how to grill shrimp on the bbq

How to Grill Shrimp to Perfection on the BBQ

Grilled shrimp is one of the best ways to enjoy seafood when the weather is nice. The smoky, charred flavor combined with the natural sweetness of the shrimp is simply amazing. Grilling shrimp is also incredibly easy—it cooks up fast, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. And it works for a crowd at your next backyard BBQ or party! Here is a complete guide on how to grill shrimp on the BBQ like a pro.

Choosing Shrimp for the BBQWhen buying shrimp to grill, there are a few things to keep in mind

• Size – Opt for larger shrimp that are 16 to 20 or 21 to 25 count per pound. The bigger shrimp will be easier to grill without overcooking. Smaller shrimp cook so fast they can turn from perfect to rubbery before you know it. Jumbo shrimp are the easiest for grilling directly on the grill grates.

• Shell On or Peeled – You can grill shrimp with the shell on or peeled. Shell on shrimp retain more moisture. But peeled shrimp allow more surface area for char and caramelization. Peeled and deveined shrimp also let the seasoning or marinade penetrate better.

• Fresh vs Frozen – Frozen shrimp works just fine, as long as you thaw it first. Let frozen shrimp thaw overnight in the fridge or place in cold water for 15 minutes until thawed.

The Best Ways to Season Shrimp for the Grill
Adding flavor through seasoning, marinades, or sauces is key. Grilled shrimp absorbs flavors extremely well. Here are some delicious ways to season shrimp before hitting the BBQ:

• Dry Seasoning – A simple dry seasoning blend is all you need. Make a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and chili powder.

• Marinade – For a marinade whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like parsley or cilantro. Let the shrimp marinate 15 minutes to an hour.

• Spicy Rub – For spicy grilled shrimp, use cayenne pepper and ground chipotle chile in the seasoning mix.

• Teriyaki Sauce – Brush shrimp with store-bought or homemade teriyaki sauce just before grilling for a sweet, salty glaze.

• Barbecue Sauce – Slather shrimp in your favorite smoky, tangy BBQ sauce for the last minute on the grill.

• Lemon Butter – Melt butter with lemon juice, garlic, and parsley. Dip the cooked shrimp in the lemony butter.

• Cocktail Sauce – Serve grilled shrimp with chilled cocktail sauce for dipping.

How to Grill Shrimp Perfectly Every Time
Follow these simple steps for foolproof grilled shrimp:

1. Preheat your grill to medium high heat, around 400°F. Use direct heat for the best sear.

2. Pat the shrimp dry. Sprinkle all over with seasoning or coat in marinade.

3. Lightly oil the grill grates. Use a grill brush or paper towel with a high smoke point oil like avocado or grapeseed oil. This prevents sticking.

4. Place the shrimp directly onto the hot grill grates. Grill uncovered, without flipping, for 2 minutes. This sears the underside.

5. Flip the shrimp and grill for 1 to 2 minutes more until opaque on both sides.

6. Check for doneness by looking at the color and texture: Shrimp turns from grey to pink/orange and firms up when it’s done.

7. Immediately remove from the grill and enjoy!

Tips for Grilling Shrimp Perfectly:

• Use 10 to 15 shrimp per person. They cook quickly, so you need a good amount.

• Go for direct heat on a clean grill grate for the best sear.

• Grill the shrimp in a single layer so they brown instead of steaming.

• Just eyeball a light coating of oil on the grates—you don’t need much.

• Resist the urge to move the shrimp too soon or they won’t brown properly.

• Shrimp overcooks in an instant. Under 2 minutes per side is usually perfect.

• Take shrimp off the grill as soon as they are opaque and slightly firm.

• Shrimp will continue cooking after you remove them from the grill grate.

How Long to Grill Shrimp
Shrimp cooks very fast on the grill—just 2 to 4 minutes total. Here are general guidelines for grill times:

• Jumbo shrimp (16 to 20 per pound): 4 minutes total
• Extra large shrimp (21 to 25 per pound): 3 minutes total
• Large shrimp (26 to 30 per pound): 2 to 3 minutes total

The exact time needed depends on the thickness of the shrimp as well as your grill temperature. Always watch the shrimp carefully instead of relying solely on grill time.

How to Tell When Shrimp Is Done on the Grill
Don’t depend on grill time alone to know when your shrimp is cooked to perfection. These visual signs indicate the shrimp is done:

• Color changes from grey/blue to solid orange-pink

• Shrimp firms up and texture is no longer translucent

• The shrimp tail starts to curl up slightly

Take the shrimp off the grill as soon as you see these changes happen to avoid overcooking. Shrimp goes from tender and juicy to rubbery and tough quickly.

Grilling Shrimp on Skewers
If using smaller shrimp, thread them onto skewers before grilling. This makes them easier to maneuver on the grill.

• Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes first to prevent burning.

• Double skewer shrimp to keep them from spinning around when flipped.

• Use flat metal skewers for more surface contact or bamboo skewers soaked.

• Alternate shrimp with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, pineapple, or zucchini.

• Grill kebabs over direct heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Grilling Butterfly Shrimp
Butterfly shrimp are shrimp where the back has been slit open and spread flat, like a butterfly. This doubles the surface area, so you get extra char and caramelization on the grill.

To butterfly shrimp:

1. Using kitchen shears or a sharp paring knife, make a 1 to 2 inch cut through the back of unpeeled shrimp.

2. Spread the shrimp open and press flat like a book.

3. Remove the vein. Season, oil, and grill as usual for 2 minutes per side.

Marinade and Sauce Ideas for Grilled Shrimp
The possibilities are endless when it comes to flavoring up your shrimp before or after grilling. Whip up one of these easy homemade marinades or sauces:

Lemon Garlic Marinade: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley.

Chimichurri Sauce: Mix chopped parsley, cilantro, oregano, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and red pepper flakes.

Honey Soy Marinade: Whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, garlic, and honey.

Tomato Pesto: Blend basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, sun dried tomatoes, and lemon juice.

Jerk Seasoning: Mix allspice, thyme, garlic, brown sugar, chili powder, cayenne, ginger, and cloves.

Teriyaki Glaze: Whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and pineapple juice.

What to Serve with Grilled Shrimp
Grilled shrimp tastes amazing on its own, but it also pairs well with all kinds of sides. Try serving shrimp off the BBQ with:

• Grilled vegetable skewers – zucchini, tomatoes, mushrooms

• Grilled corn on the cob

• Caprese salad with grilled zucchini

• Pasta salad or potato salad

• Corn and black bean salad

• Coleslaw or broccoli slaw

• Rice pilaf or risotto

• Buttery garlic bread

• Lemony risotto or rice

• Butter lettuce salad with vinaigrette

Alternative Cooking Methods
While grilling is hands-down the best way to prepare shrimp, you have options if you don’t have an outdoor grill or the weather isn’t cooperating.

Indoor Grill Pan: Heat a ridged grill pan over high heat until very hot. Cook the shrimp the same way you would on an outdoor grill.

Broiler: Place shrimp on a foil-lined pan and slide under a preheated broiler 3 to 4 inches from heat. Cook 2 minutes per side.

Skillet: Pan fry seasoned shrimp in an oiled skillet over high heat until seared on both sides.

Air Fryer: Coat shrimp in oil, then air fry at 400°F for 4 minutes, shaking halfway.

Grilled Shrimp Recipe Ideas
The basic grilled shrimp recipe above makes for a quick, easy, delicious dinner. But shrimp on the barbecue also plays well in all kinds of dishes. Explore some of these flavor-packed recipe ideas:

• Grille