To grill shrimp perfectly, follow these expert steps:
- Choose the Right Shrimp
Use fresh, large to jumbo-sized shrimp for easier grilling. Peel and devein them, leaving the tail on if desired for presentation and flavor absorption
- Marinate or Season
You can simply brush shrimp with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice, or use a marinade with garlic, smoked paprika, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice for extra flavor. Marinate for 20 minutes up to 1 hour if using a marinade
- Prepare the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 350-450°F (175-230°C). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking
- Skewer the Shrimp
Thread shrimp onto skewers (wooden or metal) to make flipping easier and prevent them from falling through the grill grates
- Grill the Shrimp
Place shrimp directly over direct heat. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side, turning once. Shrimp are done when they turn pink on the outside, opaque white inside, and curl into a C-shape (avoid overcooking which makes them tough and rubbery)
- Serve Immediately
Remove shrimp from the grill and serve hot with fresh lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce
Summary Timing:
- Total grilling time: 4-7 minutes depending on shrimp size
- Flip halfway through grilling
- Watch for color change and firmness as doneness indicators
This method ensures juicy, flavorful shrimp with a nice char and tender texture.
