When you think about what to throw on the grill next, what’s the first thing you add to your grocery list? Of course, flame-broiled burgers and barbecued chicken are classics, juicy steaks and thick-cut pork chops are favorites too, but I’m here to remind you how delicious seafood is cooked over an open flame! Your grilled supper rotation just got a major facelift because I found 50 of the best grilled shrimp recipes to choose from.
Easy Grilled Shrimp Recipes
Shrimp is truly one of the easiest things to “throw on the barbie.” It takes on flavor so well, plus marinades and sauces allow you to come up with endless flavor combinations. Shrimp also cooks quickly, going from gray to pink in the blink of an eye. This list is filled with everything from shrimp kababs and skewers, to fresh summer salads topped with grilled shrimp. Plus a ton of ways to infuse flavor with ingredients like lemon, butter, sriracha, lime, honey, dill and more!
What Do You Soak Shrimp In Before Grilling
Soaking shrimp in a quick brine not only infuses flavor before cooking, but also helps them to retain moisture. If you have the time, this extra step can really help ensure shrimp success! For each pound of shrimp, combine:
2 quarts water1/4 cup salt1/4 cup sugar
Whisk together until salt and sugar dissolve. Soak the peeled and deveined shrimp at room temperature for 30 minutes. Drain the shrimp and gently pat dry with paper towels. Add your favorite seasoning and cook! This not only works well for grilling but pan-frying and sautéing too. The shrimp will come out moist and delicious every time.
Should Shrimp Be Boiled Before Grilling?
When grilling shrimp, uncooked is your absolute best choice to avoid it being rubbery and over-cooked. If you have some leftover boiled shrimp, you can certainly use them on the grill, but the additional cooking step is not necessary normally.
Is It Better To Grill Shrimp With The Shell On Or Off?
Shrimp can be grilled with the shell on or off, it is really more of a personal preference. Taking the shells off allows any seasoning, marinade or sauce to really penetrate the meat and get as much flavor into the shrimp as possible. I like to peel them, only leaving a little shell around the tailpiece. Some people say leaving the shells on does help to prevent over-cooking, but in my experience, a watchful eye can achieve the same thing, with less mess at the dinner table. A great tip for shrimp with no shell on the grill is to use the double skewer method! A row through the tops of the shrimp and a row through the tails give them more stability and makes them easier to turn. If you are using wooden or bamboo skewers be sure to soak them in cold water for a few hours (I usually let mine soak all day!) before grilling to avoid burning.
Best Grilled Shrimp Recipes
When it comes to the best-grilled shrimp recipes for summer, Avocado Corn Salad topped with Grilled Shrimp is exactly what I want to eat on a hot summer evening—on our backyard deck. Bring a little seaside flavor to Taco Tuesday with Grilled Shrimp Tacos or Mexican Grilled Shrimp Bowls. Grilled Shrimp Foil Packets are perfect at home—or the campsite! Cajun Grilled Shrimp will put a little kick into your next neighborhood cookout and grilled Shrimp Kebabs are perfect to use up those garden-fresh vegetables you’ve been growing all summer too. I even found a way for you to enjoy some shrimp fresh from the barbie with brunch. The 5-Pepper Bloody Mary recipe with Grilled Shrimp will definitely make summer weekends extra spicy.
What to Serve With Grilled Shrimp
Rice CasserolesRed Potato SaladCorn on the CobSteamed AsparagusSummer SaladsMacaroni Salad
Foodies around the country are rejoicing that it’s time to refill those propane tanks once again. This summer when you’re enjoying all classics like grilled pork chops, steak, chicken and ribs, don’t forget how delicious (and super easy) grilled shrimp can be too!
