Grilling shrimp is a quick and delicious way to enjoy this succulent seafood. But when using pre-cooked shrimp, how long should you grill them for? Getting the timing right is crucial to prevent over or undercooking In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide tips on how long to grill cooked shrimp based on size, methods, and desired doneness. Plus, learn how marinades and skewers can take your grilled shrimp to the next level!
A Quick Overview on Grilling Pre-Cooked Shrimp
Pre-cooked shrimp offers convenience, letting you skip the initial stovetop or boiling step. It’s easy to find peeled, deveined options ready for seasoning and tossing on the grill. When grilling pre-cooked shrimp, the goal is to enhance flavor and texture, not fully cook raw shrimp. With a shorter cook time, it’s important to closely monitor doneness.
The recommended grilling time for cooked shrimp is 1-2 minutes per side depending on size Go for just 1 minute per side for small or medium shrimp. Large shrimp may need up to 2 minutes per side to heat through and develop char marks Always rely on visual cues like opaque, pink flesh and a lightly charred exterior to determine doneness instead of just time.
How Shrimp Size Affects Grilling Time
The size of shrimp is the biggest factor determining grill time. Here’s a breakdown of common shrimp sizes and approximate grill times:
- Small (36-45 per pound): 1 minute per side
- Medium (26-35 per pound): 1-2 minutes per side
- Large (16-20 per pound): 2 minutes per side
- Jumbo (10-15 per pound): 2-3 minutes per side
Jumbo shrimp have the most meat, so they take longest to just heat through. Petite shrimp cook fastest since there’s less meat inside the thin shells.
No matter the size, resist the urge to overload the grill. Crowding shrimp leads to uneven cooking. Maintain a single layer with space between each piece Use skewers or a grill basket for easy flipping if needed.
Direct vs. Indirect Grilling Methods
You have two main options when grilling pre-cooked shrimp:
- Direct grilling: Cooking shrimp directly over the heat source
- Indirect grilling: Cooking off to the side or using a cooler grill zone
The direct method provides more charring and caramelization as shrimp cook directly on the hot grates. It yields bolder grill flavor in a shorter time.
Indirect grilling gently warms the shrimp using convection heat. It takes slightly longer but can prevent overcooking. Use the indirect method if shrimp are large or you’re concerned about drying them out.
Whichever method you use, make sure the grill is hot. Preheat gas grills to medium-high heat, around 400°F. Let charcoal grills reach an even white ash coating before grilling. The high heat ensures shrimp warm through in a matter of minutes without becoming rubbery.
How to Tell When Cooked Shrimp is Done Grilling
With pre-cooked shrimp, it can be tricky knowing when they’re ready to come off the grill. Here are visual signs shrimp are properly reheated:
- Pink/white opaque color throughout
- Light char marks on the surface
- Firm, plump texture
- 145°F internal temperature
The flesh should be hot and juicy, not mushy or dry. Discard any shrimp with blackened, unappetizing spots indicating they overcooked.
For added insurance, use a quick-read thermometer. Shrimp are safe to eat once reaching 145°F. Take their temperature towards the end of grilling to avoid overcooking.
Marinating Shrimp Before Grilling
Marinating shrimp infuses them with lots of flavor. Acidic marinades also gently “cook” the shrimp, resulting in a tender texture. Try marinades like:
- Lemon, garlic, olive oil, parsley
- Soy sauce, sesame oil, chili flakes
- Tandoori spices, yogurt, lime juice
Marinate 15-30 minutes for best flavor impact. Much longer can make shrimp mushy. For food safety, marinate in the refrigerator.
When ready to grill, drain excess marinade and pat shrimp dry. Discard used marinade to avoid bacteria spreading. Any sugars in the marinade can cause flare-ups over direct heat.
Should You Skewer Shrimp Before Grilling?
Skewering shrimp makes them easier to maneuver on the grill. It prevents delicate shrimp from breaking apart or slipping through the grates. Wood and metal skewers both work well.
If using wood, soak skewers in water 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents burning over direct heat. Metal skewers can go straight onto the hot grill.
Leave a bit of space between shrimp when skewering to promote even cooking. Brush skewers with oil to prevent sticking. Turn the shrimp halfway through for char marks on both sides.
Once cooked, slide shrimp off the skewers and serve in a bowl or on a platter. The skewers make for a pretty presentation.
Grilled Shrimp Recipes & Serving Suggestions
Grilled shrimp shine in a variety of dishes like:
- Tacos – Top with salsa, avocado, lime
- Buddha bowls – Mix with veggies, grains, and dressing
- Salads – Toss with greens, tomatoes, olives
- Kebabs – Alternate with bell peppers, pineapple
- Pasta – Scatter over angel hair or linguine
- Pizza – Add to prosciutto, arugula white pizza
For easy appetizers, supply a range of dipping sauces like cocktail, siracha mayo, or lemon aioli. Grilled shrimp also lends well to summery seafood platters alongside fish, scallops, and lobster.
Simply seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil, grilled shrimp needs little embellishment to let its natural sweetness shine. Avoid oversaucing or the nuanced grilled flavor will get lost.
Grilling Shrimp to Perfection
Grilling pre-cooked shrimp is a fast, flavorful cooking method perfect for easy summertime meals. Keep shrimp size, grill setup, and desired doneness in mind to avoid over or undercooking. Just 1-3 minutes per side is all it takes to give shrimp a perfect char while keeping the inside moist and tender.
Use visual cues like opaque flesh and a lightly charred exterior to judge doneness precisely. Marinating and skewering add extra dimensions of flavor and ease. Incorporate grilled shrimp into tacos, salads, pasta, and more for effortless meals with a smoky twist. Follow these tips for reheating pre-cooked shrimp on the grill and enjoy their sweet, succulent taste all season long.
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Choosing the Right Shrimp
When it comes to grilling already cooked shrimp, it’s important to start with high-quality ingredients. Look for large, firm shrimp that have been cooked and peeled. You can often find these in the frozen section of your local grocery store. Thaw them in the refrigerator before grilling, if they are frozen.
Before you start grilling, it’s essential to prepare the shrimp. Here’s a simple and delicious marinade that you can use:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Simply mix the ingredients together in a bowl, then add the already cooked shrimp. Allow the shrimp to marinate for 15-20 minutes to soak up the flavors.
It’s time to fire up the grill! Set it to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to keep food from sticking. Place the already cooked shrimp on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when they develop a light char and are heated through.
Grilled already cooked shrimp are incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways. Here are a few serving suggestions to inspire your next meal:
- For a cool salad, put the grilled shrimp on top of a bed of mixed greens.
- For a colorful and tasty kabob, put your favorite vegetables on skewers with the grilled shrimp.
- For a rich pasta dish, mix grilled shrimp with cooked pasta and a creamy sauce.
- For a full and satisfying meal, eat the grilled shrimp with a variety of grilled vegetables.
Grilling already cooked shrimp is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of summer. With a few easy steps, you can turn shrimp that has already been cooked into a dish that will make your family and friends drool. So, fire up the grill and give this quick and easy method a try. You’ll be delighted with the delicious results!.
Grilling Already Cooked Shrimp: A Quick and Easy Guide
Shrimp is a favorite seafood that tastes great grilled, and the good news is that it’s easy to grill shrimp that is already cooked to perfection. If you want to make a tasty meal or are having a barbecue, grilling shrimp can be a quick and easy way to do it. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to grill already cooked shrimp like a pro.
Super Quick Video Tips: The Best Way to Grill Shrimp
How long do you cook shrimp on a grill?
STEP THREE: Grill on high to medium-high heat, turning once until charred and pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Cook time may vary based on the heat of your grill. You have two options when serving this grilled shrimp recipe. Either serve the shrimp straight from the grill with the shells left on or remove them before serving.
How long do you marinate shrimp before grilling?
Marinade or Season the Shrimp. For marinade, let sit at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. If seasoning, you can cook the shrimp right away. Grill. Brush the grill or pan with oil, then grill the shrimp on both sides until they’re pink and opaque. Serve immediately and ENJOY!
How to cook grilled shrimp without overcooking?
Utilizing skewers or a grill basket, marinating the shrimp, and choosing the right size shrimp are all additional steps you can take to ensure perfectly grilled shrimp every time. So fire up the grill and enjoy some delectable grilled shrimp without the fear of overcooking.
How do you cook frozen shrimp on a grill?
First things first—preheat your grill to medium-high and ensure your shrimp is defrosted if initially frozen. Mix the shrimp with olive oil and kosher salt in a bowl, then grill for 1–2 minutes per side. The shrimp should turn a bright pink and be cooked throughout. Remember, cleanliness is key.