How Long to Cook Shrimp on a Blackstone Griddle for Perfectly Grilled Seafood

Cooking shrimp on a Blackstone griddle is a quick and easy way to add delicious grilled flavor to this tasty seafood But getting the cook time right is crucial to ensuring tender, juicy shrimp versus overcooked rubbery shrimp So how long should shrimp cook on a hot griddle surface?

Why Cooking Shrimp on a Blackstone Griddle Works So Well

Cooking shrimp on a Blackstone offers several benefits over other cooking methods:

• The wide, flat surface allows you to cook a large batch of shrimp quickly and evenly No need to crowd a saute pan or grill grates

• The direct contact with the hot griddle surface gives a nice sear and caramelization that enhances flavor

• Minimal seasoning and prep needed. A little oil or butter and spice is all it takes.

• Quick cooking time so the shrimp doesn’t dry out. Just a few minutes per side does the trick.

• Easy to flip and move the shrimp as needed for even cooking.

• Versatile for making various shrimp dishes like tacos, shrimp & grits, pasta, etc.

What Size Shrimp to Use

The size of the shrimp makes a difference in terms of cook time. Here are some guidelines:

• Small shrimp – 41-50 count per pound. Cook 1-2 minutes per side.

• Medium shrimp – 31-40 count per pound. Cook 2-3 minutes per side.

• Large shrimp – 21-30 count per pound. Cook 2-3 minutes per side.

• Jumbo shrimp – 16-20 count per pound. Cook 3-4 minutes per side.

Larger shrimp will need a little more time compared to smaller shrimp. Jumbo or colossal shrimp are ideal for the grill.

How to Tell When Shrimp is Cooked

It can be tricky to tell when shrimp is fully cooked to the proper doneness while on the grill. Here are some ways to test for doneness:

• Check the interior color. When shrimp is cooked through, it will turn opaque and be solid white or pink inside depending on the type of shrimp.

• The exterior should turn pink/orange if using raw shrimp. Pre-cooked shrimp will not change color as much.

• Poke the shrimp with tongs or a fork. It should feel firm throughout when fully cooked.

• Watch for physical changes like the tail curling up or the shrimp plumping from its original size.

• An instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read 145°F-150°F.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Shrimp on a Blackstone Griddle

Follow this simple process for grilling shrimp on the Blackstone:

1. Clean shrimp – Peel, devein, and remove shells if needed. Rinse. Pat dry.

2. Oil the griddle – Brush on a thin layer of oil or melt a pat of butter to grease the cooking surface.

3. Season the shrimp – Coat shrimp with olive oil/butter and seasoning of choice. Cajun spice, lemon pepper, chili powder, garlic, etc.

4. Preheat griddle – Heat griddle to 350°F-400°F. Use a laser thermometer to check griddle temp.

5. Add shrimp to hot griddle – Place shrimp directly onto the hot cooking surface in a single layer. Resist overcrowding.

6. Cook 2-4 minutes per side – Cook jumbo shrimp for 3-4 minutes per side. Smaller shrimp only need 1-2 minutes per side. Flip carefully with tongs or spatula.

7. Check doneness – Cut into a shrimp to inspect the interior or take a temp reading. Remove immediately at 145°F.

8. Serve and enjoy! – Move shrimp to a platter and squeeze fresh lemon over the top if desired. Eat plain, in tacos, over rice, etc.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to over or undercook shrimp on the grill if you aren’t careful. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Putting shrimp on a cold or unevenly heated griddle surface. Always preheat properly.

• Leaving shrimp unattended on the grill for too long. Stay nearby to monitor doneness.

• Cooking too many shrimp at once in a crowded single layer. Work in batches.

• Failing to baste or flip the shrimp for even exposure to the heat.

• Forgetting to track cook times and internal temperatures. Use a timer and meat thermometer.

• Adding pre-cooked shrimp to the grill instead of raw. This causes rubbery overcooked texture.

• Continuing to cook shrimp after removing from heat on the hot griddle. It will keep cooking off the grill.

Helpful Tips and Tricks

Keep these tips in mind for grilling shrimp like a pro:

• Pat shrimp very dry before grilling for better browning.

• Use a blend of butter and oil to coat the griddle surface and shrimp.

• Brush shrimp with glazes or melted butter the last 1-2 minutes only.

• Grill lemon, orange, or lime slices along with the shrimp to top the finished dish.

• Soak wooden skewers before threading on shrimp to prevent burning.

• Use a grill basket, perforated pan, or foil sheets for easier flipping.

• Combine shrimp with sliced vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for easy veggie grilling.

• Let the griddle reheat thoroughly between batches to maintain a consistent cooking temp.

Delicious Blackstone Griddle Shrimp Recipes

The possibilities are endless when cooking shrimp on the flat top grill. Try these tasty shrimp recipes:

• Spicy Cajun shrimp – Coat peeled shrimp in Cajun seasoning, olive oil, garlic, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Grill 2-4 minutes per side.

• Jerk shrimp – Marinate shrimp in Jamaican jerk seasoning, olive oil, garlic, thyme, brown sugar, and scotch bonnet peppers.

• Garlic butter shrimp – Melt butter and garlic. Brush it on shrimp the last 1-2 minutes of grilling.

• Lemon pepper shrimp – Season shrimp with lemon pepper seasoning, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, and parsley.

• Shrimp fajitas – Make quick fajitas with grilled shrimp, onions, and bell peppers. Warm tortillas and serve.

• Shrimp tacos – Grill shrimp with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and top with mango salsa in tortillas.

So now you know exactly how long to cook delicious shrimp on the Blackstone griddle! Just 2-4 minutes per side is all you need for perfectly seared seafood.