How Long to Grill Shrimp on Big Green Egg

Are you ready to master the art of grilling shrimp on your Big Green Egg? Look no further!

In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of perfectly grilling shrimp on your beloved grill. From preparing the shrimp to checking for doneness, we’ve got you covered.

So grab your apron, fire up that Big Green Egg, and get ready to enjoy some succulent and flavorful grilled shrimp. Let’s dive in!

Shrimp Preparation

To properly prepare the shrimp, it’s important to peel and devein them before grilling. Start by gently removing the shell from the shrimp. Hold the shrimp by the tail and twist it off. Next, make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp using a sharp knife. Carefully lift the black vein and pull it out. Rinse the shrimp under cold water to remove any remaining debris.

Once the shrimp are prepared, it’s time to season them for grilling. There are numerous shrimp seasoning options available, but a simple and versatile combination is salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sprinkle the seasoning over the shrimp, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. The seasoning will enhance the natural flavors of the shrimp and add a delicious kick.

When grilling shrimp, it’s important to follow a few tips for optimal results. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned shrimp directly on the grill and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes per side. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when fully cooked. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery and lose their juiciness.

Preheating the Big Green Egg

Before grilling, make sure you preheat the Big Green Egg. Preheating is an essential step to ensure that your food cooks evenly and is full of flavor.

To preheat your Big Green Egg, start by lighting the charcoal. Open the bottom vent and place a fire starter in the middle of the charcoal. Light the fire starter and close the lid of the Egg. Allow the charcoal to burn for about 10 minutes until it becomes covered in gray ash. This indicates that the charcoal is ready for cooking.

Preheating your Big Green Egg has several benefits. Firstly, it helps to remove any residual odors or flavors from previous cookouts. This ensures that your food tastes fresh and delicious. Secondly, preheating allows the Egg to reach the desired cooking temperature more quickly, saving you time in the grilling process. Additionally, preheating helps to prevent food from sticking to the grates, as the heat helps to create a non-stick surface. Finally, preheating ensures that your food cooks evenly, resulting in perfectly grilled dishes every time.

By following these preheating tips and understanding the benefits of preheating, you can enhance your grilling experience and create mouthwatering meals on your Big Green Egg.

Timing for Grilling Shrimp on the Big Green Egg

When grilling shrimp on the Big Green Egg, it’s important to time the cooking process accurately. Here are some guidelines to help you achieve perfectly grilled shrimp every time:

1. Preheat the Big Green Egg: Before you start grilling the shrimp, make sure to preheat the Big Green Egg to the appropriate temperature. This will ensure that the shrimp cook evenly and get that delicious smoky flavor.

2. Marinate the shrimp: To enhance the flavor of the shrimp, marinate them in a flavorful marinade of your choice. Let the shrimp sit in the marinade for about 15-30 minutes before grilling.

3. Set the grilling temperature: The ideal grilling temperature for shrimp on the Big Green Egg is around 350-400°F. This high heat will help cook the shrimp quickly and give them a nice char.

4. Grill the shrimp: Place the marinated shrimp on the preheated grill, making sure to leave space between each piece. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.

Flipping and Basting the Shrimp

When it comes to grilling shrimp on the Big Green Egg, mastering the flipping technique is crucial for achieving perfectly cooked shrimp. The key is to gently flip the shrimp using a pair of tongs, ensuring that both sides are evenly cooked and that they don’t stick to the grill grates.

As for the best basting sauce, a flavorful combination of melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and your favorite seasonings will take your grilled shrimp to the next level. This sauce adds a delicious tangy and savory taste to every bite.

Flipping Technique for Shrimp

The best way to achieve even cooking is by flipping the shrimp halfway through grilling on the Big Green Egg. Follow these steps to ensure perfectly grilled shrimp every time:

1. Preheat the Big Green Egg to medium-high heat, around 350-400°F.

2. Place the marinated shrimp directly on the grill grates, making sure they are evenly spaced.

3. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they start to turn pink and slightly charred.

4. Using a pair of tongs, carefully flip each shrimp over and continue grilling for another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked.

Flipping the shrimp halfway through grilling allows both sides to evenly cook, resulting in deliciously juicy and flavorful shrimp. Don’t forget to brush any remaining marinade onto the shrimp after flipping for an extra burst of flavor.

Enjoy your perfectly grilled shrimp from the Big Green Egg!

Best Basting Sauce for Shrimp

Now that you know how to flip shrimp properly, let’s talk about the best basting sauce to use when grilling shrimp.

A delicious shrimp marinade can elevate the flavor and add a mouthwatering touch to your grilled shrimp. There are many options for basting sauces that pair perfectly with shrimp.

One popular choice is a garlic butter sauce, made by combining melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This sauce adds richness and a tangy kick to the shrimp.

Another alternative is a spicy barbecue sauce, which gives the shrimp a smoky and fiery flavor.

If you’re looking for something lighter, a citrus-based marinade with lemon or lime juice and fresh herbs can provide a refreshing taste.

Experiment with different basting sauces to find your favorite and take your grilled shrimp to the next level.

Checking for Doneness

To check if your shrimp is done, you’ll want to give it a gentle squeeze to see if it’s firm and opaque. Here are four steps to help you determine if your grilled shrimp is perfectly cooked:

1. Look for grill marks: When grilling shrimp, it’s important to achieve those beautiful grill marks. They not only add visual appeal but also enhance the flavor. Make sure to flip the shrimp halfway through cooking to get those charred lines on both sides.

2. Check the internal temperature: While the squeeze test is a good indicator, it’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure your shrimp is cooked to perfection. The internal temperature of cooked shrimp should reach 145°F (63°C).

3. Observe the color: Overcooked shrimp tends to turn pink and curl tightly. If your shrimp is still translucent and has a slight curve, it needs more cooking time. Once it turns opaque with a slight pink hue and a gentle C-shape, it’s ready to be taken off the grill.

4. Trust your instincts: Sometimes, experience and intuition play a significant role in determining doneness. If you’ve grilled shrimp before and have a good sense of how they should look and feel when cooked, go with your gut feeling.

Serving and Enjoying Grilled Shrimp on the Big Green Egg

When serving and enjoying your grilled shrimp on the Big Green Egg, make sure to pair it with a refreshing side salad or a zesty dipping sauce to complement the smoky flavors.

Grilled shrimp is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. One popular way to prepare grilled shrimp is by marinating it in flavorful marinades before grilling. These marinades can range from simple combinations of olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice to more complex blends of spices and herbs. The marinade not only adds flavor to the shrimp but also helps to keep it moist and tender during the grilling process.

Another popular option is to thread the shrimp onto skewers before grilling, creating shrimp skewers that are easy to handle and serve. This method allows for even cooking and adds a fun presentation to your dish. Whichever method you choose, be sure to grill the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. The shrimp should be firm to the touch but still slightly springy.

Once cooked, serve the grilled shrimp alongside your favorite side salad or with a zesty dipping sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, grilling shrimp on the Big Green Egg is a delicious and easy process. By following the recommended timing and flipping and basting the shrimp, you can achieve perfectly cooked and flavorful results.

Remember to check for doneness by ensuring the shrimp are opaque and firm to the touch. Once done, serve and enjoy your grilled shrimp right off the Big Green Egg.

With a little preparation and attention to timing, you’ll be able to impress your guests with this tasty dish.