Grilling Shrimp

Buy the Shrimp

Because fresh shrimp are so perishable, they should ideally be cooked and eaten within 24 hours after purchasing them. If you can only find fresh shrimp in your market that are from a distant location across the globe, they are most likely frozen. When that is the case, opt for frozen shrimp that are wild-caught and originate as close to your home. If your shrimp have an ammonia odor, throw them as they are too old. When you plan on grilling the shrimp, opt for colossal or jumbo shrimp to make it easier, as smaller shrimp may fall between the grills. You can find shrimp in a range of colors, but the most common are slightly pinkish, grayish green and brown. 

Devein the Shrimp

In fact you don’t have to devein shrimp, provided that you cook them properly. As long as they are properly cooked, the vein won’t pose any health risks. Some people also like the gritty texture associated with veined shrimp and the sand inside the veins. Many people, however, prefer shrimp without veins. To devein the shrimp, take a small paring knife and split your shrimp along the back, then you can easily pick out the vein. It may take a bit of practice, but will get simple. As a bonus, you can add flavor to the shrimp in the opening you made. The open cut lets the flavor from seasonings and marinades sink in, but without the cut, the flavor would otherwise be prevented by the skin.

Flavor the Shrimp

The most popular method of adding flavor to the shrimp is by marinating it. You will find recipes for hundreds of different marinades, ranging from pleasantly salty or sweet to spicy. Simply place the shrimp within a bowl, then pour the marinade on top. Place foil or a lid on top of the bowl and leave the shrimp for a while, so they can soak the flavors. Another option is to brush olive oil on the shrimp while it is on the grill or simply rub on spices after shelling for extra flavor.

Grill the Shrimp

1. Heat your grill at a medium-high temperature. Ideal temperature is that when you can hold your hand an inch above the cooking grate for several seconds without issue.

2. Either put your shrimp on a grilling basket or thread them onto skewers. Liberally brush the shrimp using oil or butter.

3. Put the basket or skewers of shrimp on your hot grill.

4. Cook the shrimp for around a minute when it starts to become pink. At this point, flip the shrimp over for one or two minutes until the shrimp is cooked thoroughly. Take care not to overcook the shrimp as this will make it tough. 

Garlic Butter Shrimp

To give your shrimp a garlic butter flavor, make the marinade using a cup of melted butter, ⅓ cup of olive oil, ¼ cup of orange juice, 2 tablespoons of dry white wine, 6 to 8 minced garlic cloves, chopped fresh flat leaf parsley, fresh chopped basil and a bit of salt and pepper. 

Spicy Cajun BBQ Shrimp

This dish is designed to be spicy, so add in as much garlic powder, black pepper and cayenne pepper as you can handle. Other ingredients include ¾ cup of hickory flavored BBQ sauce, ½ cup of dry sherry, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and ½ cup of butter.

Citrus-Honey Grilled Shrimp

This is one of the simplest marinades with just a cup of fresh lime juice, ½ cup of honey, 2 minced garlic cloves and a touch of salt and pepper.