Quick Answer
Yes, you can put shrimp directly on the grill. Shrimp cook quickly, so they only need a few minutes per side over direct high heat to cook through. Be sure to oil the grill grates first to prevent sticking. Brushing the shrimp with oil or marinating them will also help them avoid sticking. Watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Can You Cook Shrimp Straight on the Grill?
Grilling shrimp directly on the grill grates is absolutely possible. Here are some key tips to ensure success:
Oil the Grates
Be sure to thoroughly oil or brush the grill grates before putting the shrimp on. This will prevent them from sticking. Use an oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, peanut, or avocado oil. Rub the oil over the grates using a wadded up paper towel. Re-oil the grates each time before grilling more shrimp.
Brush Shrimp with Oil
In addition to oiling the grates, you should also lightly coat the shrimp in oil. Brush them lightly on both sides or toss them in a bowl with a bit of oil to coat. The oil will help prevent sticking and add flavor.
Skewer the Shrimp
Putting shrimp on skewers makes them easier to flip and turn on the grill. Metal or bamboo skewers both work well. Make sure to thread the shrimp tightly so they don’t spin. Double skewer them for extra stability.
Use Medium-High Heat
Shrimp cook fast, so you want a hot grill. Heat your gas or charcoal grill to between 400-450°F. This level of heat will sear the shrimp nicely while cooking them through. Avoid very high heat that may burn the outside before the inside cooks.
Cook Just 2-4 Minutes Per Side
The small size of shrimp means they cook very quickly on the grill. Jumbo shrimp take about 4 minutes per side, large shrimp 3 minutes, and medium shrimp just 2 minutes. Resist the urge to move them too soon or you’ll tear the shrimp. Use tongs and flip gently.
Watch Carefully
It’s easy to overcook shrimp on the grill since they cook so fast. Pay close attention as you grill them. Remove each batch as soon as the shrimp turn opaque and are lightly charred on both sides. It’s better to slightly undercook than overcook them.
Tips to Avoid Sticking
Even when you oil the grates, shrimp can sometimes stick when grilling them directly on the grill grates. Here are some tips to prevent sticking:
- Use metal skewers – they conduct heat better than wood.
- Soak wooden skewers before using to prevent burning.
- Clean grill grates thoroughly before oiling.
- Use high-quality shrimp – fresher shrimp sticks less.
- Pat shrimp very dry before grilling.
- Brush a sticky sauce on shrimp the last 1-2 minutes only.
If the shrimp stick a little, use a thin metal spatula to gently scrape them off the grates after flipping. The key is patience – let them release on their own before trying to move them.
How to Grill Shrimp Perfectly
Follow these simple steps for foolproof grilled shrimp:
- Thaw frozen shrimp if using frozen.
- Peel and devein shrimp, leaving tails on if desired.
- Rinse shrimp and pat very dry.
- Toss shrimp with a little oil or brush both sides with oil.
- Thread shrimp tightly onto skewers if using.
- Brush grill grates clean and coat thoroughly with vegetable oil.
- Heat grill to 400-450°F.
- Place shrimp directly onto hot oiled grates. Grill 2-4 minutes per side.
- Flip shrimp gently halfway through. Watch closely to avoid overcooking.
- Remove shrimp as soon as opaque and lightly charred.
- Season with salt, pepper, lemon juice, or other seasoning as desired.
Marinade for Extra Flavor
Soaking shrimp in a flavorful marinade before grilling will add lots of tasty flavor. Try one of these easy marinades:
| Marinade | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Lemon garlic | Olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper |
| Chili lime | Olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, cayenne |
| Coconut curry | Coconut milk, yellow curry powder, lime juice, cilantro |
| Honey ginger soy | Soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, olive oil, garlic |
Combine the marinade ingredients in a resealable bag or baking dish. Add the shrimp, toss to coat evenly, and let marinate 15-30 minutes. Grill as usual.
What to Serve with Grilled Shrimp
Grilled shrimp pair beautifully with bright, fresh flavors and sides. Try serving them with:
- Lemon wedges or lime wedges
- Cilantro, chopped parsley, or green onion for garnish
- Melted butter with garlic and lemon juice for dipping
- Coleslaw, potato salad, or pasta salad
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Warm garlic bread
- Chilled white wine or light beer
You can also chop grilled shrimp and add them to:
- Tacos
- Salads or wraps
- Quesadillas or fajitas
- Ceviche
- Burritos or bowls
- Pasta dishes
Get creative with your favorite toppings and sides! The smoky flavor of grilled shrimp pairs well with so many flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy for grilled shrimp to go wrong. Avoid these common grilling pitfalls:
- Not oiling the shrimp and grill grates: This leads to sticking and ripped shrimp.
- Overcrowding: Shrimp need room to cook evenly. Don’t overload the grates.
- Too high heat: Shrimp scorch quickly on extremely hot grills.
- Moving them too soon: Shrimp stick if not properly seared before turning.
- Saucing too early: Sauces burn quickly. Brush on just at the end.
- Overcooking: It’s easy to go from perfect to rubbery. Watch them closely.
Grilled Shrimp Safety Tips
To safely enjoy grilled shrimp:
- Thaw frozen shrimp properly in the fridge overnight before grilling.
- Marinate shrimp in the fridge, not on the counter.
- Use separate plates and utensils for raw and cooked shrimp.
- Cook shrimp thoroughly until opaque in the center.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
- Reheat leftover shrimp fully to 165°F.
Follow basic food safety practices when handling and cooking shrimp. Look for shellfish that smells fresh, not fishy, before cooking.
Grilled Shrimp Recipe Ideas
Here are some outstanding grilled shrimp recipes to try on the barbecue:
1. Garlic Herb Shrimp
Marinate shrimp in olive oil, chopped garlic, lemon juice, parsley, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side over direct heat until opaque.
2. Soy Ginger Shrimp Skewers
Toss shrimp with soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, and brown sugar. Skewer and grill for 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Spicy Tequila Lime Shrimp
Marinate shrimp in tequila, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, garlic, and maple syrup. Grill shrimp until charred on the outside and opaque in the center.
4. Jamaican Jerk Shrimp
Season shrimp with Jamaican jerk seasoning blend. Add allspice, thyme, garlic, brown sugar, and habanero peppers for more flavor. Grill until lightly charred.
5. Coconut Curry Shrimp
Marinate shrimp in coconut milk, yellow curry powder, ginger, garlic, chili pepper, and lime juice. Skewer and grill shrimp over direct heat.
6. Shrimp Fajitas
Toss shrimp with fajita seasoning. Grill shrimp and slice sweet peppers and onions. Serve on warm tortillas with desired toppings.
7. Teriyaki Shrimp Bowls
Toss shrimp in teriyaki sauce and brown sugar. Grill shrimp and serve over rice with grilled pineapple and vegetables.
Grilled Shrimp Safety FAQs
Get answers to common questions about the safe handling and cooking of shrimp:
How do I avoid contaminating food with raw shrimp?
Use separate plates and utensils for raw and cooked shrimp. Wash hands, cutting boards, knives, etc thoroughly after handling raw shrimp. Cook shrimp thoroughly to kill bacteria.
Can you eat shrimp right after grilling?
Yes, shrimp can be eaten immediately after grilling since the high heat kills any bacteria present. But refrain from eating raw or undercooked shrimp as they can contain harmful bacteria.
What is the minimum internal temperature for cooked shrimp?
Cook shrimp to an internal temperature of at least 145°F to kill bacteria and parasites. Shrimp turn firm and opaque when fully cooked. Use a food thermometer to check for doneness.
How long can grilled shrimp sit out at room temperature?
Cooked shrimp should not sit out for more than 2 hours at room temperature. Bacteria grow quickly on cooked shrimp left out too long. For longer storage, refrigerate shrimp immediately after cooking.
Can you refreeze thawed shrimp?
It’s best not to refreeze thawed shrimp. Thawing allows bacteria to grow. Refreezing won’t kill the bacteria. Cook shrimp within 1-2 days of thawing for food safety.
How long do grilled shrimp last in the fridge?
Store leftover grilled shrimp covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Freeze for longer storage. Reheat thoroughly before eating refrigerated shrimp. Discard if they develop an off odor or appearance.
Conclusion
Grilling shrimp directly on the grill is easy and delicious with a few simple precautions. Be sure to oil the grates and shrimp well, use medium-high heat, and watch closely to avoid overcooking. Let the shrimp release from the grates before turning to prevent sticking and tearing. Grilled shrimp cook in just 2-4 minutes per side. Pair them with bright, fresh sides and seasonings. Follow basic food safety practices and your grilled shrimp will turn out perfectly every time.