Hello Megan. Cooking shrimp on the grill is wonderful because it imparts a great smoky flavor, but as you rightly noted, they cook very quickly and can easily become tough if left on the heat for too long. For standard medium to large shrimp over direct medium-high heat (around 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit), you should cook them for approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side. If you are working with smaller shrimp, it may take only 1.5 to 2 minutes per side, whereas jumbo or colossal shrimp might take closer to 3 minutes per side.
Rather than relying solely on a timer, visual cues are your best guide to prevent overcooking. Watch the color and shape closely as they cook. Shrimp are ready when they transform from translucent gray to an opaque white with light pink or coral highlights on the outside. Pay attention to their shape as well. A perfectly cooked shrimp forms a gentle C shape. If it curls tightly into a closed O shape, it has stayed on the heat too long and will likely taste rubbery.
To help your grilling go smoothly, I recommend threading the shrimp onto skewers or using a grill basket so they do not fall through the grates. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 20 minutes beforehand to keep them from charring. Toss the shrimp in a small amount of oil before adding your spices to prevent sticking, and keep everything ready nearby so you can pull them off the grill immediately when finished. Enjoy your dinner!
