With its low price tag, grilled shrimp is the quickest-cooking protein you can grill. It has an air of sophistication without the wait time, making it perfect for a midweek meal or appetiser. The smokiness that we all adore in grilled shrimp is only one of several flavours that they can easily absorb. So if you have been flipping through grilled shrimp recipes and don’t know how to get it on the first try perfectly, this guide will make sure you never have rubbery grilled shrimp! The question is how to keep the prawns from drying out or falling into the grill while cooking. Curious? This step-by-step guide details the best ways to prepare simple grilled shrimp!
Step 1: How to shop for easy grilled shrimp
Grilling shrimp is best done with larger shrimp since their size prevents them from dropping through the grill grates or being overcooked. The term "large" can refer to various sizes, ranging from U/10 (indicating fewer than 10 shrimp per 500 grams, which makes them huge) to 20/25 shrimp per 500 grams, the size most commonly found in grocery stores. For more flavour and less money, buy prawns with their shells and tails still on them and peel them yourself. If you can get your hands on some fresh, local prawns, don't waste the opportunity; frozen prawns are a lifesaver when you need a quick lunch. If you're shopping for prawns, go for huge, enormous or gigantic ones since they're usually the most succulent and delicious. Also, bigger prawns are simpler to work with while grilling! These features will ensure you have the perfect shrimp for your grilled shrimp recipes!
Want to make sure you have the perfect shrimp for your simple grilled shrimp recipe? Firm, translucent, pale pink or grey with red gills, and free of damage to body and shell are all signs of fresh prawns. When prawns exhibit black spots, missing pieces, a slimy texture, or an unpleasant odour, it indicates that they have reached their prime. Frozen shrimp is usually the preferred choice since the "fresh" seafood seen on shop shelves really came frozen and are only allowed to defrost for presentation. This approach is the most optimal and recent choice if you happen to reside in an area where live prawns can be purchased.
Step 2: Thawing your shrimp
If frozen, thaw the prawns in the fridge overnight or rinse them in cold water for an hour. Before getting the prawns ready to cook, rinse and drain them in a colander. Make sure to pat them dry. This will make sure your shrimp is optimum for any grilled shrimp recipe!
Step 3: Flavouring your grilled shrimp
As a summertime staple, grilled shrimp provide a welcome change of pace from the usual fare of burgers and hot dogs. They should be juicy, with a hint of smoke, and full of taste when cooked to perfection. Their rapid cooking time also makes them susceptible to becoming rubbery or dry if handled carelessly. If you want your prawns to turn out perfectly when grilled, marinating them in a sugary mixture is a must. We found that soaking proteins in baking soda imparts an iodine-like flavour and scent, even though several grilled shrimp recipes vouch for its tenderising effects.
If you want your shrimp to have a crunchier texture, try rubbing them dry with rock salt for 30 minutes before rinsing them. This procedure will draw out excess water from the shrimp. Marinating for too long could cause the texture to break down, especially when using acidic components like citrus. As a bonus, citrus fruits may 'cook' prawns, resulting in mouthwatering ceviche and aguachile. The key to delicious grilled prawns is using full-fat yoghurt. Want a simple grilled shrimp recipe? Keep it simple with yoghurt and lemon juice! The shrimp are well seasoned with fresh herbs, garlic and lemon juice, and the acidity of the yoghurt makes them even softer before grilling. The yoghurt fat prevents the prawns from drying out when they're grilled.
Step 4: Prep your shrimp for the grill
To make flipping and removing the prawns from the grill simpler and to prevent them from falling into the grill flames, run a skewer or two through them. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them for at least two hours (or overnight) before grilling; otherwise, you can use metal skewers. Thoroughly deshell the prawns, including the tails, and thread them onto a skewer after they have thawed. This is one of the best shrimp grilling ideas if you are new to the grill! Although there are a few different approaches, we have found that for the best grilled shrimp, sharp kitchen shears work best for peeling and deveining. You can extract most of the vein at once by running the blade through the shell's top.
Step 5: Grilling your shrimp
Get the grill hot, between 375 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a wire brush to scrub the grill grate after it's heated. Before grilling shrimp or any other meal, grease the grill grate so it doesn't stick. This procedure is an essential step to make sure you ace your grilled shrimp recipes!
Charcoal and gas grills both work well for grilled shrimp; however, the heat-up process is different. Lighting a gas grill is all it takes to get it to the temperature you want. Charcoal grilling entails heating the charcoal chunks in the chimney, spreading them evenly on the bottom grate, and setting the top grate above the embers. To properly cook prawns, place them over direct heat or immediately over an oven or stovetop hob. Grilling over hot coals is the way to go for a charcoal grill, while grilling directly over a flame is the way to go for a gas grill. The amount of time you need to cook the prawns (1–2 minutes each side) depends on their size. Monitor the prawns during cooking and flip them periodically to prevent overcooking.
Before serving, make sure the prawns are evenly spaced out; otherwise, they will continue to cook, which might cause them to be overdone.
Simple grilled shrimp recipes
Looking for ways to spice up your simple grilled shrimp?
- Try these seafood recipes for the best pescatarian meals!
- Need to elevate your grilled shrimp into a hearty meal? Try this flavourful shrimp fried rice recipe, we know you will love!
- Nobody does seafood better than the Bengalis! Here are some innovative Bengali shrimp recipes that you need to try.