How to Cook Shrimp Perfectly on a Charcoal Grill: A Step-by-Step Guide

As summer approaches, there’s nothing better than firing up the grill and enjoying some fresh shrimp cooked over an open flame. Grilling shrimp on a charcoal grill infuses them with a wonderful smoky flavor while keeping them tender and juicy on the inside. However, improperly cooked shrimp can end up rubbery and flavorless.

So how exactly do you cook shrimp to perfection on a charcoal grill? Here is a complete, step-by-step guide to help you grill shrimp like a pro this summer.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Shrimp

The first step to mouthwatering grilled shrimp is picking high-quality shrimp Here are some tips

• Opt for fresh or thawed, shell-on shrimp. Shells protect the delicate flesh during grilling.

• Choose larger shrimp sizes like jumbo, extra-large or large They hold up better on the grill.

• Ensure shrimp are deveined to remove the gritty vein along the back. Ask your fishmonger to devein them or do it yourself.

• Pat shrimp dry before grilling to prevent steaming.

• For convenience, buy shrimp pre-peeled but with tails on for easy handling.

With fresh properly prepped shrimp you’re primed for grilling success.

Step 2: Deciding Whether to Skewer

You can grill shrimp directly on the grates or thread them onto skewers first. Here’s how to choose:

• Skewering makes flipping and removing shrimp easier. Soak wooden skewers 30 minutes before using.

• Skewers are ideal for tail-on shrimp. The loose tails may fall between grates if grilling directly.

• Grilling directly requires grates be well-greased. It allows for a more even char.

• Don’t overload skewers. Leave a bit of space between shrimp so they cook evenly.

Either method works great, so choose what’s convenient for you!

Step 3: Creating a Flavorful Marinade

A quick marinade adds a flavor boost to grilled shrimp. Try these easy marinade ideas:

• Lemon Garlic: Olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper

• Chimichurri: Olive oil, lime juice, parsley, cilantro, garlic, red pepper flakes

• Cajun: Olive oil, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce

• Teriyaki: Soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, garlic, ginger

• Mediterranean: Olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, parsley

Whisk up your desired marinade, cover the shrimp, and let sit 10-15 minutes. Don’t over marinate or shrimp will be mushy.

Step 4: Setting Up the Grill

Proper grill setup ensures shrimp cooks perfectly:

• Use a charcoal grill for authentic smoky flavor. Light coals and let flames die down before grilling.

• Create direct and indirect heat zones by piling coals on one side of grill.

• Preheat grill to medium-high, about 450°F to 500°F.

• Clean grates and lightly oil to prevent sticking.

With the grill preheated and prepared, it’s go time!

Step 5: Grilling the Shrimp

Now for the fun part – tossing shrimp on the grill:

• Place shrimp over direct heat on hot side of grill. Grill approximately 2-3 minutes per side.

• Flip shrimp with tongs halfway through. Resist urge to move them around too much.

• If flare-ups occur, move shrimp to indirect side to finish cooking.

• Remove shrimp once opaque and lightly charred. Be careful not to overcook.

It’s hard to resist nibbling on shrimp right off the grill! Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Step 6: Knowing When Shrimp Are Done

Here are signs shrimp are perfectly cooked:

• Opaque, whitish color throughout

• Light charring on the outside

• Flesh is firm but still moist and juicy inside

• Shrimp have curled tightly into a “C” shape

Undercooked shrimp will be translucent inside while overcooked shrimp are tough and rubbery. Use a thermometer to check – correctly cooked shrimp reach 145°F.

Step 7: Serving up Your Grilled Shrimp

Smoky grilled shrimp need little adornment but try these serving ideas:

• Dress simply with lemon, herbs, olive oil and salt.

• Pile on kebabs over fresh greens for a shrimp salad.

• Stuff into tacos or sandwiches for a quick meal.

• Skewer alternating with veggies and pineapple.

• Toss with pasta and pesto or creamy salad dressing.

However you choose to serve them, grilled shrimp are sure to satisfy!

Helpful Tips and Tricks

Grilling shrimp may seem intimidating at first, but these tips will help you nail it every time:

• Choose shell-on shrimp for the best flavor and texture.

• Grill over direct high heat for 2-3 minutes per side only. Resist flipping frequently.

• Prep grill with direct and indirect heat zones to prevent burning.

• Use metal or pre-soaked wooden skewers to prevent charring.

• Lightly oil clean grates and shrimp to prevent sticking.

• Remove shrimp as soon as they turn opaque to avoid overcooking.

Simple advance prep and close monitoring while grilling are the secrets to incredible charcoal grilled shrimp.

Common Grilled Shrimp Recipe Ideas

Beyond basic grilled shrimp, there are tons of easy and creative recipes to try on the grill this summer:

Cajun Grilled Shrimp

• Marinate peeled, deveined shrimp in olive oil, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic.

• Skewer and grill 2-3 minutes per side over direct high heat.

BBQ Shrimp Skewers

• Thread shrimp and red onion onto skewers. Brush with BBQ sauce.

• Grill 2-3 minutes per side, basting with more BBQ sauce.

Grilled Shrimp Tacos

• Grill shrimp in a chili-lime marinade with peppers and onions.

• Warm tortillas, fill with grilled veggies and shrimp, then finish with avocado and cilantro.

Grilled Shrimp & Pineapple Skewers

• Alternate shrimp, pineapple chunks, and red peppers on skewers.

• Grill over direct heat until shrimp is opaque, about 4 minutes, turning halfway.

Final Thoughts on Grilled Shrimp

Cooking shrimp on a charcoal grill may seem difficult, but following these simple tips on choosing shrimp, prepping the grill, skewer vs. grates, and monitoring doneness will guarantee mouthwatering results every time. Grilled shrimp also opens the door to amazing recipes from tacos to shrimp skewers.

The next time you fire up the charcoal grill this summer, throw on a batch of fresh shrimp. In less than 10 minutes, you’ll have an impressive protein ready to be enjoyed on its own or creatively incorporated into entrees or appetizers. So grab those skewers or oil those grates because the possibilities for grilled shrimp are endless!