Smoked Shrimp

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Smoked Shrimp are tender, juicy, and seasoned with a delicious blend of spices. Make pellet grill shrimp as a party appetizer or an easy weeknight dinner!

titled: smoked shrimp recipe


 

Smoked Shrimp

There’s nothing better than tender, juicy shrimp hot off the grill, except when they’re packed with smoky flavor, of course!

Learn how long to smoke shrimp, plus tips to ensure they come out perfect every time.

ingredients for smoked shrimp

Don’t have a smoker? You can use the same instructions to cook shrimp on a pellet grill or charcoal grill.

However, a charcoal grill will require a little extra prep since the wood needs to be soaked for a couple of hours before you can get started.

Or, swap out the flavors in this smoked shrimp recipe for those in my Cajun pasta or mac and cheese dishes instead.

I even have a pasta salad that tastes just like your favorite Po’Boy sandwich!

Pellet Grill Shrimp Tips and Tricks

  • Use room temp butter. Any extra heat will start to cook the shellfish, and they need to go in the smoker raw.

    If you need to soften the butter in the microwave, be sure to let it cool off first.
  • Save some time and effort. I prefer to buy my shrimp already peeled and deveined so I can get right to cooking.

    If you’re buying fresh or can’t find any already prepared, you’ll find instructions on how to do it yourself in this post.
  • Leave the tails on. This makes the smoked shrimp easier to eat, especially when serving it on a platter for everyone to grab from.

    If needed, you can always remove the tails afterward before including the meat in other dishes.
smoking shrimp in cast iron pan

Serving Suggestions

These smoked shrimp are delicious all on their own since the spices and wood pellets infuse tons of flavor.

Feel free to add your favorite dipping sauce or a bowl of melted butter.

Add some rice or a green salad for a simple side, or serve pellet grill shrimp with your favorite pasta salad instead.

If you have enough room, you can even toss some corn on the cob or red potatoes in the smoker first!

Smoked Shrimp Recipe FAQ

Should you let shrimp come to room temperature before cooking?

I keep my shrimp in the refrigerator until it’s time to put them on the smoker, especially on hot summer days. In my opinion, they will get a better smoke flavor this way as well.

How long to smoke shrimp at 200 degrees instead?

It should take 50-60 minutes to smoke shrimp on a pellet grill at 200°F. Keep an eye on the color and be sure to test one or two before pulling the whole pan.

Otherwise, follow the smoked shrimp recipe as written!

How do you know when shrimp is done?

When raw, shellfish is grey and appears translucent. Once cooked, the color changes to bright pink or orange with white lines. It will also look solid and opaque throughout.

You can also keep an eye on the shape. Once smoked shrimp forms a loose “C” shape, it’s typically ready to eat. If it becomes tightly curled, there’s a good chance it is overdone.

Enjoy!
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smoked shrimp on a small white plate

plate of smoked shrimp

Smoked Shrimp

Donna Elick
Smoked Shrimp are tender, juicy, and seasoned with a delicious blend of spices. Make these as a party appetizer or an easy weeknight dinner!
5 stars from 1 review
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Method Smoker
Servings 4

Ingredients
 

  • 1 pound jumbo shrimp, deveined and shells removed, tails on
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • pinch chili powder
  • 5 tarragon leaves
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the smoker to 225°F. Choose your favorite wood, I am using my favorite blend of oak, maple and hickory on my pellet smoker.
  • Coat your favorite cast iron skillet with some oil, set aside. If you don’t have cast iron, you can use a foil pan or use a double layer of aluminum and form a little pocket and coat with oil.
  • Rinse the shrimp in cool water.
  • Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel.
  • In a large mixing bowl combine the shrimp, chili powder, pepper, sweet paprika and tarragon leaves. Stir to combine.
  • Add the lemon juice and melted butter. Stir to combine.
  • Place the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet, pour the liquid over top.
  • Place the skillet on the smoker and cook for 10 minutes. No peeking so the shrimp can get the smoking flavor in.
  • After 10 minutes, open the cover and flip the shrimp. Cook for an additional 10 minutes.
  • After 10 minutes, open the cover and flip the shrimp. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes as necessary, if the shrimp are bright and orangey-pink, they are ready to serve.
  • Serve immediately and Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 187cal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 173mg | Sodium: 733mg | Sugar: 1g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 1mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Smoked Shrimp on a white plate

Originally published April 2021, updated and republished May 2023

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One Comment

  1. 5 stars
    This was such a good smoked shrimp recipe, now I can make my own shrimp at home! Can’t wait to look at your other shrimp recipes

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