How Long to Grill Cooked Shrimp? Perfect Grilling Times for Pre-Cooked Shrimp
Grilling cooked shrimp is a quick and easy way to add smoky flavor to a versatile ingredient. You should grill pre-cooked shrimp for just 1-2 minutes per side over medium-high heat, until they are heated through and slightly charred; overcooking will result in rubbery shrimp.
Why Grill Cooked Shrimp? A Flavorful Shortcut
Grilling cooked shrimp offers a convenient way to elevate a pre-cooked ingredient. It’s faster than grilling raw shrimp, minimizing the risk of overcooking. It infuses a delightful smoky flavor that complements the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- Convenience: Cooked shrimp are ready to eat, so grilling is purely for flavor and texture enhancement.
- Speed: The short cooking time makes it an ideal option for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Flavor: Grilling imparts a smoky char and caramelized notes, adding depth to the shrimp’s taste.
Selecting Your Cooked Shrimp
Choosing the right type of cooked shrimp is crucial for achieving the best results on the grill. Different sizes and preparations will affect the grilling time and overall outcome.
- Size: Jumbo shrimp will take slightly longer to heat through than smaller varieties.
- Preparation: Peeled and deveined shrimp are the most convenient option for grilling.
- Type: Choose shrimp that have been cooked using a method you trust. Ideally, select those steamed or poached. Shrimp that have been heavily processed may not hold up as well on the grill.
Grilling Essentials: Tools and Preparation
Before you fire up the grill, make sure you have the necessary tools and have properly prepared your shrimp.
- Grill: A gas or charcoal grill works equally well. Ensure it’s clean and well-oiled.
- Skewers (Optional): Skewers prevent shrimp from falling through the grates and make them easier to manage. Metal skewers are reusable, while wooden skewers should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.
- Tongs: For flipping and removing the shrimp from the grill.
- Oil: For lightly coating the shrimp and grill grates to prevent sticking. Olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil are all suitable choices.
- Marinade/Seasoning: While optional, a simple marinade or seasoning can enhance the flavor of the shrimp.
The Grilling Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps for perfectly grilled cooked shrimp every time:
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-450°F). Clean the grates and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Shrimp: If using skewers, thread the shrimp onto them. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to help them brown.
- Season or Marinate (Optional): Toss the shrimp with your desired marinade or seasoning.
- Grill the Shrimp: Place the shrimp on the preheated grill. Grill for 1-2 minutes per side, or until heated through and slightly charred.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the shrimp from the grill and serve immediately.
Avoiding Common Mistakes: Don’t Overcook!
The biggest mistake people make when grilling cooked shrimp is overcooking them. This results in a rubbery and unpleasant texture.
- Don’t walk away! Grilled shrimp cook very quickly, so keep a close eye on them.
- Watch for visual cues: The shrimp are done when they are heated through and have a slight char.
- Avoid overcrowding the grill: Overcrowding reduces the heat and can lead to uneven cooking.
Serving Suggestions: Complementing the Grilled Flavor
Grilled cooked shrimp are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes.
- As an appetizer: Serve with a dipping sauce, such as cocktail sauce, garlic butter, or lemon aioli.
- In salads: Add grilled shrimp to salads for a protein boost and smoky flavor.
- In tacos or wraps: Grilled shrimp make a delicious filling for tacos, wraps, or lettuce cups.
- With pasta: Toss grilled shrimp with pasta, vegetables, and your favorite sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen cooked shrimp?
Yes, you can. Thaw the shrimp completely before grilling. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and ensure they brown properly on the grill.
What’s the best marinade for grilled cooked shrimp?
A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs works wonderfully. Other options include teriyaki sauce, chili-lime marinade, or a Cajun spice blend. Remember that pre-cooked shrimp doesn’t need long to absorb the marinade, 15-30 minutes is sufficient.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
The shrimp are done when they are heated through, slightly opaque, and have a slight char. Avoid overcooking, as this will make them rubbery. Aim for an internal temperature of around 120-140°F.
Can I grill shrimp with the shells on?
Yes, grilling shrimp with the shells on helps to retain moisture and flavor. However, it may take slightly longer to heat through. Ensure the shrimp are clean before grilling. The shell will provide a protective layer, but still watch carefully to prevent overcooking.
Should I oil the shrimp or the grill grates?
Oiling both the shrimp and the grill grates is recommended to prevent sticking. Lightly coat the shrimp with oil and use a brush to oil the grates.
What temperature should my grill be for cooking cooked shrimp?
Aim for a medium-high heat, around 375-450°F. This allows the shrimp to heat through quickly and develop a nice char without overcooking.
Can I use a grill pan instead of a regular grill?
Yes, you can use a grill pan. Preheat the pan over medium-high heat and follow the same grilling instructions as with a regular grill. Ensure the pan is well-oiled to prevent sticking. The resulting flavor may not be quite as smoky as cooking on a regular grill.
How long can I store leftover grilled cooked shrimp?
Leftover grilled cooked shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure they are stored in an airtight container.
Can I reheat grilled cooked shrimp?
Reheating grilled cooked shrimp can dry them out. The best way to reheat them is gently in a pan with a little butter or oil, or in the microwave for a very short time. Avoid overcooking.
What sides go well with grilled cooked shrimp?
Grilled cooked shrimp pairs well with a variety of sides, such as rice, quinoa, grilled vegetables, salads, and pasta. Consider serving with a side of coleslaw or a fresh salsa.
Is it safe to eat cooked shrimp that has been grilled?
Yes, as long as the shrimp were properly cooked and handled. Ensure the shrimp are heated through to an internal temperature of 120-140°F to eliminate any potential bacteria.
What are some creative ways to use grilled cooked shrimp?
Grilled cooked shrimp can be used in a variety of dishes, such as shrimp scampi, shrimp tacos, shrimp salad, shrimp pasta, and shrimp skewers. Get creative and experiment with different flavors and cuisines! They make a wonderful addition to summer salads and cold noodle dishes.