Smoked Shrimp

Making Easy Smoker Recipes is one of our favorite ways to cook our meats and veggies. From Smoked Meatloaf, Cold Smoked Salmon and Smoked Pork Chops to Smoked Cream Cheese and Smoked Tomatoes there nothing better than the smoked flavor that fills these simple recipes.

Smoked Shrimp has become one of our favorite seafood recipes because it cooks easily and can be served for a weeknight dinner or as a appetizer at our game day parties.

Is Shrimp Good on the Smoker?

Yes, we love cooking shrimp in the smoker because it takes minimal prep time and is ready in about 30 minutes. All you need is simple spices to create a seafood recipe that everyone will love.

If you are new to using your smoker, this is one of the recipes that I recommend to start with. Make sure to also check out Smoker Recipes for Beginners for even more easy recipes.

Ingredients

• Large Shrimp – Use peel and deveined shrimp. Feel free to buy any size that you prefer. Cooking time will vary.
• Olive Oil – Helps to coat the spices to the shrimp. You can also use melted butter
• Lime – Use fresh lime, juiced
• Chili Powder – If you are out, see The Best Chili Powder Substitute
• Paprika – You can also use smoked paprika
• Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a hint of spice

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients.

Variations Ideas

• Cajun Seasoning – This is a great option and pairs perfectly with shrimp. Substitute 2 tablespoons for the chili powder and paprika.
• Fresh Lemon Juice – Substitute the fresh lime with fresh lemon or any citrus fruit
• Italian Seasoning – This gives the shrimp an Italian Flavor with the combination of the oregano, basil and garlic.

How to Make Shrimp in the Smoker

• Step 1 – Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees F. 

Step 2 – Whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, salt, garlic powder, black pepper and red pepper flakes.  

Step 3 – Add the shrimp to the bowl. Stir to coat the shrimp in the marinade ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours). 

Step 4 – Place the shrimp directly on the smoker rack. 

Step 5 – Smoke for 30-40 minutes until the shrimp is pinked and cooked through on the grill grates. Remove, serve immediately while warm and enjoy! 

Recipe Tips

• Smoking Shrimp – You can place the shrimp in an aluminum pan or place them on skewers to prevent them from following through the racks in the smoker if needed. 
• Marinating Shrimp – We recommend marinating shrimp for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor in the fridge.
• Wooden Skewers – To prevent the skewers from burning or catching on fire, we do recommend soaking them in water for about 30 minutes.
• Cooking Methods – If you do not have a smoker, feel free to make this shrimp on a gas grill or a charcoal grill. See Grilled Shrimp Skewers for an easy recipe to cook the shrimp over indirect heat.

How Long Does it Take to Smoke Shrimp

Smoking time will vary depending on the size of your shrimp and your smoker. But large shrimp took about 40 minutes to fully cook in the smoker.

You will know that your shrimp is fully cooked when it has a firm texture and is no longer translucent. Check internal temperature with meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees.

What to Serve with Smoked Shrimp?

Smoked Shrimp is a tasty main dish recipe and pairs perfectly with many side dishes. We love to serve over white rice or brown rice with a side of Grilled Broccolini.

It is even delicious served over pasta with alfredo sauce or on top of your favorite salad. For a date night in, we have even made Smoked Ribeye, Smoked Baked Potatoes and Smoked Asparagus for a delicious Surf and Turf meal idea.