If there’s one recipe you need to try as soon as possible, it’s this Smoked Shrimp Recipe. Plump, juicy shrimp take a luxurious turn as they absorb fragrant wood smoke and a punchy blend of spices, coming together in a dish that’s both incredibly easy and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or just treat yourself to something special, this recipe captures the bold flavors of a summer barbecue with hardly any effort. Prepare for smoky goodness that will make you the hero of your next cookout!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Smoked Shrimp Recipe is how just a few simple ingredients—each chosen for its power to add big flavor—transform ordinary shrimp into something truly memorable. Every component does its part to deliver the perfect balance of smokiness, spice, and brightness.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on): Go for fresh, firm shrimp; leaving the tails on adds flavor and makes for a lovely presentation.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps the spices stick and keeps the shrimp moist during smoking.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This star ingredient delivers a deep, smoky taste that sets this dish apart.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds warmth and savory depth to the marinade.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For a spicy kick—add more if you love heat!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and helps tenderize the shrimp.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A subtle bite that rounds out the spice blend.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens everything up at the end and adds just the right zing.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Brings freshness and a pop of vibrant color to the plate.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): Squeezing fresh lemon takes the flavors right over the top.
How to Make Smoked Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Smoker
Start by getting your smoker ready. Set it to 225°F and choose your favorite wood chips—hickory, apple, or cherry all work beautifully for this Smoked Shrimp Recipe. A gentle, aromatic smoke will perfectly complement the delicate shrimp, so avoid anything too harsh. While the smoker heats, gather your other ingredients and a wire rack or grill basket, which will keep the shrimp from slipping through the grates.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp Marinade
In a large bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne (if you’re using it), salt, and black pepper. Make sure every shrimp is evenly coated with the marinade. This colorful, flavorful mixture is key—it’s what the smoke will cling to, giving you shrimp that are bold on the outside and incredibly tender inside.
Step 3: Arrange the Shrimp
Lay your marinated shrimp in a single layer on a wire rack or in a grill basket. This ensures the smoke can swirl all around each shrimp, flavoring them evenly. Don’t overcrowd; a bit of space makes a difference here, so every piece gets exposed to the delicious smoky air.
Step 4: Smoke the Shrimp
Carefully place your rack or basket into the preheated smoker. Close the lid and let the magic happen for 30 to 40 minutes. If you’re using pre-cooked shrimp, check after 15 to 20 minutes; you want them smoky but not dried out. When your shrimp are pink, firm, and beautifully aromatic, they’re ready to shine.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Take the shrimp out of the smoker and immediately drizzle them with fresh lemon juice. Toss gently to coat, and then arrange them on a platter. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for an extra burst of color and freshness. Serve the lemon wedges on the side—your guests will love squeezing over a little more citrus just before digging in.
How to Serve Smoked Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a great garnish with your Smoked Shrimp Recipe. A simple shower of chopped fresh parsley and generous lemon wedges really make the flavors pop while giving an appetizing contrast of color and freshness to the smoky, spiced shrimp.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with all sorts of sides. Try serving with a summery corn salad, tangy coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or simply over a bed of fluffy rice. Crusty bread for mopping up those delicious smoky juices is always a smart move, too!
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond the platter? Make shrimp tacos with crunchy slaw, serve over chilled greens for a smoky salad, or skewer them for an eye-catching appetizer. This Smoked Shrimp Recipe is just as at home at a barbecue as it is topping a fresh avocado toast for brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have a few shrimp left after your feast, transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to two days, retaining their smoky character and just needing a quick refresh before serving again.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooled shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw slowly in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently to avoid overcooking. A quick toss in a hot skillet with a few drops of olive oil does the trick, or use a microwave at 50 percent power for short bursts. Just heat until warmed through, then squeeze over a bit more lemon before serving!
FAQs
What is the best type Main Course
Woods like apple, cherry, and hickory provide a mild, sweet smoke that pairs beautifully with shrimp. Avoid anything too strong, like mesquite, so you don’t overpower the seafood’s delicate flavor.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Make sure your shrimp are fully thawed and well-drained before marinating, so the spices stick and the smoke can flavor them evenly.
How do I know when the shrimp are finished?
Your shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque with a firm, gently springy texture. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so watch closely in the last few minutes.
Is this Smoked Shrimp Recipe spicy?
Only if you want it to be! The cayenne is totally optional. Omit it for mild shrimp, or add more for a bolder, spicier flavor profile.
Can I make this Smoked Shrimp Recipe indoors?
If you don’t have a smoker, you can mimic the effect using a stovetop smoker or by adding a bit of smoked paprika and a touch of liquid smoke to your shrimp before roasting them in the oven. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your eaters with something new and unforgettable, make this Smoked Shrimp Recipe your next kitchen adventure. Every bite is packed with just the right amount of spice, smoke, and citrusy zing. Trust me—once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Smoked Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the savory delight of perfectly smoked shrimp with this easy-to-follow recipe. These succulent shrimp are seasoned to perfection and infused with a hint of smokiness, making them a versatile dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
- Season the Shrimp: In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Smoke the Shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a wire rack or grill basket. Place the shrimp in the smoker and cook for 30–40 minutes until pink, firm, and lightly smoked.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the smoker, drizzle with lemon juice, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use wood chips like hickory, apple, or cherry for a mild, smoky flavor.
- This recipe is versatile and can be used in tacos, salads, or as an appetizer with cocktail sauce or aioli.
- If using pre-cooked shrimp, reduce smoking time to 15–20 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pound
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
