If you’re searching for that next show-stopping seafood dish, look no further than this Smoked Shrimp Recipe! Imagine plump, juicy shrimp, gently kissed by fragrant smoke, a little hit of spice, and kissed with bright lemon—this is what summer feasts and backyard barbecues are made of. Whether you’re throwing a party or just spicing up a weekday dinner, this recipe is surprisingly easy, incredibly flavorful, and always a crowd pleaser. Let’s bring some serious wow-factor to your table, one smoky shrimp at a time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this Smoked Shrimp Recipe is how a handful of pantry staples transform into savory, restaurant-worthy flavor. Every ingredient does its job to crank up the taste, tenderize the shrimp, or add a pop of color—so don’t skip a thing!
- Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined): Go for big, meaty shrimp for smoky flavor and juicy texture—tails on or off, your call!
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the seasoning stick and keeps shrimp tender during smoking.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): A dash of brightness that brings everything into delicious balance.
- Smoked paprika (2 teaspoons): Lends a deep red color and layers of earthy, smoky flavor.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): For that subtle, savory backbone every shrimp deserves.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the savory notes and complements the garlic perfectly.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Pulls out the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A gentle kick to add warmth and complexity.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): If you love a little fire, this one’s for you!
- Chopped fresh parsley & lemon wedges (for serving): They look as fresh as they taste—don’t skip the finishing touches!
How to Make Smoked Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Smoker
Begin by firing up your smoker to 225°F (107°C). This gentle heat is crucial for infusing the shrimp with a whisper of smoke while keeping them perfectly tender. If you’re experimenting, fruit woods like apple, cherry, or pecan work beautifully for this Smoked Shrimp Recipe and give an extra layer of sweet, aromatic depth.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
In a large bowl, combine your shrimp with olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of cayenne (if you’re craving a little heat). Toss until each shrimp gleams with marinade. Let them relax and soak up those flavors for 15–20 minutes while the smoker comes up to temp—it’s almost amazing how much flavor develops in those few minutes!
Step 3: Arrange the Shrimp
Lay your shrimp in a single layer on a smoker-safe tray, grill mat, or thread them onto skewers for easy handling. Try to avoid crowding them so the smoke can work its magic evenly. Trust me, giving each shrimp some space leads to a better-textured bite in the end.
Step 4: Smoke to Perfection
Carefully transfer your tray or skewers into the smoker. Let the shrimp smoke gently for 30–45 minutes. You’ll know your Smoked Shrimp Recipe is ready the moment the shrimp turn a lustrous pink, curl up, and are just firm to the touch. Keep an eye out—you don’t want to overcook them!
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Remove the shrimp from the smoker and immediately hit them with freshly chopped parsley and a few lemon wedges. This final flourish brings freshness and color to the bold, smoky shrimp. After that? Just step back and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Smoked Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
For maximum flavor and that “wow!” presentation, I highly recommend a generous sprinkle of bright green parsley and a few lemon wedges alongside your Smoked Shrimp Recipe. The herbs bring freshness while a squeeze of lemon brings a pop of acidity, balancing the smokiness in every bite.
Side Dishes
This shrimp is a total chameleon—it plays well with all your favorite sides! Pile it over fluffy rice, twirl into pasta, or top off a crisp salad. If you’re hosting, a side of garlicky bread or corn on the cob rounds out the meal in style.
Creative Ways to Present
Let’s have some fun! Serve your Smoked Shrimp Recipe on skewers for a handheld appetizer, or arrange shrimp on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking. For a stunning entrée, try a shrimp bowl with grilled vegetables and a drizzle of aioli, or pile them onto tacos with fresh slaw and avocado.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers of this mouthwatering Smoked Shrimp Recipe? Pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors will still be delicious, but shrimp is at its peak when freshly smoked.
Freezing
Freezing is possible, but keep in mind shrimp can change texture once thawed. If you do freeze them, lay the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month.
Reheating
To warm up, gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through, or pop them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can quickly overcook and toughen the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Smoked Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure your shrimp are fully thawed and pat them dry before marinating. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures perfect texture on the smoker.
What type Main Course, Appetizer
Fruit woods like apple, cherry, or pecan are my top picks for the Smoked Shrimp Recipe—they add subtle sweetness and won’t overpower the shrimp’s delicate flavor.
How do I know when my shrimp are done?
Shrimp are finished when they turn pink, opaque, curl into a gentle “C” shape, and feel just firm to the touch. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so check early!
Can I make this recipe on a pellet grill?
Yes! Pellet grills are perfect for this Smoked Shrimp Recipe. Just follow the same temperature and timing instructions, and enjoy that effortless smoke flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?
Definitely! Every ingredient in this dish is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, so it’s a crowd-friendly choice for lots of diets.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about this Smoked Shrimp Recipe—the smoky aroma, the juicy bite, and that lemony finish always get rave reviews. I hope you’ll fire up your smoker and give this recipe a try soon; it might just become your new go-to for weeknights and special gatherings alike!
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Smoked Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the smoky goodness of these perfectly seasoned smoked shrimp. This easy recipe yields tender, flavorful shrimp with a hint of spice, ideal for a main course or delightful appetizer.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For Serving:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Smoker: Preheat the smoker to 225°F (107°C).
- Marinate Shrimp: In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Marinate for 15–20 minutes.
- Smoke Shrimp: Place shrimp in a single layer on a smoker-safe tray or skewers. Smoke for 30–45 minutes until pink and slightly firm.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges before serving.
Notes
- Enhance flavor with fruit wood like apple, cherry, or pecan.
- Avoid overcooking for tender shrimp.
- Serve over rice, pasta, salad, or as an appetizer with sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pound
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
