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These grilled shrimp are so easy to make. From start to finish, this recipe takes about 20 minutes!
Simply coat the shrimp with olive oil and spices, thread them on skewers, and grill them for a total of six minutes.
![Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (1) Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (1)](https://i0.wp.com/healthyrecipesblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/grilled-shrimp-1-2022.jpg)
This is one of my favorite recipes to make for my family. I love that you don't need to marinate the shrimp. Simply season and grill! They are delicious, and even the leftovers are excellent.
Shrimp are small, so they're ready fast, making them ideal for a weeknight dinner. Apart from grilling them, I have several other ways of preparing them, including baked shrimp, broiled shrimp, and sauteed shrimp.
Jump to:
- Ingredients
- Choose Large Shrimp
- Variations
- Instructions
- Expert Tips
- Recipe FAQs
- Serving Suggestions
- Storing Leftovers
- More Shrimp Recipes
- Foodie Newsletter
- Recipe Card
- Reviews
Ingredients
![Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (2) Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (2)](https://i0.wp.com/healthyrecipesblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Grilled-Shrimp-ingredients.jpg)
You'll only need a few ingredients to make this recipe. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:
- Raw shrimp: I use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp in this recipe.
- Olive oil: I love this flavorful oil and use it frequently when I cook. However, it has a low smoke point, so you can use avocado oil instead if you'd like.
- To season: Kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Choose Large Shrimp
Shrimp come in several sizes. The ones I use most often in my cooking are medium (51-60pieces per pound), large (31-40 pieces per pound), extra-large (21-25 pieces per pound), and jumbo (16-20 pieces per pound).
![Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (3) Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (3)](https://i0.wp.com/healthyrecipesblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/shrimp-sizes.jpg)
I don't recommend using small or medium shrimp for grilling. It's difficult to thread them on skewers. Their small size means they can quickly become too dry on the grill. They are better suited for a shrimp salad.
The best shrimp sizes for grilling are large, extra-large, or jumbo. When making this recipe, I typically use large shrimp:
![Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (4) Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (4)](https://i0.wp.com/healthyrecipesblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Grilled-Shrimp-size.jpg)
Large and extra-large shrimp will need about three minutes per side on the grill; for jumbo ones, add 30 seconds per side for a total of seven minutes. When shrimp are done, they are opaque throughout.
Variations
- Sometimes, I use melted butter instead of olive oil. It's excellent! Ghee is another tasty option.
- Try different spices, such as onion powder and chili powder. I especially like chili powder in this recipe. I add ½ teaspoon of any additional spice.
- Omit the smoked paprika. When the shrimp are done, sprinkle them with dry-grated parmesan cheese. This is my husband's favorite version.
- For more heavily spiced shrimp, as shown in the photo below, double the garlic powder and smoked paprika.
![Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (5) Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (5)](https://i0.wp.com/healthyrecipesblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/grilled-shrimp-ready.jpg)
Instructions
Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps for making grilled shrimp:
Start by placing the shrimp in a large bowl. Add olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Toss to coat.
![Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (6) Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (6)](https://i0.wp.com/healthyrecipesblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Grilled-Shrimp-olive-oil.jpg)
![Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (7) Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (7)](https://i0.wp.com/healthyrecipesblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Grilled-Shrimp-spices.jpg)
![Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (8) Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (8)](https://i0.wp.com/healthyrecipesblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Grilled-Shrimp-coated.jpg)
Thread the shrimp onto skewers.
![Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (9) Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (9)](https://i0.wp.com/healthyrecipesblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Grilled-Shrimp-threaded.jpg)
Grill them until opaque and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side, over medium-high heat. Serve immediately.
![Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (10) Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (10)](https://i0.wp.com/healthyrecipesblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/shrimp-on-grill.jpg)
![Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (11) Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (11)](https://i0.wp.com/healthyrecipesblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Grilled-Shrimp-served.jpg)
Expert Tips
- Since shrimp are small and delicate, your top priority as a cook is to avoid overcooking them. Obviously, you want them fully cooked. But do take them off the grill the moment they're no longer translucent.
- I prefer garlic powder to fresh minced garlic in this recipe because it more uniformly coats the shrimp and doesn't burn as quickly.
- You can use an outdoor grill, an indoor dual-contact electric grill, or a grill pan to make this recipe.
- Don't expect your shrimp to have grill marks. They cook so fast that there's no time for grill marks to form.
- Using skewers is convenient, but you can grill the shrimp on a grill pan without skewers, as shown in the photo below. When I do this, I flip them with two small spoons.
![Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (12) Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (12)](https://i0.wp.com/healthyrecipesblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/grilled-shrimp-pan-2.jpg)
Recipe FAQs
How long do you grill shrimp?
You only need to grill them for about 3 minutes on each side over medium-high heat. They are small, so they cook fast.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
No, because you won't be able to thread them on skewers. In addition, it's difficult to cook them evenly when frozen, and they tend to release water into the grill.
But you can quickly defrost them by placing them in a large bowl, filling it with cool water, and replacing the water once or twice.
Should I soak wooden skewers?
Yes. Wooden skewers can burn on a hot grill. Soaking them in water is not foolproof, but some say it helps prevent them from burning.
Should I marinate the shrimp?
That's unnecessary. I simply coat them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and spices, then grill them. Easy and quick!
Serving Suggestions
Since I usually make them in the summer, I like to serve grilled shrimp with any of the following light and easy sides:
- Tomato salad
- Creamy cucumber salad
- Asparagus salad
- Broiled tomatoes
- Vegetable kabobs
- Yellow squash fritters
They are also excellent with a variety of roasted vegetables, such as roasted fennel, roasted zucchini, roasted asparagus, and roasted mini peppers (photographed below):
![Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (13) Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (13)](https://i0.wp.com/healthyrecipesblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/grilled-shrimp-mini-peppers-plate.jpg)
Storing Leftovers
You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in a sealed container, for up to 3 days. I like to use them cold in a salad for lunch the next day. They are excellent in this arugula salad and can replace the chicken in this Cobb salad.
I often make a simple salad of lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and sliced olives and add these shrimp. I drizzle the salad with blue cheese dressing:
![Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (14) Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (14)](https://i0.wp.com/healthyrecipesblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/grilled-shrimp-leftovers-salad-2.jpg)
If you prefer to reheat the leftovers, do so gently in the microwave at 50% power.
![Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (15) Perfectly Grilled Shrimp - Healthy Recipes Blog (15)](https://i0.wp.com/healthyrecipesblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/grilled-shrimp-2-2022.jpg)
More Shrimp Recipes
- Pesto Shrimp
- Sesame Shrimp
- Boiled Shrimp
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Recipe Card
4.99 from 251 votes
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Perfectly Grilled Shrimp
These grilled shrimp are so easy to make. This recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time6 minutes mins
Total Time16 minutes mins
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Servings: 3 servings
Calories: 322kcal
Author: Vered DeLeeuw
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pound raw shrimp large, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt or ¼ teaspoon of any other salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
Heat your grill on medium-high.
Place the shrimp in a large bowl.
Add the olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Toss to coat.
Thread the shrimp on six skewers, about 8 shrimp per skewer.
Grill the shrimp until opaque, about 3 minutes on each side. If using a dual-contact grill, grill them for 5 minutes. Serve immediately.
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Notes
- Since shrimp are so small and delicate, your top priority as a cook is to avoid overcooking them. Obviously, you want them fully cooked. But do take them off the grill the moment they're no longer translucent.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes before using them.
- I don't recommend using small or medium shrimp for grilling. It's difficult to thread them on skewers, and they are so small that they can become too dry on the grill. The best shrimp sizes for grilling are large, extra-large, or jumbo. Large and extra-large shrimp will need about three minutes per side on the grill. For jumbo ones, add 30 seconds per side for a total of seven minutes.
- Don't expect your shrimp to have grill marks. They cook so fast that there's no time for grill marks to form.
- You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in a sealed container, for up to 3 days. I like to use them cold in a salad.If you prefer to reheat the leftovers, do so gently in the microwave at 50% power.
Nutrition per Serving
Serving: 0.3 recipe | Calories: 322 kcal | Carbohydrates: 2 g | Protein: 46 g | Fat: 13 g | Saturated Fat: 2 g | Sodium: 522 mg
About the Author
Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.
Reader Interactions
Comments
John N
Wonderful recipe! I don't have a grill. Broiled in oven at 450 degrees for 4 minutes per side. Turned out wonderful/Reply
Vered DeLeeuw
Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe, John. Thanks for the review and for sharing your method.
Reply
Vonnie
Aussies just have to substitute prawns for shrimps and it all comes together.Reply
Deborah Delano Houchins
I am allergic to shrimp so I can only report on what my dinner guests say and they all gave this a score of 10. As far as ease, the prep and cooking time make this a perfect dinner selection.Reply
Vered DeLeeuw
I'm so glad your guests enjoyed these shrimp, Deborah! I'm also glad that you found this recipe easy to make.
Reply