Grilling shrimp on the barbecue is a delicious way to enjoy this succulent seafood. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or just craving some grilled shrimp, this simple and flavorful method will surely impress your guests. With a few key ingredients and some basic grilling techniques, you can easily create a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for any occasion.

To get started, it’s important to choose the right kind of shrimp. Fresh or frozen shrimp can be used, but make sure they’re peeled and deveined for easier grilling. If you prefer a stronger flavor, leave the shells on. Additionally, it’s advisable to use jumbo-sized shrimp as they are more substantial and less likely to overcook on the grill.

Before grilling, it’s essential to marinate the shrimp to enhance its taste. You can use a variety of marinades, such as a simple combination of olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs and spices. Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors effectively.

When it comes to grilling shrimp, timing is crucial to achieve perfectly cooked, juicy shrimp. Preheat your barbecue to medium heat and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the shrimp directly on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them as they can become rubbery and lose their tenderness.

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After grilling, serve the shrimp immediately while they’re still hot. You can garnish them with fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or cilantro, and squeeze some lemon juice over the top for an extra burst of flavor. Whether enjoyed on their own, in a salad, or as part of a seafood platter, these grilled shrimp will undoubtedly satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.

Remember, grilling shrimp on the barbecue is a quick and easy way to enjoy their delicate flavor. With a few essential ingredients and some grilling know-how, you can create a memorable dish that will impress your family and friends at your next BBQ gathering. So fire up the grill and get ready to indulge in some mouthwatering grilled shrimp!

Get Ready for Grilling

Before you start grilling your shrimp, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment ready. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • Shrimp: Make sure you have fresh or frozen shrimp available. You can choose to shell the shrimp before grilling or leave the shells on for added flavor.
  • Marinade: Prepare a marinade of your choice to add flavor to the shrimp. Popular options include lemon garlic, spicy Cajun, or teriyaki marinades.
  • Seasonings: Gather your favorite spices and seasonings to enhance the taste of the shrimp. Common options include salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs like parsley or cilantro.
  • Oil: Use a neutral oil such as vegetable or canola oil to prevent the shrimp from sticking to the grill.
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Equipment:

  • BBQ grill: Make sure your grill is clean and in good working condition.
  • Skewers: If you’re grilling shrimp with shells on, you can use skewers to make them easier to handle. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.
  • Grilling basket or tray: If you prefer grilling shrimp without skewers, a grilling basket or tray will prevent them from falling through the grill grates.
  • Tongs or spatula: Use these tools to flip the shrimp and ensure they cook evenly.
  • Basting brush: This will come in handy if you plan on basting the shrimp with marinade or melted butter while grilling.
  • Meat thermometer: To ensure the shrimp is cooked to the correct internal temperature, use a meat thermometer to check that it has reached 145°F (63°C).

With all your ingredients and equipment ready, you’re now prepared for the grilling process. Let’s move on to the next step: preparing the shrimp.

Choose Fresh Shrimp

When it comes to grilling shrimp on the barbecue, choosing fresh shrimp is essential for the best taste and texture. Here are some tips for selecting the freshest shrimp:

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  1. Look for shrimp that has a firm texture and a pleasant, sea-like smell. Avoid shrimp that smells fishy or has a mushy texture.
  2. Check for signs of discoloration, such as dark spots or blackening on the shell. Fresh shrimp should have a translucent appearance and a shiny shell.
  3. Inspect the package or ask the vendor about the harvest date and origin of the shrimp. Fresher shrimp typically have a shorter time span between harvest and sale.
  4. If possible, choose shrimp that is still in the shell. Shrimp with the shell intact tends to be fresher and more flavorful.
  5. Avoid shrimp that is stored in standing water or has a slimy appearance. This can be a sign of improper storage or handling.

By selecting fresh shrimp, you can ensure that your grilled shrimp will be delicious and full of flavor. Take your time to choose the best quality shrimp for a memorable barbecue experience.

Prepare the Marinade

To achieve delicious and flavor-packed grilled shrimp, it’s essential to start with a good marinade. The marinade will infuse the shrimp with flavors and help keep them juicy during cooking. Here’s how to prepare the marinade for the shrimp:

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
  3. Place the shrimp in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
  4. Pour the marinade over the shrimp, making sure they are coated evenly.
  5. Cover the dish or seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
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Once the marinade is ready, you can proceed to grill the shrimp using your preferred cooking method. Remember to discard any leftover marinade that came into contact with the raw shrimp to prevent cross-contamination. Enjoy your delicious grilled shrimp!

Preheat the BBQ

Before you start cooking shrimp on the BBQ, it is essential to preheat the grill. Preheating the BBQ ensures that it reaches the optimal temperature for cooking the shrimp to perfection.

Here are the steps to preheat the BBQ:

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  1. Make sure the BBQ is clean and free of any leftover debris from previous use.
  2. Open the lid of the BBQ and turn on the burners to high heat. If you are using charcoal, light them and let them burn until they are covered with a layer of gray ash.
  3. Close the lid and let the BBQ heat up for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the temperature inside the grill to rise and stabilize.

During the preheating process, it is important to keep the lid closed as much as possible. This helps to trap the heat and ensures an even distribution of temperature throughout the BBQ.

Once the BBQ is preheated and the shrimp is ready to be cooked, you can proceed to the next steps of grilling the shrimp to perfection.

Grilling the Shrimp

Once your shrimp has been marinated, it’s time to grill them to perfection. Preheat your BBQ to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F (190-204°C).

Before grilling, make sure to oil the grates to prevent the shrimp from sticking. You can use a brush or tongs to gently coat the grates with a high smoke point oil like vegetable or canola oil.

Place the marinated shrimp directly on the grill grates. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can easily become rubbery if left on the grill for too long.

While grilling, baste the shrimp with any leftover marinade or your favorite sauce for extra flavor. Keep a close eye on the shrimp and flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking on both sides.

Once the shrimp are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful shrimp.

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Serve the grilled shrimp hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro. They make a versatile dish and can be enjoyed on their own, as part of a salad, or in tacos. Enjoy!

Thread the Shrimp onto Skewers

Now that you have prepared your shrimp by cleaning and deveining them, it’s time to thread them onto skewers for grilling. This not only makes them easier to grill but also adds a nice presentation to your dish.

What You’ll Need

  • 8-10 large shrimp
  • Bamboo skewers

Instructions

  1. Soak the bamboo skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
  2. Take the cleaned and deveined shrimp and thread them onto the skewers through the body, piercing them near the tail and heading towards the head.
  3. Leave a small space between each shrimp to allow for even grilling.
  4. Continue threading the shrimp onto the skewers until each skewer is full, leaving a small space at the end for easy handling.
  5. Make sure the shrimp are evenly distributed on the skewers, and adjust accordingly if needed.

Once all the shrimp are threaded onto the skewers, they are ready for grilling. Proceed to the next step to learn how to cook shrimp on the BBQ.

FAQ

What is the best way to cook shrimp on the BBQ?

The best way to cook shrimp on the BBQ is to preheat the grill to medium-high heat and marinate the shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for about 15 minutes. Then, place the shrimp on skewers and grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.

Can I grill shrimp without skewers?

Yes, you can grill shrimp without skewers. Simply place the shrimp directly on the grill grates, making sure they are well-coated with oil or marinade to prevent sticking. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.

What are some good marinades for grilled shrimp?

There are many delicious marinades you can use for grilled shrimp. Some popular options include a mixture of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger for an Asian-inspired flavor, or a combination of olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and spices for a Mediterranean twist. Experiment with different marinades to find your favorite!

How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?

You can tell when the shrimp is cooked when it turns pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp will become rubbery and tough, so make sure to keep a close eye on them while grilling. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the shrimp, but it typically takes about 2-3 minutes per side.