How To

How to Grill Shrimp

How to Grill Shrimp
Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(77 Ratings)

The smoke of a grill brings out the taste of shrimp. Add a zesty marinade or baste for more flavor. One pound of shrimp will feed four to six people.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  1. Step 1

    Shell and devein the shrimp (see Related eHows for instructions).

  2. Step 2

    Soak wooden skewers for 20 to 30 minutes so they don't burn on the grill.

  3. Step 3

    Skewer each shrimp, first through the tail, then the head. Three to four can fit on one skewer. Only add shrimp to the top half of the skewer; leave the bottom as a handle.

  4. Step 4

    Thread the shrimp through two skewers, if desired, to keep them from rotating.

  5. Step 5

    If using a marinade, marinate the shrimp now, after they've been skewered.

  6. Step 6

    Light the grill and adjust gas or coals for medium heat.

  7. Step 7

    Oil the grill grate lightly.

  8. Step 8

    Place the shrimp over direct heat and cook 1 or 2 minutes on the first side, and 30 seconds to a minute on the second side.

  9. Step 9

    Test for doneness by cutting one shrimp open. If the inside is completely opaque and no longer translucent, it's done.

Tips & Warnings
  • Shrimp will overcook and become tough very quickly, so limit the time they spend on the grill and check them often.
  • Discard the marinade as soon as the shrimp are out. Don't use it as a basting liquid. Use a separate batch for basting.
  • Purchase frozen shrimp if possible. Almost all shrimp are frozen as soon as they're processed, and the longer they stay frozen, the fresher they'll be. Be wary of thawed shrimp.
  • An easy marinade or baste is one part lemon juice, two parts olive oil, some crushed garlic, freshly ground pepper, a little grated lemon zest and salt. You can also add herbs to this marinade, such as rosemary, parsley or thyme.

Comments  

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easycookin said

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on 5/29/2009 light grill until coals are gray. rub olive oil and salt and pepper on shrimp. Grill shrimp until shells are crisp and eat whole. Makes good eats.

TinasArk said

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on 1/1/2008 I enjoy leaving the shell on shrimp, as it keeps the shrimp tender while grilling over such high heat.
I brush the shrimps with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and grill 2 minutes on each side, until their shells are hot pink (and shrimp is opaque).

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Lime and lemon will begin to cook the shrimp after 30 minutes and make it tough. Limit marinades of this nature to 30 minutes.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Put sundried tomatoes in between the shrimp on your skewers, for a perfect eat.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 I tried this just because, and it is absolutely delicious. Marinate the shrimp in Creamy Roasted Garlic dressing.

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