Grilled Shrimp Cocktail

If you love shrimp as much as my family, then you need to make this Grilled Shrimp Cocktail Recipe. It is one of my favorite seafood recipes and an easy appetizer.

We love the flavor after the shrimp is grilled just like in Grilled Shrimp Skewer Recipe. You may even like this Grilled Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe for another easy appetizer recipe.

Why We Love This Recipe

Making this Grilled Shrimp Cocktail takes very little prep time and simple seasoning to make a crowd pleasing appetizer. They always taste amazing and cooked easily on the gas grill.

This recipe is perfect for a summer BBQ or for a holiday appetizer. Give your jumbo shrimp delicious smoky char flavor with this easy recipe.

Ingredients

• Shrimp – We use Large Raw Shrimp Uncooked Peel and Deveined with tails on
• Olive Oil – Use any type of oil of you choice
• Simple Seasoning – The combination of Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and Chili Powder gives the shrimp amazing flavor.
• Lime – Feel free to substitute with lemon wedges
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Gives the shrimp a hint of spice
• Ketchup – Use store bought or you can make Easy Homemade Ketchup Recipe
• Worcestershire Sauce – If you are out, see The Best Worcestershire Sauce Substitutes

For the full recipe and ingredients, scroll to the bottom for the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

We love that this marinade recipe can changed to what you prefer. Other delicious or variations to this seasoning blend is to toss with lemon zest and parsley.

I love to garnish with cilantro when serving for added flavor.

How to Make Grilled Shrimp Cocktail

Step 1 – Whisk together olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, lime juice and red pepper flakes in a Large bowl. 

Step 2 – Place the shrimp in the large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for approximately 20-30 minutes.  While the shrimp is marinating, soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.

• Step 3 – Preheat a grill over medium high heat (approximately 400 degrees F). Then thread the shrimp gently onto the wooden skewers.

• Step 4 – Place the skewers directly on the hot grill grates and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as it will make it tough. You can also cook in a grill pan or a charcoal grill.

Step 5 – Stir together the cocktail sauce ingredients in a small separate bowl.  Taste test and adjust any seasonings as needed based on your preference.

Step 6 – Carefully remove the shrimp from the skewers.  Serve with the cocktail sauce and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Skewers – Cooking the devein shrimp on skewers helps to easily grill the shrimp. If using wooden skewers make sure to soak them in water before grilling. This prevents them from burning while grilling. You can also use metal skewers to grill the shrimp skewers.
• Marinate – We recommend to marinate the shrimp for about 30 minutes before grilling for added flavor.
• Cooking Shrimp – Make sure to not overcook the shrimp as it could turn tough and dry. For the perfect, tender shrimp cook until the shrimp is opaque.

What Kind Of Shrimp Should I Use?

For this recipe, we recommend using a jumbo or large shrimp that has been peeled and deveined with tails on.

This recipe can be made with fresh or frozen shrimp. Just make sure that you thaw the shrimp if it is frozen before cooking. Thaw the shrimp in the fridge overnight or in a colander with running water over the top then dry on a paper towel before grilling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Shrimp on a serving platter with a side of cocktail sauce. It is even better with fresh squeezed lemon wedges for added flavor. Grilled Shrimp is best served hot right from the grill.

This Grilled Shrimp Recipe is great served as an appetizer but you can even serve as part of a main dish recipe. Serve with a side of white rice, brown rice and Grilled Broccolini, Grilled Asparagus and Grilled Green Beans.