Grilled shrimp is one of the most exciting recipes you’ll ever come across, and the process produces a delicious effect every time. But one aspect that many people find troubling is the duration you need to cook shrimp over the grill rack. The answer is based on various factors, and you’ll be getting it here. You’ll also get some helpful suggestions on how to make excellent grilled shrimp whenever you wish.
Grilled Shrimp Guidelines
When you grill shrimp, you impart a smoky hint to the already delicious taste of the meat. When this effect combines with the seasoning and spices, the result is an explosive burst of flavor. But it doesn’t just come like that; you still have to follow some hints to get these excellent results. The basic guidelines for cooking shrimp on the grill are;
- Never grill the shrimp if it’s frozen, but thaw first. Frozen shrimp won’t accept the seasoning and spices properly, and it will take longer to cook. You can melt the frozen shrimp overnight by placing it in the fridge till morning. And if you’re in a rush, place the frozen shrimp in a bowl of water. Then, stir it every 5 minutes for up to 20 minutes. Make sure to separate the clumps as they melt.
- It’s always best to preheat the grill before you cook the shrimp on it. Make sure it’s set at medium-high heat, as anything higher will cause the shrimp to cook unevenly.
- Always devein your shrimp before you grill. This process means removing the innards, the dark linings at the abdomen, which are its gut. If you cook shrimp without removing this, you’ll end up with a bitter taste.
- Seasoning is critical as it adds an extra dose of flavor to your shrimp. You can drizzle some olive oil into the meat with a dash of kosher salt. You can also brush the shrimp with some Teriyaki sauce before you grill. Whichever method of seasoning you use always finishes with a spritz of lemon juice before you serve.
To Peel or Not to Peel?
Grilled shrimp tastes delicious regardless of whether you peel the shell or not. The only notable differences between the two methods are the moisture and taste. While peeled shrimp infuses more smokiness and flavor because the meta is exposed, unpeeled shrimp retains more moisture. But whichever style you use, leave the tail on; it gives the shrimp a more gourmet look.
Should I Grill Shrimps on Skewers?
Many recipes suggest you thread the shrimps on skewers before you grill, and this isn’t such a bad idea. But take note that using skewers will add some extra minutes to your prep time. And if you’re using wooden skewers, you’ll have to soak them first, so it doesn’t catch fire. Plus, shrimps on skewers tend to roll on the grill as you cook them. But they’re easier to turn and handle when you eat, so the choice is entirely up to you.
Grilled Shrimp Cooking Time
Cooking shrimp on the grill doesn’t take much time. On average, you need about 4 to 5 minutes to cook shrimp on the grill. This rule works primarily for medium-high heat of about 375 to 400°F. Of course, giant shrimp may need the whole 5 minutes, while smaller shrimp would cook faster. Also, whether the shrimp is peeled or not affects the cooking time.
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Grilled shrimp (4 servings)
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, large, deveined, tail on, thawed
- One tablespoon olive oil, extra virgin
- One lemon
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Black pepper, freshly grounded
Instructions
- Preheat a grill to about 375 to 400°F (medium-high heat). While the grill heats up, pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel.
- Pour the shrimp into a container and add oil, salt, and seasonings. Rub the mixture in with your hands.
- Line the shrimp on the grill and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes for each side. You’ll notice a bright pink color when it’s cooked through.
- Transfer to a plate and spritz with fresh lemon juice to taste.