How Long Does It Take to BBQ Shrimp? A Detailed Guide

Barbecuing shrimp on the grill is a quick and easy way to prepare this succulent seafood. With just a few minutes on a hot grill, you can have tender and juicy shrimp ready in no time. But just how long does it actually take to grill shrimp to perfection?

The total time needed to grill shrimp depends on a few key factors

• Shrimp size – Smaller shrimp cook faster than jumbo shrimp.

• Whether the shell is on or off – Shell on shrimp takes slightly longer.

• Grill temperature – The hotter the grill the less time needed.

• Whether using a marinade – Marinated shrimp may cook slightly faster.

Taking these variables into account, here’s a detailed guide on just how long it takes to barbecue shrimp based on the most common scenarios:

Grilling Jumbo Shrimp

Jumbo shrimp are the largest size classification, with under 15 shrimp per pound. These plump shrimp shine when grilled.

Jumbo Shrimp with Shell On

• 4-5 minutes per side over direct high heat, around 400°F. The shell helps retain moisture.

Jumbo Shrimp, Peeled and Deveined

• 3-4 minutes per side over direct high heat, around 400°F.

Grilling Extra-Large Shrimp

Extra-large shrimp are the next size down, with 16-20 shrimp per pound. Here is how long they take:

Extra-Large Shrimp with Shell On

• 3-4 minutes per side over direct high heat, around 400°F.

Extra-Large Shrimp, Peeled and Deveined

• 2-3 minutes per side over direct high heat, around 400°F.

Grilling Large Shrimp

Large shrimp are smaller, with 21-25 shrimp per pound. They have a shorter grill time:

Large Shrimp with Shell On

• 2-3 minutes per side over direct high heat, around 400°F.

Large Shrimp, Peeled and Deveined

• 1-2 minutes per side over direct high heat, around 400°F.

Grilling Medium Shrimp

Medium shrimp are the next size down at 26-30 per pound. Here is how long they take:

Medium Shrimp with Shell On

• 1-2 minutes per side over direct high heat, around 400°F.

Medium Shrimp, Peeled and Deveined

• 1 minute per side over direct high heat, around 400°F.

Grilling Small Shrimp

Small shrimp are the smallest size, with over 30 shrimp per pound. They have the shortest cooking time:

Small Shrimp with Shell On

• 1 minute per side over direct high heat, around 400°F.

Small Shrimp, Peeled and Deveined

• 30-60 seconds per side over direct high heat, around 400°F.

Factors that Affect Grill Times

As you can see, grilling times can vary widely depending on the specifics of your shrimp. Here are some of the factors that play a role:

1. Size of Shrimp

The smaller the shrimp, the less time they need on the grill. This is because there’s less mass to cook through to reach the proper internal temperature.

Small shrimp can cook in just 1-2 minutes per side, while jumbo shrimp may need upwards of 4-5 minutes per side.

2. Shell On vs Peeled

Shrimp cooked in the shell generally takes about 1 minute longer per side.

The shell helps insulate the shrimp and prevents it from overcooking too quickly. Some also say shell on shrimp retains more moisture and flavor.

Peeled and deveined shrimp have slightly shorter grill times.

3. Grill Temperature

The hotter the grill temperature, the less time needed to cook shrimp.

Use high direct heat between 400-450°F. At lower grill temps, increase cook times by 1-2 minutes per side.

Preheating your grill thoroughly is key for achieving a quick cook time.

4. Marinated vs Non-Marinated

Marinating shrimp for 30 minutes to an hour before grilling can shave off up to 30 seconds to 1 minute per side of cook time.

Acidic marinades like lemon or lime juice start to denature the proteins on the exterior of the shrimp, allowing it to cook faster once it hits the grill.

5. Skewered vs Loose

Cooking shrimp on skewers adds a bit of extra insulation, increasing the cook time by 30 seconds to 1 minute per side. Skewering does make flipping easier.

The loose shrimp will have direct contact with the grill grates, causing it to cook just slightly faster.

How to Tell When Shrimp is Done

Shrimp cooks very quickly on the grill, so it’s important to watch carefully for doneness cues:

• The shrimp flesh will become opaque and turn pinkish-white or orange when fully cooked.

• Shrimp curls and shrinks slightly, forming a “C” shape when cooked through.

• Use an instant read thermometer to check for 145°F for 15 seconds.

• When pierced with a fork, it should feel firm with no translucence.

Overcooking leads to tough, rubbery shrimp, so err on the side of slightly undercooked when in doubt.

If shrimp finishes cooking before the rest of the meal is ready, remove it from the grill and set aside. It can rest for 5-10 minutes; the residual heat will finish the cooking.

Grilled Shrimp Recipes

Now that you know about how long it takes to grill shrimp, here are some delicious shrimp recipes perfect for your next backyard barbecue:

Simple Grilled Shrimp

Toss peeled shrimp in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Cajun seasoning then grill for 2-4 minutes per side based on size. Easy peasy.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Marinate shrimp briefly in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs. Thread onto skewers and grill, turning once, until opaque.

Grilled Shrimp Fajitas

Make fajitas with grilled shrimp, peppers and onions. Put shrimp and veggies in tortillas with avocado and salsa.

Lemony Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

Alternate shrimp and vegetables like zucchini and cherry tomatoes on skewers. Brush with lemony garlic butter while grilling.

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Up the indulgence by wrapping peeled shrimp in bacon before grilling until the bacon is crispy.

Coconut Curry Grilled Shrimp

Marinate shrimp in an Indian-inspired yogurt sauce with coconut milk and curry. Grill until charred and serve over rice.

Cajun Blackened Shrimp

Coat peeled shrimp in a spicy blackened seasoning mix then grill for big flavor.

The Takeaway on Grilling Shrimp

Grilling shrimp can be as simple as a quick toss in olive oil and seasoning before hitting the hot grill. Just watch carefully, as the cook time is only a few minutes. Adjust grill time up or down based on the size of your shrimp, whether shells are on or off, grill temperature, and use of marinade. In just 5-10 minutes, you can have juicy, char-grilled shrimp ready to enjoy!