How to Cook Shrimp on A Pellet Grill

Shrimp on a pellet grill may seem like a daunting task for some, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll never look back. Pellet grills are a great way to cook seafood because they can reach high temperatures quickly and impart delicious smoky flavors to your dishes. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to cook shrimp on a pellet grill with ease. Whether you’re looking for an appetizer, a main dish, or just a quick and easy meal, this method is perfect for any occasion. So fire up your pellet grill and get ready to make some seriously tasty shrimp!

1. Prep your shrimp for the grill

First things first, you want to make sure your shrimp are prepped and ready for the grill. Rinse them off and pat them dry with paper towels. Then, remove the shells and devein the shrimp if necessary. You can leave the tails on for presentation purposes or remove them for easier eating.

Next, it’s time to marinate your shrimp for maximum flavor. You can use your favorite marinade recipe or simply cover the shrimp in olive oil and seasonings such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

If you decide to skewer your shrimp, soak the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning on the grill. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a small amount of space in between each one for even cooking.

Before turning on the grill, make sure to heat it up to the desired temperature. This will ensure that your shrimp cook evenly and to perfection. You can also apply a light coat of oil to the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Once the grill is hot and ready, place the skewered shrimp on the grill grates or in a grilling basket. Cook the shrimp for about 6-8 minutes, rotating the skewers to grill on all sides. Check the shrimp for doneness – they should be pink and opaque. For added flavor, add minced garlic and spices on top of the shrimp before grilling.

Finally, enjoy your delicious grilled shrimp with your favorite sides and drinks. With these tips, your shrimp will turn out perfectly grilled every time.

2. Marinate your shrimp for maximum flavor

Now that you have prepared your shrimp for the grill, it’s time to marinate them for maximum flavor. Marinating shrimp is the secret behind its successful cooking and its equally delicious taste. Brine is the best way to season shrimp before cooking.

In a bowl, add vinegar, lemon, cumin, garlic, onion powder, and paprika, and stir well until the ingredients reach all the shrimp. Once mixed, let the shrimp sit in the marinade in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This step ensures that all the flavors and spices penetrate the shrimp and give them a delicious taste.

Marinating your shrimp is an excellent way to keep them moist and flavorful while cooking. Plus, you can customize the marinade with your favorite herbs and spices according to your taste.

By following these steps, your shrimp will be bursting with flavor and will be a crowd-pleaser at any BBQ or grill party. Keep reading below to learn how to cook your marinated shrimp to perfection on a pellet grill!

3. Skewer your shrimp for easy grilling

Now that you’ve prepped and marinated your shrimp, it’s time to skewer them for easy grilling on your pellet grill. Skewers make it easy to turn your shrimp on the grill without worrying about them falling through the grates. Luckily, it’s simple to do.

First, head to your local kitchen store or online retailer to purchase metal or bamboo skewers. If using bamboo skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to avoid burning on the grill. Then, take the cleaned and deveined shrimp and carefully thread them onto the skewers, keeping them evenly spaced for even cooking.

Once all the shrimp are skewered, it’s time to heat up the pellet grill. Remember to set it to the appropriate temperature for cooking shrimp, which should be around 375°F. While the grill heats up, apply oil to the grill grates to prevent sticking.

When the grill is ready, place your skewers onto the hot grill and begin cooking. It should take about 6-8 minutes for the shrimp to cook through, but be sure to rotate the skewers occasionally to grill all sides of the shrimp.

Finally, before serving, add extra flavor to your shrimp by brushing them with garlic, spices, or herbs. Then, remove the skewers from the grill and enjoy your delicious grilled shrimp. By skewering your shrimp, you’ll have a tasty and easy dish to impress your guests with minimal effort.

4. Heat up the pellet grill

Now that you’ve prepped and marinated your shrimp, it’s time to fire up the pellet grill. Start by turning the grill on to its highest temperature setting and letting it preheat for about 10-15 minutes. This will ensure that the grill is hot enough to cook your shrimp quickly and evenly.

While the grill is preheating, it’s a good idea to prepare your skewers for grilling. Thread each shrimp onto a skewer, making sure to leave some space in between each one to ensure even cooking. Once all of your shrimp are skewered, you’re ready to start grilling.

Before placing your shrimp on the grill, it’s important to apply some oil to the grates to prevent sticking. You can use a paper towel or a grill brush to apply the oil evenly. Once the oil is applied, it’s time to place your shrimp on the grill.

Grill the shrimp for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque. Depending on the size of your shrimp, they may cook faster or slower, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.

Once your shrimp are cooked to your liking, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. If you like, you can sprinkle them with some minced garlic or your favorite spices to add an extra kick of flavor.

Now that you know how to heat up your pellet grill and cook delicious shrimp, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your tasty creation!

5. Apply oil to the grill for non-stick grilling

Now that you have prepped and marinated your shrimp, it’s time to get the grill ready for cooking. To ensure that your shrimp doesn’t stick to the grill, it’s important to apply oil to the grates. This will also help with even cooking and prevent any flare-ups.

Using a paper towel, gently apply a neutral oil such as vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil to the grates of your pellet grill. Be careful not to use too much oil as this can cause flare-ups and affect the taste of your shrimp.

Once the grates are oiled, heat up the grill to 350F and ensure that it’s at the right temperature before placing your shrimp onto the grill. Remember to use big shrimp to grill to make it easier and less chance of overcooking. Using indirect heat and letting the pellet grill do the work for you, the shrimp will cook evenly and come out tender and delicious.

Don’t forget to rotate your skewers to grill on all sides and check the shrimp for doneness. Once the internal temperature of fully cooked smoked shrimp is 120 degrees F and the shell turns a bright pink, it’s time to take them off the grill. For extra flavor, add some minced garlic and spices to your liking.

Now that you’ve successfully cooked your shrimp on the pellet grill, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your delicious creation with your friends and family.

6. Cook the shrimp on the pellet grill for 6-8 minutes

Now that your shrimp are all prepped and skewered, it’s time to fire up that pellet grill! Make sure it’s nice and hot before starting to cook. Apply a thin layer of oil to the grill grates to prevent sticking. Once the grill is heated up, place the shrimp skewers on the grill and let them cook for 6-8 minutes. Be sure to rotate the skewers frequently to ensure even cooking on all sides.

Keep an eye on the shrimp as they cook. They should turn pink and start to curl up. When they’re done, they should have a slightly firm texture, but not be tough or rubbery. If you’re unsure, you can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer – it should read 145°F. Once they’re cooked through, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

For an extra burst of flavor, you can add some minced garlic and/or spices to the shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking. Sprinkle them over the skewers and let them cook for a minute or two longer. This will give your shrimp an amazing aroma and flavor – yum!

Congratulations, you’ve successfully cooked shrimp on a pellet grill! Now sit back, relax, and enjoy your delicious meal with family and friends.

7. Rotate skewers to grill on all sides

Now that your shrimp has been cooking on the pellet grill for a few minutes, it’s time to rotate the skewers to ensure that they’re evenly grilled on all sides. This will help avoid any overcooked or undercooked sections. Use tongs to carefully turn the skewers, making sure that each shrimp is facing a new direction. Don’t forget to be gentle so that the shrimp doesn’t accidentally slip off the skewer. Rotating the skewers will also help develop a gorgeous grill mark and char that will add depth of flavor to your shrimp. Keep grilling for another few minutes, making sure you continue to monitor the heat and doneness of the shrimp. This is the final step in ensuring you have perfectly grilled shrimp, so take your time and enjoy!

8. Check shrimp for doneness

Now comes the exciting part – checking if your shrimp is cooked to perfection! To ensure that your shrimp is properly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The shrimp should reach a minimum temperature of 145°F. You can also observe the color of the shrimp – it should turn opaque and pink once it’s fully cooked.

Once the shrimp is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes so that the juices can settle. This also allows the shrimp to cool down slightly, which makes it easier to handle when you remove it from the skewers.

If you want to add some extra flavor to your grilled shrimp, you can sprinkle some garlic powder or chili flakes on it. This will give it an extra kick of flavor that will make it even more delicious.

Now that you’ve checked the doneness of your shrimp, it’s time to enjoy your mouth-watering creation! Serve it hot and pair it with your favorite side dish. You can also squeeze some lemon juice on it for an added burst of freshness.

Congratulations, you’ve successfully grilled shrimp on a pellet grill and achieved the perfect doneness! Give yourself a pat on the back and enjoy your scrumptious meal!

9. Add extra flavor with garlic and spices

Now that your shrimp are perfectly grilled on the pellet grill, it’s time to kick the flavor up a notch with some garlic and spices! First, melt some butter in a saucepan and add minced garlic and your favorite herbs like parsley or cilantro. Brush the mixture onto your shrimp skewers and let them cook for an additional minute on the grill. You can also sprinkle some smoked paprika or cayenne powder for a zesty kick. Don’t forget to add some salt to taste. With these simple additions, your grilled shrimp will be bursting with flavor and aroma. Time to dig in and savor every bite!

10. Enjoy your delicious grilled shrimp!

Now that your shrimp is grilled to perfection, it’s time to enjoy your delicious creation! Begin by removing the skewers from the grill and transferring the shrimp to a serving dish. Take a moment to appreciate the aroma and succulent texture of your perfectly grilled shrimp.

For an extra burst of flavor, mince a few cloves of garlic and sprinkle it over the shrimp. You can also add some of your favorite spices, such as paprika or cumin. Toss the shrimp gently to ensure the garlic and spices are evenly distributed.

Now it’s time to dig in! Serve your grilled shrimp as a main dish or alongside your favorite side salad for a healthy meal. You can also use them as a filling for tacos or wrap them in a warm tortilla. The possibilities are endless! Remember to savor each bite and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Congratulations on making a delicious batch of grilled shrimp!