.
Shrimp are one of my favorite things to eat, especially in the warm months. They’re light and juicy, but are also an awesome source of protein. The high heat cooks the shrimp quickly but keeps the inside soft. Grilling shrimp is one of the best ways to cook them. The smoky flavor the char marks leave is really tasty too.
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As a seafood lover, one of my favorite quick and easy meals is throwing some shrimp on the grill. The smoky, charred flavors you get from the grill take shrimp to the next level. While most recipes call for thawed, fresh shrimp, I occasionally get caught without a backup stash when the grilling urge strikes. In those cases, I’ve successfully turned to grilling frozen shrimp right from the freezer.
While grilling frozen shrimp is definitely possible, there are some special considerations to ensure the shrimp cook properly and taste their best. In this article, I’ll share my tips and techniques for successfully grilling frozen shrimp.
Can You Grill Frozen Shrimp?
The short answer – yes, you absolutely can grill frozen shrimp! Grilling frozen shrimp can be a convenient shortcut for quick weeknight meals or impromptu outdoor cooking. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
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Only grill shrimp that has been frozen RAW – precooked frozen shrimp will turn rubbery on the grill
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The shrimp must be thawed before hitting the grill for even cooking.
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Take care not to overcook the delicate shrimp during grilling.
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Brush with oil and season as desired for maximum flavor.
With the proper thawing and cooking method, frozen shrimp can taste just as delicious as fresh off the grill. Let’s look at the ideal process step-by-step.
Thawing Frozen Shrimp for Grilling
While you can technically put frozen shrimp directly on the grill, I don’t recommend it. Thawing ensures the shrimp cooks evenly all the way through. No one wants a blackened outside with a cold, gummy center!
You have two options for thawing:
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Refrigerator Thaw – Place frozen shrimp in a single layer on a plate or tray and thaw overnight in the fridge. This is the safest method and reduces risk of bacterial growth.
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Cold Water Thaw – Place the frozen shrimp in a colander or bowl and run cold tap water over them for 15-20 minutes until pliable. Change the water every 5 minutes so it stays cold.
Once thawed, pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels. This helps them caramelize properly when grilled.
How to Grill Previously Frozen Shrimp
Grilling thawed frozen shrimp is similar to fresh, with a few tweaks:
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Use a higher heat – Cranking up the heat helps add nice char while cooking the shrimp quickly before they dry out. For gas grills, use the highest heat setting. For charcoal, spread a single layer of hot coals.
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Brush with oil – Coat shrimp with a thin layer of oil like avocado, olive or vegetable oil. This aids browning and prevents sticking to the grates.
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** Grill in a single layer** – Avoid overcrowding so shrimp cook evenly. Use a grilling basket if needed.
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** Grill just 2-3 minutes per side** – Frozen shrimp cooks faster than fresh since it was previously frozen. Check frequently and remove immediately when opaque.
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Allow extra marinating time – For more flavorful shrimp, marinate for 30 mins up to 2 hours before grilling.
Follow these guidelines, and your frozen shrimp will taste grilled-to-order! Let’s look at some frequently asked questions.
FAQs About Grilling Previously Frozen Shrimp
How can I tell when frozen shrimp is fully thawed?
Shrimp is ready for grilling when there are no more ice crystals present. The flesh should be supple and flexible throughout, not stiff.
Can I grill frozen shrimp with the shells on?
Yes, grilling shrimp in their shells adds lots of flavor. Just be sure to peel and devein prior to eating.
Is it safe to eat undercooked grilled shrimp?
For food safety, shrimp should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. Eating undercooked shrimp raises risks of food poisoning.
What are the best woods to use for grilling shrimp?
Fruit woods like apple, cherry, pecan and alder add nice mild flavor. Avoid very strong mesquite smoke.
Can I grill frozen shrimp on skewers?
Absolutely! Metal or wooden skewers make grilling shrimp easy. Just be sure to soak wooden skewers before using to prevent burning.
How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?
Brushing oil on the shrimp and grill grates helps prevent sticking. You can also use a grilling basket or perforated grill pan.
Top Tips for Grilled Shrimp Perfection
To take your grilled frozen shrimp to the next level, keep these pro tips in mind:
- Allow extra marinating time for more flavor penetration.
- Mix up a compound butter with herbs, citrus and garlic and slather on shrimp when they come off the grill.
- Try different rubs and spice blends – jerk seasoning, lemon pepper, Cajun spices all taste amazing.
- Serve grilled shrimp over fresh greens, rice, pasta or with grilled veggies for a complete meal.
- Time shrimp perfectly by starting thicker pieces first, then adding more delicate items like veggies.
- Brush grilled shrimp with a tangy sauce like chimichurri, teriyaki or peach barbecue in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
So don’t be afraid to take frozen shrimp from freezer to grill. With a few simple precautions, you can enjoy juicy, char-kissed shrimp any night of the week. Just be careful not to overcook these quick-cooking crustaceans. For more grilling inspiration, check out my top 10 ways to use up grilled shrimp for amazing appetizers, tacos, salads, pasta and more. Grill on!
How To Grill Shrimp
As much as I love grilled chicken, grilling shrimp is much faster. Being small makes it hard to grill shrimp because they tend to fall through the grates if you don’t put them on a skewer. Just make sure to soak the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling them so they don’t burn.
You also want to make sure you pat your shrimp completely dry before you grill them. This prevents them from sticking to the grill. Spread some olive oil on them and season with salt and pepper or your favorite spices after you pat them dry.
What Kind Of Shrimp Should I Use?
I try to always have frozen shrimp on hand in case I need a quick dinner. Here’s how I thaw my shrimp when I need them. I like frozen shrimp because they are frozen right after being caught, so when they thaw, they taste really fresh.
Whether fresh or frozen, you’ll want your shrimp to be peeled and deveined.