Mastering the Art of Barbecuing Shrimp Without Drying Them

Have you ever struggled to cook shrimp on the grill without drying them out? Learn the techniques to perfectly barbecue shrimp, ensuring they are juicy and delicious every time.

Introduction to Barbecuing Shrimp

Shrimp are a popular ingredient in many dishes, and barbecuing them can be a delightful way to enjoy their natural sweetness and flavor. However, many home cooks struggle with overcooking or drying out the shrimp. This guide will walk you through expert techniques to ensure that your next barbecue yields perfectly grilled shrimp.

Traditional vs. Innovative Shrimp Preparation

Traditionally, shrimp are often cooked with the shell on, allowing for a more even cooking process and a flavorful final product. However, some cooks prefer to remove the shells before cooking, as the shell-on method can sometimes make the shrimp difficult to eat. In this guide, we will focus on a method that combines the best of both worlds, preparing shrimp with the shell on and ensuring they are perfectly prepared for the grill.

Preparation with Shell On

To prepare your shrimp for barbecuing, start by selecting large raw shrimp (16 or 20 per pound). These are typically easier to prepare and cook evenly. Once you've purchased your shrimp, remove the shell and devein them, making sure to leave the tail intact. This step not only preserves the shrimp's shape and appearance but also makes it easier to eat.

Seasoning and Cooking Methods

Next, sprinkle the shrimp with Old Bay seasoning, a blend of herbs and spices that enhances the shrimp's flavor. Alternatively, you can use other seasonings or a marinade to add depth to your shrimp.

Wrap Shrimp in Bacon

To ensure that the shrimp stay moist and flavorful during cooking, wrap them in a strip of raw bacon. This not only adds a smoky and savory flavor but also helps to keep the shrimp from drying out. Make sure to use only half a strip of bacon, as a full strip would be too much for the smaller shrimp.

Using Skewers for Control

Pierce the wrapped shrimp with bamboo skewers that have been water-soaked for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the skewers from burning during cooking. The skewers will also allow you to flip the shrimp and bacon easily, ensuring even cooking.

Grilling Technique

The key to barbecuing perfect shrimp is to get your grill set up properly. Use a Weber kettle grill, which is an excellent choice for zoned cooking. Set up your grill for medium-high heat, ensuring that you have a zoned cooking area to move the shrimp if the fire gets too hot.

Managing Heat and Flare-Ups

As the shrimp and bacon cook, you may experience flare-ups from the bacon drippings. To manage this, use the kettle top to smother the flames. If necessary, you can move the shrimp to a cooler area of the grill to prevent the bacon from burning. Keep a close eye on the fire, especially when the bacon starts to brown, as this is when the shrimp should also be done.

Check for Doneness

Shrimp are done when they become translucent and no longer have an opaque white appearance. If the fire gets too hot, move the shrimp to a cooler part of the grill to prevent overcooking. The cooking time should be around 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp and the heat of your grill.

Serving and Enjoyment

Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the skewers and serve the shrimp hot with your favorite sides. To enjoy the best eating experience, pinch the tail, and the shrimp should come out of the shell easily. This method requires some skill and finesse, especially with a Weber kettle, but it's worth the effort for perfectly cooked shrimp.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of barbecuing shrimp without drying them requires a combination of preparation, cooking techniques, and attention to detail. By following this guide, you can ensure that your next barbecue features perfectly grilled shrimp that are juicy, flavorful, and easy to eat. Happy grilling!