How Long to Grill Shrimp With Shell: The Ultimate Guide

ByJennifer Lucks

How Long to Grill Shrimp with Shell

Grilled shrimp is a delicious and easy summer meal. It’s also a great way to show off your culinary skills. But how long do you cook shrimp on the grill? And is it better to grill shrimp with or without the shell?

In this article, we’ll answer those questions and provide you with everything you need to know to grill perfect shrimp every time. We’ll cover topics like:

  • The best way to prepare shrimp for grilling
  • The ideal grilling temperature for shrimp
  • How long to grill shrimp with and without the shell
  • How to tell when shrimp is done
  • And more!

So whether you’re a seasoned grill master or you’re just getting started, read on for all the information you need to know about grilling shrimp.

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Time Shell Notes
1-2 minutes per side Unpeeled Cook until pink and opaque.
2-3 minutes per side Peeled Cook until pink and opaque.

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Factors Affecting Grilling Time

The grilling time for shrimp will vary depending on a number of factors, including:

  • Size of shrimp: Smaller shrimp will cook more quickly than larger shrimp. As a general rule, plan on grilling shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side for shrimp that are 1-2 inches long, and 4-5 minutes per side for shrimp that are 2-3 inches long.
  • Shell type: Shrimp that are grilled with the shell on will take longer to cook than shrimp that are peeled and deveined. This is because the shell acts as a barrier to heat, preventing the shrimp from cooking as quickly. Plan on grilling shrimp with the shell on for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
  • Temperature of grill: The temperature of the grill will also affect the grilling time. Shrimp will cook more quickly on a hot grill than on a cooler grill. If you are grilling shrimp on a charcoal grill, aim for a temperature of 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are grilling shrimp on a gas grill, aim for a temperature of medium-high heat.
  • Cooking method: The cooking method you use will also affect the grilling time. Shrimp that are grilled directly over the heat will cook more quickly than shrimp that are grilled indirect heat. If you are grilling shrimp directly over the heat, be careful not to overcook them, as they can quickly become dry and tough. If you are grilling shrimp indirect heat, you can cook them for a longer period of time without worrying about them overcooking.

General Grilling Guidelines

In addition to the factors listed above, there are a few general grilling guidelines that you can follow to help ensure that your shrimp come out perfectly grilled every time:

  • Marinate shrimp before grilling: Marinating shrimp before grilling will help to add flavor and moisture to the shrimp. Marinades can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as lemon juice, olive oil, herbs, spices, and garlic. Marinate shrimp for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
  • Preheat grill to medium-high heat: Shrimp will cook more evenly if the grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This will help to prevent the shrimp from sticking to the grill and burning.
  • Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side: As a general rule, shrimp should be grilled for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and opaque. If you are grilling shrimp with the shell on, plan on grilling them for 3-4 minutes per side.
  • Baste shrimp with marinade or butter during grilling: Basteing shrimp with marinade or butter during grilling will help to keep them moist and flavorful. You can baste the shrimp with marinade or butter every 1-2 minutes, or as needed.

Grilling shrimp is a delicious and easy way to cook seafood. By following the tips in this guide, you can easily grill shrimp that is perfectly cooked every time.

Additional tips for grilling shrimp:

  • If you are grilling shrimp on a charcoal grill, soak the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the grill. This will help to create a flavorful smoke that will add flavor to the shrimp.
  • If you are grilling shrimp on a gas grill, you can add a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade to give the shrimp a smoky flavor.
  • Grilling shrimp is a great way to use up leftover shrimp. If you have leftover shrimp, you can grill them for a quick and easy meal.
  • Grilled shrimp can be served on skewers, tacos, salads, or pasta. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce, such as cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or garlic butter sauce.

How Long To Grill Shrimp With Shell?

Grilling shrimp with the shell on is a delicious and easy way to cook them. The shell helps to protect the shrimp from drying out, and it also adds flavor. However, it is important to grill shrimp for the correct amount of time, so that they are cooked through but not overcooked.

The following is a general guide for grilling shrimp with the shell on:

  • Large shrimp with shells: 4-5 minutes per side
  • Small shrimp with shells: 2-3 minutes per side
  • Peeled shrimp: 1-2 minutes per side

Of course, the exact cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the shrimp and the heat of the grill. So, it is important to check the shrimp frequently and remove them from the grill when they are cooked through.

Specific Grilling Times

The following are some specific grilling times for different types of shrimp:

  • Large shrimp with shells: 4-5 minutes per side
  • Small shrimp with shells: 2-3 minutes per side
  • Peeled shrimp: 1-2 minutes per side
  • Shrimp skewers: 5-6 minutes per side
  • Shrimp cocktail: 1-2 minutes per side

It is important to note that these are just general guidelines. The exact cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the shrimp, the heat of the grill, and your personal preference. So, it is important to check the shrimp frequently and remove them from the grill when they are cooked through.

Troubleshooting

If you find that your shrimp are undercooked, simply grill them for longer. If you find that your shrimp are overcooked, simply grill them for less time. If your shrimp are sticking to the grill, you can use a non-stick cooking spray or oil the grill grates before cooking.

Here are some additional tips for grilling shrimp:

  • Use a hot grill. The ideal temperature for grilling shrimp is between 400F and 450F.
  • Grill the shrimp over direct heat. This will help to sear the shrimp and create a delicious crust.
  • Turn the shrimp frequently. This will help to cook them evenly.
  • Do not overcrowd the grill. This will help to prevent the shrimp from steaming and becoming overcooked.
  • Serve the shrimp immediately. Shrimp are best when they are cooked fresh and hot.

Grilling shrimp with the shell on is a delicious and easy way to cook them. By following these tips, you can ensure that your shrimp are cooked perfectly every time.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

  • [How to Grill Shrimp](https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-grill-shrimp-4156567)
  • [Grilled Shrimp Recipes](https://www.allrecipes.com/recipes/shrimp/grilled/)
  • [Grilled Shrimp Tips](https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/grilled-shrimp-tips-and-tricks-1941664)

    How long do I grill shrimp with shell?

Grilling shrimp with the shell on takes about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

What temperature should I grill shrimp with shell?

The ideal temperature for grilling shrimp with shell is 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can I grill shrimp with shell and deveined?

Yes, you can grill shrimp with shell and deveined. The cooking time will be slightly shorter, about 1-2 minutes per side.

What is the best way to grill shrimp with shell?

To grill shrimp with shell, you will need:

  • 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined (or unpeeled, if desired)
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
3. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
4. Serve immediately.

What are some tips for grilling shrimp with shell?

Here are some tips for grilling shrimp with shell:

  • Use a skewer or metal tongs to flip the shrimp so that they don’t fall through the grates.
  • Grill the shrimp in batches so that they don’t crowd the grill and cook unevenly.
  • Baste the shrimp with melted butter or olive oil halfway through cooking to help them stay moist.
  • Serve the shrimp immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

    Grilled shrimp is a delicious and easy-to-cook seafood dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. When grilling shrimp with the shell on, it is important to cook them for the proper amount of time to ensure that they are cooked through but not overcooked. The general rule of thumb is to grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and opaque. However, the specific cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the shrimp and the heat of the grill.

To ensure that your shrimp are cooked evenly, it is important to use a grill basket or skewers to keep them from sticking to the grill grates. You can also brush the shrimp with a little oil before grilling to help prevent them from drying out.

Grilled shrimp can be served with a variety of sauces, such as cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or a simple lemon-herb sauce. They can also be added to salads, tacos, or pasta dishes.

Whether you are grilling shrimp for a quick and easy weeknight meal or for a special occasion, following these tips will help you create delicious and perfectly cooked shrimp.

Key Takeaways:

  • Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and opaque.
  • Use a grill basket or skewers to keep the shrimp from sticking to the grill grates.
  • Brush the shrimp with a little oil before grilling to help prevent them from drying out.
  • Serve grilled shrimp with a variety of sauces, such as cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or a simple lemon-herb sauce.

Author Profile

Jennifer Lucks
Jennifer Lucks
With over 30 years experience, Lucks Caterers is a second generation family owned and operated business. We are committed to maintaining our family tradition of outstanding quality, excellence and reliability.

Our European trained head chef develops beautiful and delicious foods to catch the eye and satisfy the palate. Lucks provides you with imaginative and affordable menu selections.

In 2024, we embarked on a new chapter in our journey as we expanded our horizons to share our wealth of knowledge and expertise with a broader audience. With a keen focus on event management and culinary arts, we launched an informative blog aimed at empowering individuals with the insights and inspiration they need to plan unforgettable events and elevate their culinary skills.

Thank you for considering Lucks Caterers as your partner in culinary excellence. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with you and create unforgettable memories together.