can you grill shrimp from frozen

Grilling Shrimp Straight from Frozen The Secret to Juicy, Flavorful Shrimp Off the Grill

As a busy home cook, I’m always looking for ways to save time while still serving up delicious, crowd-pleasing meals. There’s nothing better than firing up the grill on a warm evening, but thawing a bag of frozen shrimp can take hours and require planning ahead. So I was thrilled when I discovered you can toss frozen shrimp straight onto a hot grill – no thawing required!

Grilling shrimp directly from frozen may sound risky, but following a few simple tips will reward you with tender, juicy shrimp bursting with sweet, smoky flavor. In this article, I’ll walk through the easy process of grilling frozen shrimp, from start to finish. You’ll learn how to buy quality frozen shrimp, prep and season them, grill to perfection, and even discover some amazingly simple and tasty recipes along the way. Let’s get grilling!

Buying and Prepping Frozen Shrimp for the Grill

Not all frozen shrimp are created equal when it comes to grilling. Here are some tips for choosing frozen shrimp that will shine on the grill:

• Opt for raw shell on shrimp rather than pre-cooked. Raw shrimp will cook more evenly.

• Choose a larger size like jumbo or colossal for the best texture. Smaller shrimp can dry out.

• Buy individually frozen shrimp to prevent clumping. Frozen shrimp stuck together won’t cook properly.

• Look for sustainably caught wild shrimp for optimal flavor. Farm raised can taste bland.

Once you’ve chosen great shrimp, the prep is simple. Rinse the frozen shrimp under cool water to remove any ice crystals. Then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. This helps the shrimp cook up crispy rather than soggy.

Next, drizzle your shrimp with oil – I love the flavor of avocado oil. Then sprinkle liberally with your favorite dry rub or cajun seasoning. I like to add extra lemon pepper and paprika for an incredible crust.

Grilling Frozen Shrimp to Perfection

Cooking frozen shrimp on a hot grill may seem difficult, but follow these tips and you’ll have delicious results in minutes:

• Heat your grill to high, Frozen shrimp need intense direct heat Get the grates screaming hot

• Use a grill basket. The holes keep the small shrimp from falling between grates while allowing smoke to circulate.

• Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the basket so they cook evenly. No overlapping!

• Grill frozen shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side. Listen for that satisfying sizzle!

• Shrimp are done when opaque and flesh is no longer translucent. Avoid overcooking.

• Baste with a sauce glaze in the final minutes to boost flavor. Try teriyaki or bbq sauce.

The beauty of grilling frozen shrimp is how fast it cooks while still locking in moisture and flavor. The key is keeping the shrimp moving and not leaving it in one spot too long. I like to give the basket a quick shake every 30 seconds so the shrimp rotates and cooks evenly.

Next let’s talk about some tasty and creative ways you can enjoy your grilled frozen shrimp masterpiece. Get ready to impress!

Flavorful Recipes Using Grilled Frozen Shrimp

A pile of perfectly charred shrimp hot off the barbecue is delicious on its own, but taking your grilled frozen shrimp up a notch is easy with these recipes:

• Shrimp Tacos – Top warm tortillas with crunchy grilled shrimp, pico de gallo, avocado, lime crema.

• Shrimp Kebabs – Alternate shrimp and colorful veggies like bell pepper and onion on skewers.

• Shrimp Salad – Toss grilled shrimp with mixed greens, tomatoes, bacon, avocado, and ranch dressing.

• Shrimp Cocktail – Serve grilled shrimp chilled with a spicy cocktail sauce for an easy appetizer.

• Shrimp Pizza – Top prepared pizza crust with grilled shrimp, pineapple, red onion, and mozzarella.

• Shrimp Pasta – Bring shrimp, linguine, olive oil, lemon juice, parmesan, and basil together for a fast dinner.

The flavor possibilities are endless! Browse forums and groups to discover even more winning ways to use grilled frozen shrimp as the star ingredient in crowd-pleasing meals.

Grilling Frozen Shrimp: Tips for Success

Now that you’re ready to impress everyone with your juicy grilled shrimp straight from the freezer, keep these final tips in mind:

• Defrosting beforehand is unnecessary if shrimp will go straight on hot grill.

• Resist the urge to squeeze shrimp together on grates. Give them breathing room.

• Brush oil and seasonings directly on shrimp instead of in marinade to maximize flavor.

• Turn shrimp frequently while grilling to prevent cold spots and uneven cooking.

• Remove shrimp as soon as opaque to avoid overcooking and rubbery texture.

FAQ: Grilling Frozen Shrimp

Grilling straight from the freezer may seem unorthodox, but this cooking technique is safe and effective when done properly. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Is it safe to eat frozen shrimp grilled without thawing?

Yes, grilling shrimp directly from frozen is completely safe. The high heat of the grill will cook the frozen shrimp thoroughly to safe internal temperatures. As long as the shrimp reach an internal temp of 145°F they are safe to consume.

Will frozen shrimp stick to the grill grates?

As long as the grill is properly preheated and oiled, the shrimp are unlikely to stick. Choose a high-heat cooking oil like avocado oil and coat grates and shrimp well to prevent sticking. You can also use a grilling basket to contain the shrimp.

How do you know when frozen shrimp is cooked on the grill?

Check that the shrimp have turned completely opaque and the flesh is no longer translucent looking. This indicates they have reached the proper internal temperature for safe consumption. Grill 2-3 minutes per side.

Can I put frozen shrimp directly on kabobs or skewers?

Wooden or bamboo skewers may burn or ignite when loaded with frozen shrimp before grilling. For kabobs, it’s best to partially thaw the shrimp first or use metal skewers.

What are the best seasonings for grilled frozen shrimp?

Dry rubs work great directly on frozen shrimp. Cajun, lemon pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin and brown sugar make a fantastic blend. Brush with oil or sauce during final minutes to add more flavor.

Should I peel the shrimp before grilling frozen?

Peeling is not necessary. Leaving the shells on helps shrimp retain moisture during the short grill time. Just be sure to rinse away any ice crystals before grilling.

Can I grill frozen shrimp tails or just the whole shrimp?

You can absolutely grill frozen shrimp tails! Follow the same methods of high heat, oiling, seasoning, and frequent turning. Shrimp tails will cook even faster than whole due to their smaller size so watch them closely.

What are your go-to sides for grilled frozen shrimp?

Some of my favorites are grilled corn on the cob, pineapple salsa, coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, rice pilaf, or a loaded baked potato. Get creative with your sides! The charred, juicy shrimp will be the star.

What drinks pair best with grilled frozen shrimp?

Iced tea, lemonade, fruity cocktails, cerveza, and savory white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are all excellent pairings with simply grilled shrimp. The citrus notes and acidity cut the richness perfectly.