Grilling food imparts it with a flavor thats hard to mimic with other cooking methods. Since grilled food already has a strong flavor, you don’t need to add much butter or oil to make it taste better. This means that grilling cooked shrimp and vegetables can also be a healthy way to prepare them.
Shrimp are a good source of lean protein. According to the USDA, 3 ounces of cooked shrimp provide 19 grams of protein for only 100 calories. You can make a quick and healthy meal in no time if you use shrimp that has already been cooked.
As a seafood lover, grilled shrimp is one of my absolute favorite meals. The smoky, charred flavor pairs so well with the sweet succulence of fresh shrimp However, grilling shrimp from a raw state can be tricky. It’s easy to over or undercook them, leading to rubbery, flavorless results
The solution? Take advantage of pre-cooked shrimp. Using shrimp that is already cooked helps guarantee tender juicy results every time. All you need to do is quickly sear the exterior to get that perfect char.
In this guide, I’ll share my tips for grilling pre-cooked shrimp so you can enjoy flawless shrimp off the grill anytime No fuss, no muss – just juicy, smoky shrimp in minutes!
Benefits of Grilling Pre-Cooked Shrimp
Grilling pre-cooked shrimp has several advantages over grilling raw shrimp:
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Consistency – Pre-cooked shrimp have a uniform size and doneness. No worrying about uneven cooking.
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Speed – Takes just 2-3 minutes per side to heat through and char vs. 8-12 minutes for raw.
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Convenience – No need to prep and peel raw shrimp. Just thaw and grill!
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Flavor – You get delicious smoky notes without overcooking the shrimp.
While grilling raw shrimp can certainly give you good results, pre-cooked is practically foolproof. You’ll get tender shrimp hot off the grill in half the time!
Choosing Pre-Cooked Shrimp
When shopping for pre-cooked shrimp, you’ll want to look for:
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Peeled & deveined – Saves time on prep work
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Tail-off – Gives the shrimp a uniform shape for grilling
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Fresh – Not frozen and previously frozen. Check the sell-by date.
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No additives – Look for plain pre-cooked shrimp without sauces or flavorings. The exception is if the marinade complements what you’re making.
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Size – Medium and jumbo shrimp hold up better for grilling vs small shrimp.
Ask the fresh seafood counter if they have pre-cooked shrimp. You can also find it in the frozen section. Check the label to ensure it meets the above criteria.
Tips for Grilling Pre-Cooked Shrimp
Now that you’ve got your pre-cooked shrimp, it’s time to hit the grill! Here are my top tips:
1. Thaw the Shrimp
If using frozen pre-cooked shrimp, thaw first by placing in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thaw helps maintain texture.
You can also do a quick thaw under cool running water for about 10 minutes. Don’t let the shrimp sit out at room temp too long or the exterior will get mushy.
2. Pat Shrimp Dry
Whether using thawed frozen or fresh pre-cooked shrimp, pat dry thoroughly with paper towels before grilling. Any excess moisture will cause steaming instead of searing.
3. Brush with Oil
For maximum browning and char, lightly brush or toss the shrimp with olive oil before grilling. This helps conductivity. Feel free to use melted butter for even more richness.
4. Season Shrimp
Pre-cooked shrimp absorb seasoning beautifully. I like to sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Get creative with your favorite spice rubs too.
5. Preheat the Grill Properly
Use medium-high heat, around 400°F. If grilling on gas or charcoal, preheat for 10-15 minutes first. The grates need to be hot enough to sear and char the shrimp quickly.
6. Grill Shrimp For 2-3 Minutes Per Side
Resist the urge to move the shrimp too soon. Let them sear for grill marks. Turn after 2-3 minutes, and repeat on the other side. This brief cooking gives you tasty char without overcooking the shrimp.
7. Don’t Overcrowd
Cook shrimp in a single layer, without overcrowding. Too many shrimp bunched together causes steaming instead of grilling. Use multiple batches if needed.
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have succulent grilled shrimp ready in 10 minutes or less. The prep work is already done – all that’s needed is a quick sear!
Delicious Ways to Enjoy Grilled Pre-Cooked Shrimp
A benefit of grilling pre-cooked shrimp is that they can be used in a variety of dishes. The smoky flavor enhances many cuisines and ingredients.
Here are some of my favorite ways to use grilled shrimp:
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In salads – Toss grilled shrimp on a fresh garden salad or over lettuce greens. The smoky shrimp pairs perfectly with tangy vinaigrettes.
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In tacos and burritos – Dice or chop grilled shrimp and add to flour or corn tortillas along with your favorite taco toppings.
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In seafood pasta dishes – Combine grilled shrimp with linguine or fettuccine, olive oil or creamy sauce, tomatoes, spinach, Parmesan, etc.
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In quesadillas and fajitas – Mix grilled shrimp with sauteed peppers and onions, cheese, avocado, etc. for tasty Mexican fare.
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In rice bowls – Sprinkle grilled shrimp on rice along with roasted vegetables, edamame, avocado – the options are endless!
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On grilled skewers – Alternate shrimp with peppers, scallops, pineapple…anything that can go on a stick!
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As an appetizer – Serve grilled shrimp on their own with a spritz of lemon and dipping sauce.
The beauty of grilled pre-cooked shrimp is that it can be adapted to just about any recipe that calls for cooked shrimp or chicken. Let your creativity run wild!
Quick & Easy Recipe for Grilled Pre-Cooked Shrimp
To get you started, here is an incredibly easy recipe for perfect grilled shrimp you can make on a weeknight:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound peeled, pre-cooked jumbo shrimp
- 2 Tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Lemon wedges
Instructions:
- Pat shrimp dry, brush with oil or butter, and season all over with Cajun seasoning and paprika
- Preheat grill to 400°F. Grill shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until charred.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over shrimp before serving.
That’s it – grilled shrimp in less than 10 minutes! Adjust the spices to your tastes or try different flavor rubs like lemon pepper or chili-lime seasoning.
I prefer to use a grill basket when cooking shrimp. It prevents them from sticking and falling through the grates. The basket also makes it easy to toss the shrimp in seasoning.
However, you can certainly grill shrimp directly on the grates if you prefer. Just be sure to oil them well first. Bamboo skewers also work nicely.
The options are wide open when grilling pre-cooked shrimp. Simply add char to plain shrimp, or take them to the next level with spices and marinades. Either way, you’ll have an easy, impressive meal in minutes.
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Grilling Cooked Shrimp and Vegetables
Preheat your outdoor grill to high. Put shrimp that has already been cooked on metal or wooden skewers and brush them with cooking oil, like olive oil, which has unsaturated fats that are good for your heart.
Some herbs and spices that you can use on the shrimp are garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Set the shrimp aside.
Wash vegetables thoroughly and chop them into large chunks. Thread the vegetables onto separate skewers than the shrimp. Or, try wrapping them up in foil, as described by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
The vegetables need more time to cook than the shrimp that have already been cooked. The shrimp only need a few minutes on the grill to warm them back up. Use cooking oil, like olive oil, to coat the vegetables, and then add your favorite herbs and spices.
Soak the chopped vegetables in water for 10 to 15 minutes before putting them on the grill. This will help them retain their moisture as they cook. Another alternative is to marinate the vegetables before cooking them.
According to Harvard Health, marinating food before grilling reduces the amount of carcinogens that form while grilling. Marinating the vegetables on the skewers cuts down on the mess because trying to thread slippery vegetables onto skewers is quite difficult and messy.
Place the vegetable skewers on the grill. Place them around the edges of the grill, away from direct heat, so they don’t get burned. Close the lid and allow the vegetables to cook for several minutes until they are almost tender.
The amount of time this takes will depend on what type of vegetables youre using. Mushrooms, for example, cook more quickly than raw potatoes or carrots.
Add the shrimp skewers to the grill for the last minute or two of cooking the vegetables. Remove the shrimp skewers as soon as the shrimp is hot.
This will prevent the shrimp from getting dried out and tough. Take the vegetables off the grill last. Push the shrimp and vegetables off the skewers with a fork and serve the meal immediately.
Soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before you put the vegetables and shrimp on them. This will help prevent the wood from splintering, which can leave small pieces in your food. It also moistens the wood so its less likely to burn while on the grill.
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Cooking oil
- Basting brush
- Herbs and spices
- Vegetable brush
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Outdoor grill
- Fork
- Serving platter
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How to Grill Precooked Shrimp : Shrimp Recipes
How long do you Grill pre cooked shrimp?
Grill pre-cooked shrimp for just 2-3 minutes on each side over medium heat. Since they are already cooked, you just need to heat them through and get some nice grill marks. What are some delicious marinades for pre-cooked shrimp before grilling?
Can you cook raw shrimp on a grill?
Outside cooking: If you’re grilling outside, you should put the raw shrimp on skewers. Thread shrimp on metal or soaked wooden skewers. Then bring the outdoor grill temperature to medium. Place the shrimp skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes. Then flip the shrimp kebabs and cook until cooked through and pink.
Can you cook frozen shrimp on a grill?
Before you start grilling, it’s essential to prepare the shrimp and the grill. Thaw the pre-cooked shrimp if frozen by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are hot and evenly distributed.
How do you cook garlic butter shrimp on a grill?
Here’s how to make grilled garlic butter shrimp. Preheat and season. Fire up the grill to 450-500 degrees F. While the grill is heating up, toss the shrimp in a bowl with olive oil and then season with salt and pepper. Melt butter and add shrimp. Place a 12-inch cast iron skillet on the preheated grill.