Deliciously Simple: How to Cook Shrimp on a Pellet Grill

Craving Tender, Smoky Shrimp? Your Pellet Grill Is the Answer!

Imagine perfectly cooked, juicy shrimp infused with a subtle smoky flavor, ready in minutes. That’s the magic of cooking shrimp on a pellet grill! These grills offer consistent heat and incredible wood-fired taste, making them ideal for delicate seafood. Forget overcooked, rubbery shrimp – we’re here to guide you to tender, flavor-packed perfection every time. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or new to the pellet grill scene, this guide will help you create unforgettable shrimp dishes.

Getting Your Shrimp Ready: Essential Prep Steps

Great grilled shrimp starts with proper preparation. A little effort here makes a big difference!

1. Thawing Your Shrimp

• Most shrimp are sold frozen. Always thaw them completely before cooking for best results.
• Quick Thaw: Place frozen shrimp in a colander under cold running water for 5-10 minutes until fully thawed.
• Slow Thaw: Move shrimp from freezer to refrigerator the night before.
• Avoid thawing at room temperature or in hot water.

2. Peel & Devein (Recommended)

• Peeling: For easier eating, peel shrimp before grilling, leaving the tail on for presentation and a natural “handle.”
• Deveining: The dark line (digestive tract) can contain grit. Make a shallow cut along the back and gently remove it, especially for larger shrimp.

3. Pat Them Dry!

This crucial step ensures a great sear and smoky flavor. After thawing and peeling, thoroughly pat your shrimp dry with paper towels. Excess moisture leads to steaming, not grilling.

4. Marinade Magic: Infuse Flavor Fast

Shrimp quickly absorbs flavor! A marinade adds taste and helps keep shrimp moist. Aim for a quick soak; 15-30 minutes is usually plenty for shrimp, as longer times with acidic ingredients can change their texture.

• Lemon-Garlic Butter: Melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper. A timeless favorite!
• Spicy Cajun: Olive oil, Cajun seasoning, a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
• Sweet & Tangy BBQ: Your favorite BBQ sauce with olive oil, Worcestershire, and a hint of brown sugar.
• Simple & Savory: Olive oil, salt, and black pepper let the natural shrimp and smoke flavors shine.

Toss dried shrimp with your chosen marinade and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.

5. Skewer or Basket?

For smaller shrimp (e.g., 40-50 count) or easier handling, skewers are great to prevent them from falling through grates. Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes beforehand. A grill basket also works wonderfully for delicate shrimp.

Grilling Time! Step-by-Step on Your Pellet Grill

Let’s get that amazing smoky flavor into your shrimp!

1. Preheat Your Pellet Grill

For best results, aim for high heat to cook shrimp quickly and achieve a nice sear:

• Direct Grilling: Set your pellet grill to 400°F (200°C). Allow it to preheat fully for 10-15 minutes.
• For Extra Smoke (Optional): Start at a lower smoke setting (e.g., 225°F / 107°C) for 10-15 minutes to infuse smoke, then increase to 400°F to finish cooking.

2. Place Shrimp on Grates

Arrange your marinated shrimp directly on the preheated grates. Don’t overcrowd the grill; leave space for even cooking and smoke circulation.

3. Cook Until Perfect

Shrimp cooks very fast, so watch them closely!

• Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
• Flip shrimp (or skewers) halfway for even cooking and grill marks.
• Total cooking time is typically 4-7 minutes, depending on size and grill temp.

4. How to Tell When Shrimp is Done

Perfectly cooked shrimp will be:

• Vibrant pink.
• Opaque (no longer translucent).
• Curled into a loose “C” shape (a tight “O” means overcooked).
• An internal temperature of 120-145°F (49-63°C) is ideal, though visual cues are often sufficient.

Remove immediately to prevent overcooking!

Pro Tips for Flawless Pellet Grill Shrimp

• Don’t Overcrowd: Ensures even cooking and searing, not steaming.
• Never Overcook: Shrimp goes from tender to rubbery in seconds. Watch closely!
• Choose Your Pellets: Milder fruitwoods like apple or cherry are excellent. Pecan or light hickory also work well without overpowering.
• Oil for No Stick: A light coating of oil (often from your marinade) prevents sticking.
• Medium to Large Shrimp: Easier to handle and less prone to overcooking quickly (e.g., 21-25 count or 16-20 count per pound).

Serving Up Your Delicious Shrimp

Serve your smoky, tender shrimp immediately! Ideas include:

• As an appetizer with fresh lemon and dipping sauce.
• In tacos, fajitas, or lettuce wraps.
• Tossed with pasta, pesto, or a light garlic butter.
• Added to salads or grain bowls for extra protein.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or briefly in the microwave to avoid overcooking.

Quick Answers: Your Pellet Grill Shrimp FAQs

What’s the best temperature to cook shrimp on a pellet grill?

For direct grilling, 400°F (200°C) is best. For added smoke, start at 225°F (107°C) for 10-15 mins, then raise to 400°F.

How long does it take to cook shrimp on a pellet grill?

Shrimp cooks quickly, typically 4-7 minutes total, flipping halfway. Time varies slightly by shrimp size and grill temperature.

Do you need to flip shrimp on a pellet grill?

Yes! Flipping ensures even cooking and nice grill marks on both sides.

Can you grill frozen shrimp on a pellet grill?

No, always thaw shrimp completely first. Grilling frozen shrimp leads to uneven cooking and a tough texture.

Do you need to oil shrimp before grilling?

Yes, a light coating of oil (often in the marinade) prevents sticking and aids searing.

What size shrimp is best for grilling on a pellet grill?

Medium to large shrimp (e.g., 21-25 count or 16-20 count per pound) are easiest to handle and less likely to overcook quickly.

Ready to Grill?

You now have all the tips to create incredible, smoky, tender shrimp on your pellet grill. It’s a simple, fast, and delicious way to enjoy seafood. Fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready for amazing shrimp!