Can You Grill Cocktail Shrimp? Everything You Need To Know

Cocktail shrimp are a classic party appetizer. The chilled shrimp paired with a zesty cocktail sauce make for a crowd-pleasing combo. But have you considered grilling your cocktail shrimp instead of serving them cold? Grilling adds wonderful smoky flavor that takes this appetizer to the next level.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about grilling shrimp for cocktail shrimp, from how to buy and prep the shrimp to tips for cooking it perfectly on the grill. Read on to learn how you can make this fun twist on a classic!

What Are Cocktail Shrimp?

Cocktail shrimp are typically medium-sized shrimp that are served chilled with the tail still on. They are meant to be eaten in just a couple bites. The shrimp meat absorbs the bold, tangy flavors of the accompanying cocktail sauce.

Cocktail shrimp are a favorite party food because they are easy to eat with your fingers and full of flavor. The chilled shrimp and zesty sauce make for a refreshing appetizer.

Traditionally, cocktail shrimp are boiled or steamed until just cooked through. This leaves them plump and tender within their shells. The shrimp are then chilled thoroughly before serving.

Why Grill Cocktail Shrimp?

While boiled shrimp are delicious, grilling shrimp takes the flavors to a whole new level. Grilling imparts a wonderful smoky flavor as the shrimp cooks over the hot grates. This adds deeper dimension to the sweet shrimp.

The high heat of the grill also allows you to char the shrimp ever so slightly. This intensifies the flavors and gives that iconic grilled taste.

So while grilled shrimp cocktail strays a bit from tradition, your guests will love the amplified flavors. The smokiness pairs perfectly with the traditional zing of cocktail sauce too.

Grilling shrimp is also faster and easier than boiling. You can grill a batch from raw to perfectly done in just minutes.

Tips for Grilling Shrimp Cocktail

Grilling shrimp may seem intimidating if you haven’t done it before. But follow these tips and you’ll have tender, juicy grilled shrimp cocktail in no time:

Buy Raw Shrimp – You want to start with raw, shell on shrimp. This allows you to control the cooking so they turn out perfect.

Use Wood Skewers – Thread the shrimp onto soaked wood skewers before grilling This prevents them from falling through the grates,

Brush with Oil – Lightly coat the shrimp with oil before grilling. This helps prevent sticking and aids browning.

Grill On High Heat – Use a hot grill, around 400°F to 500°F. The high heat sears the outside while leaving the interior moist.

Grill For 2-4 Minutes Per Side – Exact time depends on size. Grill just until opaque on both sides, removing right at done to prevent overcooking.

Chill Thoroughly Before Serving – Allow the grilled shrimp to cool completely before serving with cocktail sauce.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for perfect grilled cocktail shrimp every time:

1. Prep the Shrimp

For shrimp cocktail, you want medium to jumbo shrimp that still have their shell on. Peel off the legs and devein the shrimp, leaving the tail intact. Rinse well and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling. Drain before using.

2. Thread Onto Skewers

Thread the shrimp onto skewers, pushing the skewer through the center of each one. Place them an inch apart. Use two skewers per serving if needed to keep shrimp upright.

3. Coat with Oil

In a small bowl, stir together olive oil, salt, and any other seasonings you want. Brush the oil mixture over both sides of the skewered shrimp.

4. Grill the Shrimp

Heat a grill to high heat, around 400°F to 500°F. Lightly oil the grates. Place the shrimp skewers onto the hot grill at a 45 degree angle to get grill marks.

Grill the shrimp 2-4 minutes per side, depending on size. Flip carefully with tongs halfway through. Shrimp are done when opaque throughout.

5. Chill and Serve

Immediately remove shrimp from the skewers and arrange on a serving platter. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill thoroughly.

Serve the chilled grilled shrimp with lemon wedges and zesty cocktail sauce for dipping!

Grilled Shrimp Cocktail Marinade Ideas

While grilled shrimp are delicious with just a simple brush of oil, you can also marinate them for extra flavor. Try one of these easy marinades:

• Lemon Garlic – Whisk olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

• Chili Lime – Mix lime zest and juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne.

• Cajun Spice – Stir together olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and cayenne.

• Coconut Curry – Whisk coconut milk, red curry paste, lime zest and juice, chopped cilantro, and salt.

Let the shrimp marinate 15-30 minutes for flavors to permeate before grilling.

How to Make Cocktail Sauce

An easy homemade cocktail sauce takes your grilled shrimp to a whole new level. Simply stir together:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 Tbsp horseradish
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp hot sauce
• 1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Adjust ingredients to taste to make it as tangy, spicy, or zesty as you want! The sauce can be made 1-2 days in advance and chilled until ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled shrimp cocktail makes a stellar appetizer or party food. Here are some serving ideas:

• Pair with crackers, breads, or chips for dipping in the sauce
• Serve in shot glasses for individual appetizer portions
• Skewer with fruit and veggies for a shrimp cocktail kabob
• Top a leafy salad with grilled shrimp and cocktail sauce dressing
• Stuff into a tomato or avocado half
• Pile into slider buns for mini shrimp burgers

However you serve them, grilled cocktail shrimp are sure to be a big hit! The smoky shrimp and tangy sauce make for an irresistible combo.

Common Grilled Shrimp Cocktail Questions

If you’re new to cooking shrimp on the grill, here are answers to some common questions:

How long does it take to grill shrimp?

2-4 minutes per side, depending on size. Grill just until opaque throughout.

What’s the best way to grill shrimp?

Thread onto skewers and grill over direct high heat for best results.

Can you grill already cooked shrimp?

Yes, but only grill pre-cooked shrimp briefly just to add flavor.

Should you peel shrimp before grilling?

For cocktails, peel the legs/body but leave the tails on. Devein before grilling.

How do you prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?

Oil the grates well before grilling. Also coat shrimp in oil to help prevent sticking.

How do you know when shrimp is done on the grill?

Shrimp will turn opaque and become firm when fully cooked. Use tongs to test doneness.

How long can grilled shrimp sit out?

Grilled shrimp should not sit out for more than 2 hours. Refrigerate leftovers.

Can you refreeze grilled shrimp?

It’s best not to refreeze previously frozen shrimp once it’s been thawed and grilled.

Get Grilling Shrimp Cocktail This Summer

Grilled shrimp cocktail is a fun, fresh take on a party classic. The smoky shrimp pairs perfectly with the traditional zesty cocktail sauce.

Follow the tips above for foolproof grilled shrimp every time. Set up a grill station and let guests spear their own shrimp off the grill for interactive entertaining.

Finally, get creative with delicious marinades and serving suggestions to make this summery appetizer your own. Grilled shrimp cocktail is sure to be a new favorite!