Very few foods cook so fast as shrimp on the best flat top grills. When you spice it properly and pair it with other vegetables or rice, you get a meal that the entire family enjoys.
Instead of fumbling to cook the seafood, read on for the exact steps and pieces of advice to perfect your cooking skills.
Table of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Cook Shrimp on a Flat Top Grill?
Cooking shrimp on a flat top grill takes a very short time, just like cooking asparagus on a flat top grill[ how to cook asparagus on a flat top grill].
Apart from the preparation time, shrimp takes about 5 minutes to cook on the griddle. However the exact cooking time depends on the heat intensity, and whether the shrimp has a shell or not.
When Cooking Shrimp on a Flat Top Grill, How Do You Know It’s Done?
As stated before shrimp takes a very short time to cook on a griddle. So you should have your items ready and within reach.
There are various ways to tell whether shrimp is done or not;
Internal Temperature
An internal temperature of a fully cooked shrimp reads 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Though it sounds simple, many cooks find it challenging to use an instant thermometer to check the internal temperature of a shrimp during cooking.
Color Change
The next common method that many chefs find convenient is noting the color change. Uncooked shrimp is pale and translucent.
But when cooking it on the flat top grill, it’s ready if it grows firm, opaque, and somehow pink. At the same time, its tail presents a reddish color.
Take Note of Its Shape
When raw, shrimp presents somehow a curled shape that is easy to straighten with your fingers. However, during cooking its curly shape becomes distinct and it changes shape.
And it’s ready to consume when it curls to assume the letter C. But if it takes the shape of O it means you have overcooked it.
When Cooking Shrimp on a Flat Top Grill, How Do You Ensure You Deliver the Best Result?
You can get the best taste out of the shrimps by focusing on the following:
- Only add the shrimps to the griddle when it’s hot enough (350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Each shrimp must touch the butter, exist freely and get sufficient heat
- Take care not to overcook the shrimp. Be on high alert about the color change and shape.
- If you wish to use skewers then use two to stop the shrimps from spinning and thus making turning challenging.
How to Cook Shrimp On a Flat Top Grill?
Preheat
Preheat the flat top grill for about five minutes at a medium-high temperature. That is, setting it to a heat level of about 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can either calibrate your flat top grill[how to calibrate a flat top grill] to ensure that it’s dependable or use a temperature gun to confirm its accuracy.
Melt Butter On a Griddle
When it has preheated, add a little bit of butter to melt on the flat top grill. And to prevent the butter from burning, sprinkle some vegetable oil too on the cooking surface.
Add the Shrimp
Next, add the shrimps to the melted butter. And ensure each piece of shrimp, get a share of the butter. Apart from butter, season your seafood with salt, pepper, and crushed garlic to your taste.
Cook for About 3 Minutes
Le the shrimp cook in the butter for about 2 or 3 minutes, or till it turns pink. Ensure that each of the shrimp does not make a pile over another.
Flip
After about 3 minutes flip over the shrimp. And continue to cook for another 3 minutes. Each shrimp should have its own space. When almost done squeeze some lemon juice on the shrimp, and turn them a couple of times to mix in the butter.
Remove from Flat Top Grill
Once they have turned somehow pink, curled into a C shape, and registered an internal temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit, it means it’s done. So remove each piece with the help of a pair of tongs.
FAQs
Can You Cook Frozen Shrimp?
Yes, you can cook frozen shrimp. However, it’s preferable to have it thaw first. And there are a few ways thawing it correctly.
You can dip the frozen shrimp in a Ziploc bag, deflate it completely, and lock it. Then run cool water on the bag for about 10 minutes.
Alternatively, you can place the frozen shrimp in a colander and let it stay overnight in the fridge. The Ziploc bag or the sieve prevent the seafood from getting waterlogged.
How Do You Keep Leftover Shrimp?
The best way is to take the leftover shrimp and pack in an airtight container. Then keep the container in the fridge for not more than 3 or 4 days.
Conclusion
Shrimp is delicious and easy-to-cook seafood. With the help of a flat top grill, you can prepare the food in less than 15 minutes. The flat cooking surface, precise heating, and vast space make a top flat grill ideal for the task.