How to Grill Shrimp: Complete Guide with Tips & Times

How to grill shrimp with expert timing, seasoning, and flavor tips on any grill

The Ultimate Guide: How to Grill Shrimp Like a Pro

Grilled shrimp are fast, flavorful, and perfect for everything from quick weeknight dinners to backyard BBQs. But when it comes to grilling shrimp, most people ask the same questions: How long do you grill shrimp? What’s the best way to grill shrimp? Can you grill frozen shrimp? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll answer all your questions and give you the confidence to grill shrimp on gas, charcoal, or any other grill like a seasoned pro.

Why Grill Shrimp?

Shrimp are one of the most grill-friendly proteins around. They’re small, cook in minutes, and take on smoky, grilled flavor beautifully. Grilling also helps you avoid overcooking—a common issue when boiling or pan-frying shrimp. Plus, there’s something undeniably satisfying about searing a batch of shrimp over open flames for tacos, salads, rice bowls, or simply dipping in melted butter. If you're trying to eat lean or high-protein, shrimp fits the bill—low in calories, high in protein, and packed with flavor when grilled properly.

How to Season Shrimp to Grill

The best way to grill shrimp starts with how you season them. Shrimp have a mild, slightly sweet taste that works with a wide range of flavors. This is our favorite seafood seasoning. Or, you can go simple with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon. Or go bold with Cajun, Caribbean jerk, or BBQ rubs. Want something sweet and spicy? Try honey, lime, chili, and garlic. Marinades that contain acid (like lemon or vinegar) should be used for no more than 30 minutes—acid can make shrimp mushy if left too long. Dry rubs and oil-based marinades are ideal if you’re short on time.

Prepping Shrimp for the Grill

Before you grill, clean and devein your shrimp. You can leave the shells on or off depending on your preference (we'll cover that below). Pat them dry so they don’t steam on the grill. Next, decide how you want to cook them: on skewers, directly on the grill, or in a grill basket. Metal skewers don’t require soaking, while wooden ones should be soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Skewering shrimp through both the head and tail ensures they stay flat and don’t curl up excessively over heat.

How to Grill Shrimp on Gas and Charcoal Grills

For gas grills, preheat to medium-high (375–450°F). Clean and oil the grates before adding the shrimp. For charcoal, build a hot zone and set your shrimp directly over the heat for best searing. Whether gas or charcoal, the key is even heat. Shrimp cook fast, so don’t walk away. Grill uncovered for even caramelization. If using a grill basket, lightly oil it to prevent sticking. No matter your grill, cook shrimp in batches so they aren’t crowded—that helps with charring and flavor development.

How Long Do You Grill Shrimp?

Shrimp Size	Cooking Time (Per Side)	Total Time
Small (51–60 count)	1 minute	2 minutes
Medium (41–50 count)	1.5 minutes	3 minutes
Large (31–40 count)	2 minutes	4 minutes
Jumbo (21–30 count)	2.5 minutes	5 minutes

Shrimp are done when they curl into a C-shape, turn opaque, and feel firm to the touch. If they curl into an O-shape, you’ve overcooked them. Practice makes perfect.

How to Grill Jumbo Shrimp

Jumbo shrimp are ideal for the grill because they’re easier to flip and hold up better to high heat. To grill them, skewer through the body in two places to keep them straight, then grill 2–2.5 minutes per side over medium-high heat. Brush with garlic butter or finish with a citrus glaze for added flavor. Jumbo shrimp can also be stuffed with herbs or wrapped in bacon before grilling.

How to Grill Shrimp with Shell On

Grilling shrimp with the shell on keeps them moist and enhances flavor. Season over the shell or marinate the shrimp ahead of time. Grill 2–3 minutes per side until the shells are slightly charred. Let guests peel their own or peel just before serving. Shell-on shrimp are great for seafood boils or rustic family-style dinners.

How to Grill Shrimp Without Skewers

If you don’t want to fuss with skewers, use a grill basket or place shrimp perpendicular to the grates so they don’t fall through. Large shrimp work best for this method. Cook over high heat and flip with tongs for even browning. A silicone grill mat can also help keep shrimp in place while still allowing smoke and heat to reach the meat.

Can You Grill Frozen Shrimp?

It’s possible to grill frozen shrimp in a pinch, but it’s not ideal. The texture will be softer, and they may release more water on the grill. If time allows, thaw shrimp in a bowl of cold water for 15–20 minutes. Always pat them dry before seasoning and grilling. When asking how to grill raw shrimp that was frozen, follow the same grilling technique as fresh.

Grilling shrimp on gas or charcoal grill with tips on seasoning and cook time

Pro Tips for Grilling Shrimp

Use direct heat and don’t crowd the grill
Oil the grill grates before cooking
Marinate briefly—no more than 30 minutes if acidic
Flip once and watch carefully to prevent overcooking
Brush with compound butter for extra flavor while grilling
Let shrimp rest for 2 minutes off heat to finish cooking internally

Serving Ideas for Grilled Shrimp

Grilled shrimp are endlessly versatile. Serve over pasta with garlic and herbs, toss into a taco with lime slaw, or pair with pineapple and jalapeño for tropical flair. They’re also great in grain bowls, salads, and even breakfast (think shrimp and grits). Add them to skewers with veggies like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini for a colorful presentation.

Nutritional Benefits of Grilled Shrimp

Shrimp are low in fat, high in protein, and contain key nutrients like iodine, selenium, and vitamin B12. They’re naturally low in calories—about 84 calories per 3 oz (6–7 large shrimp)—making them an excellent lean protein for a variety of diets. Plus, grilling adds flavor without the need for heavy sauces or added fats.

Flavor Variations & Marinade Ideas

Garlic Herb: Olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, lemon juice
Cajun: Cajun seasoning, butter, lime juice
Asian: Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, honey
Tropical: Pineapple juice, coconut milk, cilantro, chili flakes
BBQ: BBQ rub + glaze brushed on during grilling

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t walk away—shrimp overcook in seconds. Avoid overcrowding the grill, and never use high-acid marinades for too long. Don’t skip patting the shrimp dry—it helps searing. Using under-heated grills can result in rubbery texture and watery flavor.

FAQs

How do you grill shrimp without drying them out?

Don’t overcook. Watch for pink, opaque flesh and remove from heat immediately once done.

Can you grill shrimp with tails on?

Yes, tails make flipping easier and are useful as handles for serving. Leave them on unless making dishes like pasta where tails are inconvenient.

How long does it take to grill shrimp on a charcoal grill?

Roughly 2–3 minutes per side depending on shrimp size and grill heat.

How to grill shrimp on gas grill?

Preheat grill to 400°F, oil grates, place shrimp directly or on skewers, and grill for 2–3 minutes per side.

What’s the best temperature to grill shrimp?

375–450°F is the sweet spot. High enough to sear quickly without drying them out.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to grill shrimp—from timing and seasoning to tips and techniques—you’re ready to fire up the grill. Whether you're cooking shrimp skewers for a summer cookout, tossing grilled shrimp into tacos, or just enjoying them straight off the grate, this guide covers it all. Grilling shrimp is easy, fast, and full of flavor—just don’t forget to keep an eye on the clock. Shrimp wait for no one.

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