Smoky Grilled Shrimp

Smoky grilled shrimp is a delicious seafood dish where shrimp are seasoned and then cooked over a grill, often over wood or charcoal, to infuse them with a rich, smoky flavor. The grilling process gives the shrimp a slightly charred exterior and a tender, juicy interior.

How to Select High Quality Shrimp

1. Check the Appearance
   • Look for shrimp that are firm, plump, and have a translucent, glossy appearance.
   • The shells should be intact, moist, and shiny without discoloration or black spots.
   • Avoid shrimp that look slimy, dull, or have broken shells.
2. Smell
   • Fresh shrimp should have a mild, ocean-like smell.
   • Avoid shrimp with a strong, ammonia-like or foul odor, as this indicates spoilage.
3. Color
   • Raw shrimp are usually grayish or translucent; cooked shrimp are pink or orange.
   • Be cautious of shrimp with discolored patches or yellowing.
4. Texture
   • Gently squeeze the shrimp; it should feel firm and spring back.
   • Soft or mushy shrimp are signs of aging or spoilage.
5. Check for Shell Condition
   • The shells should be intact and not broken or torn.
   • If buying peeled shrimp, ensure they are well-packed and not dried out.
6. Frozen Shrimp Tips
   • If buying frozen, look for packages that are well-sealed and free of ice crystals or frost.
   • Thawed shrimp should smell fresh and have a firm texture.

Delicious Sauces that Pair Perfectly

1. Garlic Lemon Aioli
   A creamy, tangy sauce made with mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of olive oil. It complements the smoky flavor beautifully.
2. Cilantro Lime Sauce
   Blend fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and Greek yogurt or sour cream for a refreshing, herbaceous dip.
3. Spicy Mango Salsa
   Combine diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt for a sweet and spicy topping.
4. Chipotle Mayo
   Mix mayonnaise with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, and a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky, spicy kick.
5. Herb Chimichurri
   Made with parsley, cilantro, garlic, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, and olive oil, this vibrant sauce adds a fresh, zesty flavor.
6. Sweet Chili Sauce
   A balanced blend of sweetness and heat, perfect for dipping grilled shrimp.

Use fresh shrimp within one to two days of purchasing.

Smoky Grilled Shrimp

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Smoky grilled shrimp is a delicious seafood dish where shrimp are seasoned and then cooked over a grill, often over wood or charcoal, to infuse them with a rich, smoky flavor.

• Author: Linda Jolly
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: 36 minutes
• Yield: 3 to 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Grill
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound raw shrimp with tails on 1 teaspoon avocado oil 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon onion powder Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. If using bamboo or wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes prior to use.
2. Coat the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
3. Drizzle the shrimp with olive oil and then sprinkle the spices throughout.
4. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers. alternating with pineapple chunks, thick-cut bacon pieces or vegetable pieces to the skewers, if desired. If you aren’t using skewers, place the shrimp onto the grill grates or into a pan. Grill the shrimp until they are pink and opaque, about 3 minutes per side.

Notes

Photo credit: medoa7164 from Pixabay