4 Tips for Barbecuing Shrimp Like a Boss

Are you looking to impress your guests with a plate of delicious barbecue shrimp? Do you find it difficult to create shrimp recipes that your loved ones approve of? If so, then you need to learn all that you can about barbecuing shrimp the right way.

Grilled shrimp is easy, but a bit more intricate than most people realize. With just a little preparation and diligence, you can create loads of shrimp your entire family will look forward to.

See below for an in-depth guide on the best method for barbecuing shrimp and getting a perfectly cooked set every time.

1. Find High-Quality Shrimp

Believe it or not, the results of your grilled shrimp can be determined as early as when you grab it from the store. If you don't invest in fresh shrimp, then you aren't going to like the results of your grill session.

Make sure that you're purchasing raw shrimp, not precooked. Don't take it home with the intent of freezing it; shrimp should only be frozen once before usage. The shrimp you buy at the store was likely frozen for distribution, so don't freeze it again.

Get a firm headcount on how many people you'll be feeding. Aim to grill as much as 1/2 pound per person if shrimp is the main dish that night. 

Smell plays a very important role in the freshness of your shrimp. A fishy smell is fine, but you don't want to purchase any shrimp with an offputting stench. Such stenches include a fish-gone-wrong odor, the smell of rotten eggs (which is actually ammonia), and so forth.

If you're buying shrimp with the intent of grilling them that night (which is what we recommend), then pour them right into a bowl. Mix the bowl with one part baking soda and three parts water; let them soak for 10 minutes and then rinse it with cold water.

2. Prepare That Tasty Shrimp

Most people have a misconception about grilling. They think that the results are a matter of talent and skill. For example, if a person makes more delicious shrimp than your batch, you assume it's because they've got more experience or are a grillmaster.

Well as ever grillmaster will tell you: the secret is in the preparation. No delicious, juicy piece of shrimp occurs without taking the time to properly prep and season the shrimp.

Before you prep the shrimp, you need to decide whether you will be grilling them shelled or de-shelled. The choice is entirely up to you.

If you're looking to pack as much flavor into the shrimp as possible, then you'll want to remove the shell before cooking. Set a bowl on the table and deshell the shrimp, placing the veins inside a bowl to be thrown away.

For a basic, no-nonsense (but delicious) batch, fill a small bowl with olive oil, butter, and barbecue sauce. Dip a barbecue brush into the mixture and coat each piece of shrimp with it on both sides. Don't hold back, really lather those things up!

3. Skewer the Shrimp

Skewering the shrimp makes the rest of the process a whole lot easier. Layout all of the materials for skewering your shrimp, then walk out to your grill and turn it on.

Let it warm up (on low to medium heat) while you tend to the shrimp in this step. If you need a new grill, then be sure to read this article detailing Napoleon vs Weber grills. It's a great read!

Assuming you're using wooden skewers, you should let your skewers soak in water for a few minutes before using them. This will help them hold their integrity while you grill. 

Grab a skewer and a piece of your lathered-up shrimp. Place the shrimp flat on the table, then insert the skewer through the middle and slide the shrimp all the way down. Leave a bit of room on either side of the skewer so that you can flip them on the grill.

If you want a bit more control while grilling them, then you might consider placing two skewers inside each piece of shrimp. This also makes it easier to flip and ensures both sides get cooked evenly. It's worth the extra effort!

4. Grill to Perfection

Everything you've done has to lead you to this beautiful moment; now all you have to do is grill the shrimp to perfection!

Make sure the heat is on low heat, then start setting your shrimp skewers on the grate of the grill. It doesn't matter which way you lay them (across, down, or diagonal), just make sure there's space between each. 

Wait for the shrimp to cook for 4 minutes on one side, then flip them on the other side. The key is waiting for the entire shrimp to turn a pinkish tint. Once the 4 minutes is up on both sides, remove them and place them on a plate.

While the shrimp is still grilling, you might consider squeezing a little lemon for a zesty flavor. It also makes the grill smell fantastic! Let the shrimp cool a bit before serving. If you're trying to keep them warm for other portions of the meal to cook, wrap the plate in aluminum foil.

Barbecuing Shrimp: Grill Your Next Batch of Mouth-Watering Shrimp

Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on barbecuing shrimp and how to do it like a champ, be sure to use this information wisely.

Take the time to browse our website for more articles on how to grill a shrimp, as well as many other topics you will find interesting.