Shrimp cook quickly on the grill and are easy to overcook. These pointers help you get tender, flavorful results every time.
What you'll need
You will need raw shrimp (peeled and deveined for easy eating, or shell-on for extra flavor), a little oil, salt, and whatever seasonings your recipe calls for. Skewers are helpful — they keep shrimp from slipping through the grate and make turning them all at once easy. If using wooden skewers, soak them first so they do not scorch.
Step by step
- Pat the shrimp dry and toss with a little oil and seasoning.
- Thread them onto skewers if using.
- Place them over direct heat and let them cook undisturbed until the underside turns opaque and takes on color, then turn once and cook the other side briefly.
- Shrimp cook very fast — they are done as soon as they turn pink and opaque and curl into a loose C shape.
Tips for best results
The number one rule with shrimp is do not overcook them: a tightly curled, rubbery shrimp has gone too far. Keep the grill hot so they sear quickly, and stay close — they can go from perfect to overdone in under a minute. Larger shrimp are more forgiving on the grill than small ones.
Related guides
Recipes to try
- Thai Stir-Fried Lemon Herb Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
- Spicy Chili Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Herb Rice
- Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Herb Couscous
- Spicy Chili Grilled Shrimp Skewers
- Thai Spicy Chili Grilled Shrimp Skewers
- Thai Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp
- Thai Grilled Coconut Lime Shrimp
- Thai Stir-Fried Shrimp with Coconut Lime
- Thai Grilled Shrimp with Coconut Lime Sauce
- Thai Grilled Lemongrass Shrimp Skewers
- Spicy Chili Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Herb Quinoa
- Thai Stir-Fried Lemongrass Shrimp
Ready to cook? Browse all shrimp recipes.