Does the size of the shrimp matter?

Shrimp cook quickly! If you use smaller shrimp, they can get overcooked and overcooked shrimp can be rubbery. Aim for a large to jumbo shrimp size.

Do I peel the shrimp and do I leave the shrimp tail on?

You definitely want to peel the shrimp as you'll want the shrimp to absorb the marinade for the ultimate flavor! Look for shrimp that is peeled and deveined (if you can) with the tail. If you can't find peeled and deveined shrimp with the tail, opt to peel on your own so you can leave the tail on.

Can I buy already precooked shrimp?

Sorry, the answer is no. You need raw shrimp that you'll be cooking on the grill. If you purchase already cooked shrimp and then cook again on the grill, you will definitely get rubbery shrimp.

What if I forgot to thaw my shrimp?

Ideally you can leave the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight and they'll thaw on their own. However, if you forget, simply cover the bag in a bowl of cold water the day of and they do defrost quite quickly

Marinated Grilled Shrimp

Ingredients

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1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined, tail on (15-18 count/pound)
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Skewer Sticks

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Instructions

Soak the skewer sticks in warm water for 20 minutes.
Make the marinade. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, all the spices, and parmesan cheese.
Marinate the shrimp. Add the shrimp (deveined, peeled, and with the tail on!) and drizzle with the Italian salad dressing, leaving about 2 tablespoons as reserve. Let it marinate for 15 minutes, no more as then it will start to ‘cook’ from the acid.
Thread onto skewers. You could grill without the skewer sticks, however, I’ve found that it’s actually easier to have the shrimp all on a stick cooking and flip as one versus having to flip them one by one.
Cook the shrimp skewers on the grill. Add the skewers to the preheated grill (and/or grill pan), and let the shrimp cook until opaque, flipping halfway through. Depending on the size of your shrimp this can take just 2-3 minutes per side and up to 5 minutes per side (for those jumbo shrimp!)
Enjoy! Garnish with lemon wedges, a sprinkle of parsley and/or the reserved dressing/marinade. Eat and enjoy!

Author: Amy's Nutrition Kitchen
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 10
Category: Dinner