Pan-Grilled Shrimp Perfection: A Simple, Quick Guide

Pan-grilled shrimp is a quick and easy meal that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. It is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or main course, making it a perfect option for casual gatherings or summer lunches and dinners. The key to achieving juicy and flavourful shrimp is in the marinade and cooking technique. This guide will take you through the steps to create delicious pan-grilled shrimp, including tips on buying, preparing, and serving this mouthwatering dish.

How to prepare shrimp for pan grilling

Preparing shrimp for pan grilling is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Choosing the Shrimp:

Select fresh or frozen jumbo shrimp, which are larger in size and ideal for grilling. Fresh shrimp should be bought on the day you plan to cook them for the best flavour. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. Place them in a bowl or colander and run cold water over them for a few minutes until they are soft, bendable, and slightly translucent.

Cleaning and Preparing the Shrimp:

Start by rinsing and draining the shrimp. If your shrimp are not cleaned and deveined, you will need to do this. Remove the legs and shell, then take out the black vein by cutting down the back of the shrimp. You can use a toothpick to lift the vein out easily.

Marinade (Optional):

You can choose to marinate your shrimp before grilling for extra flavour. A simple marinade can be made by combining olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Place the shrimp in a bowl or bag, pour the marinade over them, and let them sit for 20-30 minutes.

Skewers:

If you wish to use skewers for your shrimp, you can use metal or wooden ones. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers by piercing through the tail and then the thickest part. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent excessive charring.

Seasoning:

Whether you choose to marinate or not, seasoning the shrimp is essential. You can use a simple combination of kosher salt and ground black pepper, or get creative with other seasonings like Old Bay Seasoning, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or cumin.

Cooking the Shrimp:

Heat your grill pan over medium-high heat. You can add a little oil or butter to the pan to prevent sticking. Place the shrimp on the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, forming a "C" shape. Be careful not to overcook them, as they cook very quickly.

Now you are ready to serve your delicious pan-grilled shrimp! Enjoy them as a main dish or appetizer, paired with your favourite sides and sauces.

How to cook shrimp on a pan grill

Ingredients

• 1 pound of jumbo shrimp, raw, peeled, and deveined
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional ingredients for marinade:

• 1 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons of garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon of soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano leaves

Utensils

• Mixing bowl
• Paper towels
• Skewers (metal or wooden)
• Grill or griddle pan

Method

• If your shrimp are frozen, make sure you fully defrost them before cooking. The best way to do this is to place them in a bowl or colander and run cold water over them for about 5 minutes. You can also defrost them overnight in the refrigerator.
• Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel.
• Place the shrimp in a mixing bowl and add your chosen seasonings. Mix well to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated.
• If you are using a marinade, combine all the ingredients and whisk together. Place the shrimp in a medium bowl or silicone storage bag and pour the marinade over. Let the shrimp marinate for 20-30 minutes.
• If you are using skewers, pierce the shrimp through the tail and then again through the thickest part, sliding them to the bottom of the skewer.
• Preheat your grill pan or griddle over medium-high heat (around 400-450 degrees F).
• Add oil or butter to the pan and heat over medium-high heat. Tilt the pan to ensure the oil coats the bottom evenly.
• Place the shrimp on the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, flipping only once midway. The shrimp are done when they turn pink with bright red tails and form a "C" shape.
• Serve immediately with your choice of sides, such as pasta, rice, salad, or roasted vegetables.

How long to cook shrimp on a pan grill

Preparation

Before grilling your shrimp, you'll need to prepare them. It's recommended to buy fresh shrimp, as they are highly perishable and you don't know how long thawed shrimp have been sitting out. If you buy frozen shrimp, make sure to fully thaw them before cooking. To do this, take the shrimp out of their package, put them in a bowl or colander, and run cold water over them for about 5 minutes. You'll know they're ready when they're soft, easily bendable, and slightly translucent. After this, pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel.

Next, you'll want to season your shrimp. You can use a store-bought marinade, or make your own. To make your own marinade, combine ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs you like in a bowl. Place the shrimp in the bowl and toss until they're fully coated. Cover the bowl and let the shrimp sit in the marinade for 20-30 minutes.

Cooking

Now it's time to cook your shrimp! Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you're using a grill pan, you can skewer the shrimp before placing them on the pan. Place the shrimp on the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they're opaque and have a nice sear. Depending on the size of your shrimp, this process should take around 4-6 minutes total. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp cook very quickly.

Serving

Once your shrimp are cooked, you can serve them immediately. They go well with pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a salad. For an extra touch of flavor, serve them with lemon wedges or your favorite seafood sauce. Enjoy!

What to serve with pan-grilled shrimp

Pan-grilled shrimp is a quick and easy meal to make, and there are plenty of side dishes that can accompany it. Here are some ideas:

Salads

Salads are a great option to serve with grilled shrimp, especially during the warmer months. Some salad ideas include:

• Spring Panzanella Salad with golden toasted garlicky croutons, fresh asparagus, cucumbers, peas, tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese in an herby lemon vinaigrette.
• Shirazi Salad, a Mediterranean salad with simple, common ingredients that can be ready in just 15 minutes.
• A simple green salad with a honey dijon dressing.
• A Greek chickpea, avocado, and cucumber salad with feta cheese, red onion, tomatoes, and a Greek lemon dressing.
• A corn, tomato, and avocado salad with grilled corn and a dressing of basil and lime juice.
• A broccoli cauliflower salad with a tangy, creamy Greek yoghurt dressing.
• A lentil salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette.

Starchy Salads

Starchy salads, or salads with a higher carbohydrate content, also pair well with grilled shrimp. Some ideas include:

• A Greek rice salad with cucumber and red tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette dressing.
• A wild rice salad.
• A potato salad, such as a Three-Pickle Potato Salad.
• A macaroni salad, such as a gluten-free option from Fearless Dining.

Rice Dishes

Rice dishes are another good option to serve with grilled shrimp. Here are some ideas:

• Creamy Parmesan Rice, which can be made with other cheeses such as cheddar, feta, or goat cheese.
• Arroz Verde, a light and fresh Mexican rice dish packed with spinach and fluffy rice.
• Yellow Turmeric Rice, a colourful and healthy side dish.

Vegetables

Vegetables are always a good option to include in a meal, and they can be a great side dish for grilled shrimp. Some ideas include:

• Grilled zucchini, a simple and healthy way to enjoy this summer vegetable.
• Grilled bell peppers, a perfect addition to a sandwich or salad.
• Grilled onions, a great topping for burgers or salads.
• Grilled cabbage steaks, topped with shaved Parmesan cheese, BBQ sauce, or butter.
• Grilled asparagus, a simple and healthy side dish.
• Grilled eggplant, covered in smoky flavours and robust herbs.
• Fresh green beans with tomato and basil.

Fruits

Fruits pair well with grilled shrimp as they have a lighter flavour. Some fruit ideas include:

• Grilled pineapple, a simple, juicy, and delicious side dish.
• Grilled peaches, a healthy dessert option that also goes well with chicken, pork, or steak.
• Grilled watermelon.
• A fruit salad with cantaloupe, watermelon, and stone fruit, combined with balsamic vinegar and fresh basil.

Other Sides

There are also several other side dishes that can accompany grilled shrimp. Here are some ideas:

• Coleslaw, such as a tangy coleslaw with a creamy-tangy dressing.
• Cheesy garlic breadsticks, soft breadsticks with a crispy bottom brushed with butter, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese, topped with mozzarella.
• Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli, a healthy side dish with fork-tender broccoli and lightly crisp edges.
• Zucchini corn fritters, crispy patties made from fresh shredded zucchini, cheddar cheese, and sweet corn.
• Grits, a classic Southern side dish that goes well with shrimp.

How to store leftover pan-grilled shrimp

Leftover pan-grilled shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It is important to let the shrimp cool down before storing it in the fridge. If you want to keep the shrimp for longer, you can freeze it, but make sure it is in an airtight container or freezer bag.

When it comes to reheating your leftover shrimp, there are a few options. You can use a skillet or frying pan with a small amount of oil or butter over medium heat, cooking the shrimp for 1-2 minutes until warmed to your liking. Alternatively, you can microwave the shrimp in 30-second intervals, covering them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.

It is important to note that shrimp is a delicate ingredient and can become chewy if reheated for too long. The key is to add the shrimp to a new dish and let it warm up with the other ingredients. For example, you could make a shrimp pasta by cooking your favourite type of pasta, adding your sauce of choice, and then gently folding in the shrimp to warm through.

Another option for leftover shrimp is to make a soup, such as a shrimp and corn soup, where the shrimp can be added at the end and warmed gently with the other ingredients.

Frequently asked questions