How Long Do Shrimp Take On The Barbecue?

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Grilled shrimp skewers on a barbecue grill.
Introduction to Grilling Shrimp

Grilling shrimp is one of the easiest and tastiest ways to enjoy seafood at home. With their juicy texture and delicate flavor, shrimp are a crowd-pleaser at any barbecue or dinner table. The best part? They cook super fast, making them an ideal option for a quick weeknight dinner or a last-minute party appetizer.

Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a beginner, shrimp are wonderfully forgiving and versatile. From smoky charred shrimp skewers to zesty marinated bites, there’s no end to the flavors you can create on the barbecue. Plus, they pair perfectly with a wide variety of sides like grilled veggies, rice pilaf, or even fresh salads.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about barbecuing shrimp, including how long they take to cook, factors that can affect grilling times, and tips for achieving that perfect sear. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be ready to fire up your grill and wow your friends and family with shrimp that are cooked to perfection. Let’s dive in! 🍤🔥

How Long Do Shrimp Take to Cook on the Barbecue?

One of the great things about grilling shrimp is how incredibly quick they are to cook. In fact, shrimp are ready in just a few minutes, making them a go-to option when you need something tasty in a hurry.

On average, shrimp take 2-3 minutes per side on a hot barbecue. That’s just 4-6 minutes total to achieve that juicy, perfectly cooked texture. However, the exact time can vary depending on the shrimp’s size and other factors like grill temperature and whether the shrimp are shelled or unshelled.

Signs of Perfectly Cooked Shrimp

To ensure your shrimp are cooked just right, look out for these key indicators:

  1. Color Change: Raw shrimp start off gray and translucent. When cooked, they turn pink with a slightly opaque center.
  2. Shape Transformation: Shrimp naturally curl as they cook. A well-cooked shrimp should form a gentle “C” shape. If they’re too tightly curled into an “O” shape, they’re likely overdone.
  3. Texture Check: Cooked shrimp should be firm but still tender. Overcooked shrimp often become rubbery or chewy.

Why Timing Matters

Shrimp are delicate, so even an extra minute on the grill can mean the difference between tender, juicy bites and tough, overcooked shrimp. That’s why it’s crucial to stay attentive when grilling shrimp—they cook much faster than most proteins like chicken or steak.

Grill Temperature for Shrimp

For the best results, grill your shrimp over medium-high heat (around 375°F to 400°F). This heat level ensures they cook quickly and develop a light char without drying out. A well-preheated grill also helps prevent the shrimp from sticking to the grates.

Cooking Time by Shrimp Size

Shrimp come in a variety of sizes, and their size significantly impacts how long they need to cook. Here’s a quick reference:

  • Small (51-60 shrimp per pound): 1-2 minutes per side
  • Medium (41-50 shrimp per pound): 2-3 minutes per side
  • Large (31-40 shrimp per pound): 3 minutes per side
  • Jumbo (21-30 shrimp per pound): 3-4 minutes per side

These estimates are for shrimp that are peeled and deveined. If you’re grilling them with the shell on, you may need to add 30-60 seconds per side.

Now that you know how long shrimp take to cook, let’s look at what factors can influence grilling time and how to prepare them for the barbecue!

Factors Affecting Shrimp Cooking Time

Grilling shrimp might seem straightforward, but a few variables can tweak the cooking time and flavor. Understanding these factors ensures your shrimp turn out perfectly grilled every time.

1. Shrimp Size and Type

Shrimp are sold in sizes labeled by the number you’ll typically find per pound. For example:

  • Small shrimp (51-60 count) cook faster—about 1-2 minutes per side.
  • Medium to large shrimp (31-50 count) need 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Jumbo or colossal shrimp (21-30 count) may take 3-4 minutes per side.

Larger shrimp are a little more forgiving, giving you a bit more time to perfect that sear without overcooking.

2. Shell On or Off

Cooking shrimp with the shell on takes a tad longer but offers some added benefits:

  • Shell On: Retains moisture and flavor, creating juicy shrimp with a slightly smoky taste. Add 30-60 seconds to the cooking time.
  • Shell Off: Cooks faster and is easier to eat, especially for skewered shrimp or dishes like tacos or salads.

3. Grill Temperature

Shrimp love a hot grill! Aim for medium-high heat (375°F to 400°F). If the grill isn’t hot enough:

  • Cooking takes longer, risking overcooked exteriors and undercooked centers.
  • Shrimp may stick to the grill grates, losing that beautiful sear.

A properly preheated grill ensures an even cook, with a slight char for added flavor.

4. Marinades and Seasonings

Marinating shrimp before grilling enhances their flavor but can slightly influence cooking time:

  • Marinades with high sugar content (like honey or BBQ sauce) may caramelize quickly, so keep a close watch to prevent burning.
  • Oil-based marinades help prevent sticking and promote even browning.

If your shrimp are heavily coated in marinade, they might take an extra minute or so to cook.

5. Frozen vs. Fresh Shrimp

Grilling frozen shrimp? While it’s best to thaw them beforehand, you can grill frozen shrimp in a pinch. Just expect the cooking time to increase slightly:

  • Fresh or fully thawed shrimp: 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Frozen shrimp: 4-5 minutes per side (and they might not achieve the same caramelized exterior).

6. Skewers vs. Loose Shrimp

Using skewers doesn’t just make shrimp easier to flip—it can also affect cooking time:

  • Skewered Shrimp: Heat distributes evenly, and flipping is quicker, so expect consistent cooking within the estimated time.
  • Loose Shrimp on Grates: They may cook unevenly if some are in hotter spots or fall through the grates.

Maximizing Flavor and Efficiency

Grilled shrimp’s quick cook time is one of their best traits, but that speed means there’s little room for error. To ensure consistent results:

  • Use shrimp of similar size for even cooking.
  • Preheat the grill and grease the grates lightly with oil.
  • Stay attentive—shrimp can go from perfect to overdone in seconds!

Next, we’ll cover how to prepare your shrimp for the grill, from cleaning and deveining to seasoning and skewering.

Prepping Shrimp for the Grill

Fresh shrimp being cleaned and deveined on a cutting board.

Before you fire up the barbecue, it’s essential to prepare your shrimp properly. A little prep work goes a long way toward ensuring flavorful, perfectly grilled shrimp that’s easy to enjoy. From cleaning to seasoning, here’s everything you need to know.

1. Cleaning and Deveining Shrimp

Fresh or frozen, shrimp usually need a bit of cleaning before they’re grill-ready. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Thaw (if Frozen): If you’re working with frozen shrimp, thaw them by placing them in a bowl of cold water for 10-15 minutes. Drain and pat them dry with paper towels.
  2. Remove the Shell (Optional): Decide if you want to grill with the shell on or off. If you’re leaving the shell on, simply make a small slit along the back to access the vein. If you’re removing it, peel away the shell, starting from the legs, leaving the tail on for presentation (optional).
  3. Devein the Shrimp: Using a small knife or a shrimp deveiner, make a shallow cut along the shrimp’s back and remove the vein. This step is optional for smaller shrimp but recommended for larger ones.

2. Marinating for Flavor

Marinating is one of the best ways to infuse shrimp with bold, delicious flavors. Here’s how to do it:

  • Basic Marinade Recipe: Combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes in a bowl. Toss in the shrimp and let them sit for 15-30 minutes. Avoid marinating for longer, as the acid (like lemon or vinegar) can make the shrimp mushy.
  • Flavor Ideas:
    • Mediterranean: Olive oil, oregano, garlic, and lemon zest.
    • Asian-Inspired: Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and honey.
    • Spicy Cajun: Olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and a dash of hot sauce.

Marinades not only add flavor but also help keep the shrimp moist while grilling.

3. Skewering for Convenience

Shrimp are small and can slip through the grill grates, so skewers are a lifesaver! Here’s how to do it:

  • Wooden Skewers: Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
  • Metal Skewers: No soaking required, and they’re reusable.
  • Threading Tips: Thread shrimp through both the top and bottom of their bodies, forming a gentle curve. This prevents them from spinning when flipped and ensures even cooking.

Skewers also make it easy to flip multiple shrimp at once and add a visually appealing touch to your barbecue spread.

4. Seasoning Without Marinades

If you’re short on time, seasoning shrimp directly before grilling works beautifully. Toss the shrimp with olive oil and a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite spice blend. The simplicity lets the shrimp’s natural sweetness shine through.

5. Preparing the Grill

A well-prepared grill makes all the difference in cooking shrimp to perfection:

  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375°F to 400°F).
  • Clean the grates thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  • Lightly oil the grates using a paper towel dipped in oil and held with tongs.

Pro Tip: Cook Shrimp Last

Shrimp cook so quickly that they’re best grilled right before serving. That way, they stay warm and juicy without drying out.

With your shrimp cleaned, seasoned, and ready to go, it’s time to move on to the exciting part: grilling! Up next, we’ll explore a step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly barbecued shrimp.

Step-by-Step Guide to Grilling Shrimp

Now that your shrimp are prepped and your grill is ready, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure your shrimp come out perfectly grilled—juicy, flavorful, and with just the right amount of char.

1. Preheat the Grill

Before anything hits the grates, make sure your grill is properly preheated:

  • Set the heat to medium-high (375°F to 400°F) for ideal cooking.
  • Allow the grill to heat up for at least 10-15 minutes. A hot grill helps shrimp cook evenly and prevents sticking.

2. Oil the Grates

Lightly oil the grates to create a non-stick surface.

  • Dip a paper towel in vegetable or olive oil.
  • Using tongs, rub the oiled towel over the grill grates.

This small step ensures your shrimp will lift off the grill easily without tearing.

3. Arrange the Shrimp on the Grill

Place your shrimp directly on the grill grates or on skewers for convenience. Here are some tips:

  • Single Layer: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer with a bit of space between each one. Crowding them can cause uneven cooking.
  • Tail Positioning: If grilling shrimp with the tails on, position the tails away from the hottest part of the grill. They cook faster than the meat.

4. Cook Time Based on Size

Shrimp cook very quickly, so stay close to the grill. The cooking time depends on their size:

  • Small Shrimp (51-60 count): 1-2 minutes per side.
  • Medium-Large Shrimp (31-50 count): 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Jumbo Shrimp (21-30 count): 3-4 minutes per side.

Flip the shrimp once halfway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution.

5. Watch for Signs of Doneness

Shrimp are ready when:

  • Color: They turn pink with an opaque center.
  • Shape: They curl into a “C” shape (not overly tight).
  • Texture: When pressed lightly, they feel firm but not rubbery.

Overcooking shrimp is easy to do—so as soon as they hit these markers, it’s time to take them off the grill!

6. Add Finishing Touches

After removing the shrimp from the grill, it’s time to enhance the flavors:

  • Squeeze of Lemon: Brightens up the dish with a burst of acidity.
  • Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley, cilantro, or basil for a pop of color and flavor.
  • Drizzle of Butter or Sauce: Melted garlic butter or a tangy barbecue sauce takes your grilled shrimp to the next level.

Pro Tip: Preparing Shrimp

For the best results, marinate your shrimp beforehand to infuse flavors. Consider using this recipe for lemon garlic shrimp to enhance your barbecue experience.

Tips for Grilling Perfect Shrimp

  • Use Skewers: Threading shrimp onto skewers makes flipping easier and prevents them from falling through the grates.
  • Preheat Your Grill: A hot grill ensures even cooking and those delightful char marks.
  • Baste with Sauce: For added flavor, baste your shrimp with your favorite barbecue sauce during cooking.

For more inspiration, check out these smoker recipes for bold and flavorful meals.

Delicious Pairings for Grilled Shrimp

Shrimp pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes and sauces. For example, a tangy mango salsa or grilled vegetables make excellent accompaniments. Need ideas? Explore these gluten-free high-protein meals for a nutritious pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Grill Frozen Shrimp?

It’s best to thaw shrimp before grilling for even cooking. Place them in cold water for 10–15 minutes, or leave them in the refrigerator overnight.

What Temperature Should I Grill Shrimp At?

Set your grill to medium-high heat (around 375–400°F) for optimal results. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 120°F.

Try These Next

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