Grilling shrimp is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious seafood delicacy. Skewers are typically a must cooking utensil when cooking shrimp on a grill. But what if you don’t have skewers on hand or want to avoid dealing with the hassle of threading the shrimp onto skewers? Don’t worry; grilling shrimp without skewers is possible, and the result is just as delicious. Looking to learn how to cook shrimp on the grill without skewers? We have an easy way for you to follow!
Why do some use skewers when grilling shrimp?
There are a few reasons why using skewers when grilling shrimp is a good idea:
- Shrimp are small and can easily fall through the grill grates, making them difficult to retrieve. Skewers help to keep the shrimp securely in place, making it much easier to flip and cook them evenly.
- When you use skewers, you can easily move the shrimp around the grill to ensure that they cook evenly. This is especially useful when grilling over hot and cool spots.
- When the shrimp are cooked, it is easy to remove them from the skewers and serve them to your guests. Skewers also make it easy to portion the shrimp, which is especially helpful when serving a large group.
- Skewers can be used to create an attractive presentation for a party or a special occasion. They can be arranged on a platter and served as a starter or appetizer.
Can you cook shrimp on the grill without skewers?
Yes, it is possible to cook shrimp on the grill without skewers. In fact, it is quite easy. However, you might need some equipment assistance or be extra careful and alert when cooking them. With a little effort, you can enjoy delicious grilled shrimp cooked on the grill without using skewers.
How to Cook Shrimp On the Grill Without Skewers
Here are a few ways you can cook shrimp on the grill without using skewers:
- Grill basket: A grill basket is a tool designed to securely hold small items like shrimp, vegetables, and small cuts of meat. The shrimp can be placed in the basket, and then the basket can be placed on the grill grates. This allows the shrimp to cook evenly and keeps them from falling through the grates.
- Foil pouch: To grill shrimp in a foil pouch, you will need to fold a heavy-duty aluminum foil into a pouch. You can place the shrimp inside the pouch and the seasonings, butter, or other liquids. The pouch can then be placed on the grill grates.
- Directly on the grill grates: If you are confident in your skills, you can place the shrimp directly on the grill grates. To do this, you will want to ensure that the grill grates are well-oiled and that the shrimp are not crowded. You can also use a grilling mat to prevent the shrimp from sticking to the grates.
- Grill pan: A grill pan is a great alternative to a grill basket. It’s a heavy-duty pan with raised ridges that mimic the char marks of a grill. You can place the shrimp in the pan and then place it on the grill grates.
Tips to Remember
Here are some tips for cooking shrimp on the grill without skewers:
- Large shrimp are less likely to fall through the grill grates than smaller shrimp. They also have a lower chance of being overcooked.
- Marinating the shrimp before grilling can add flavor and help to keep them moist. Try using a marinade with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.
- Preheating the grill will help to ensure that the shrimp cook evenly. Be sure to clean the grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking.
- Before cooking, brush the grill grates with oil to prevent the shrimp from sticking.
- Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them as they cook. You don’t want to serve browned shrimp. They will get chewy. Take them off the grill when cooked and get a beautiful pink to light golden color.
- Turn them as needed to ensure that they cook evenly on both sides.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the grill and serve them immediately. They are best served warm and juicy.
How to Cook Shrimp On the Grill Without Skewers
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 2
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Ingredients
- 1 lb. large shrimp, tail on and deveined (we used 26–30 per pound size)
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- ½ tsp. red chili flakes
- ¼ tsp. garlic powder
- A dash of white vinegar
- A dash of soy sauce
- ¼ tsp. onion powder
- ½ tsp. salt
- Pinch of black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
- Prepare the grill and preheat to medium-high heat (375-450 degrees)
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt, and toss gently using your hands to coat the Shrimp evenly.
- Carefully place the shrimp on the preheated grill and cook each side for 1-2 minutes until they turn bright pink and are fully cooked.
- Remove the shrimp from the grill and serve by squeezing lemon juice over them to your preference.
How to Cook Shrimp On the Grill Without Skewers
Preparation time: 5 minutes; Cooking Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 10 minutes; Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 1 lb. large shrimp tail on and deveined (we used 26–30 per pound size)
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- ½ tsp. red chili flakes
- ¼ tsp. garlic powder
- A dash of white vinegar
- A dash of soy sauce
- ¼ tsp. onion powder
- ½ tsp. salt
- Pinch of black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Prepare the grill and preheat to medium-high heat (375-450 degrees)
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt, and toss gently using your hands to coat the shrimp evenly.
- Carefully place the shrimp on the preheated grill and cook each side for 1-2 minutes until they turn bright pink and are fully cooked.
- Remove the shrimp from the grill and serve by squeezing lemon juice over them to your preference.
