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Smoked Shrimp

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This Smoked Shrimp recipe is made using a homemade BBQ rub and then grilled for a smoky flavor. This dish can be made with any smoker or pellet Traeger grill. Drizzle the shrimp in garlic butter sauce if you like.

smoked shrimp on skewers with lemon on a bed of lettuce
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Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Flavor: Smoking adds a unique smoky flavor to shrimp. The method imparts a rich, woodsy taste that complements the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
  • Texture Changes: Smoking can also alter the texture of shrimp. It can add a slightly firm texture to the shrimp.
  • Versatility: Smoked shrimp can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be enjoyed on their own as an appetizer, added to salads, pasta dishes, or used in various recipes to infuse a smoky element.

You will love making these using my Blackened Shrimp Recipe.

What Type of Shrimp to Use

This dish is considered a main dish so large shrimp are the best shrimp to use. The size of shrimp can vary depending on the species and where they are caught. Large and jumbo shrimp are considered to be those that are at least 21-25 count per pound. This means that there will be 21-25 or less shrimp per pound.

The common raw shrimp you will find in stores include tiger shrimp, jumbo shrimp, and wild-caught shrimp.

For taste, wild-caught shrimp are generally considered to be the best option as they have a more flavorful and firmer texture compared to farm-raised shrimp. Wild-caught shrimp are shrimp that are caught in their natural habitat in the ocean or other bodies of water, as opposed to being farmed or raised in captivity.

Farm-raised shrimp are raised in captivity on a shrimp farm. These farms can be located in ponds or in tanks on land. The shrimp are typically fed a diet of fishmeal, soy, and other ingredients, and are sometimes given antibiotics or other chemicals to prevent disease. Those chemicals are then passed into the food you eat.

I prefer wild-caught and large shrimp.

raw shrimp in a glass bowl

How to Season the Shrimp

I use my Homemade BBQ Seasoning and Rub. You can also use any Old Bay or any of your favorite store-bought rubs. The homemade rub has the following ingredients:

garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and salt in a white bowl

Do You Leave the Tails on the Shrimp?

This is completely up to you and is a matter of preference. Often the tails are left on for presentation purposes only. The shrimp simply looks nicer and will have a nice curve to it when the tails are left on.

seasoned raw shrimp in a glass bowl

What Type of Skewers to Use

I love to use metal skewers because they are reusable and you don’t need to soak them ahead of time. You can also use wooden or bamboo skewers. These will need to be soaked in warm water for 20 minutes before you use them.

Dry wood is flammable and prone to fire. Wet wood has a lower chance of catching fire. You can read more about How to Soak Wooden Skewers here.

seasoned uncooked shrimp on skewers with lemon on a sheet pan

How to Thread the Skewers

I like for the shrimp tails to face the same direction on each skewer, simply for presentation. Thread the shrimp onto the skewer focusing on the thickest part of the shrimp. This will ensure the shrimp stays on the skewer.

How to Make Smoked Shrimp

Full detailed instructions are below in the recipe card.

  1. If using bamboo or wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes prior to use. Metal skewers do not require soaking.
  2. Coat the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Drizzle the shrimp in olive oil and then sprinkle the spices throughout.
  4. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers.
  5. Smoke the shrimp.
smoked shrimp on skewers with lemon on a Traeger smoker grill
smoked shrimp on skewers with lemon on a Traeger smoker grill

Smoker Temperature

I recommend 225 degrees. That way, the shrimp cooks slowly and locks in the smokey flavor.

Cook Time/How Long to Smoke

Total cook time will vary based on the size of your shrimp. It should take 30-50 minutes.

smoked shrimp on skewers with lemon on a Traeger smoker grill

How to Tell When the Shrimp is Done/Finished Cooking

Cooked shrimp will turn pink and opaque. The shrimp will also become firm when you touch it. Perfectly cooked shrimp usually has a C-shape, as opposed to a tightly curled O shape.

You can also check out my guide on How to Tell if Shrimp is Cooked here.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge tightly sealed for 3-4 days.

What Flavor of Wood/Pellets to Use

I love to use apple or the Traeger Signature Blend. Here are some options:

  • Alder wood: Mild, slightly sweet, and delicate smoky flavor.
  • Apple, Cherry, or Peach: Fruit-flavored wood gives a mild, sweet, and fruity flavor that complements the delicate taste of shrimp.
  • Mesquite: Strong, more robust wood that imparts a bold, smoky flavor.
  • Pecan: Slightly sweet and nutty flavor that works well with seafood.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored tightly covered and sealed for 3-4 days.

smoked shrimp on skewers with lemon on a bed of lettuce

How to Reheat

The best way to reheat leftover shrimp is in a pan on medium heat with butter or oil. You can also reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees until warm. Be careful, because the same rules regarding overcooking apply. If you heat it for too long it will be rubbery. I don’t use the microwave for this reason.

Pair With These Recipes

Smoked Sweet Potatoes
Smoked Baked Potatoes
Smoked Baked Beans

Smoked Mac and Cheese
Smoked Asparagus

Shrimp Burgers
Steak and Shrimp Surf and Turf

More Traeger and Smoker Recipes

Smoked Scallops
Smoked Lobster Tail
Smoked Swordfish
Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict
Smoked Ahi Tuna Steak
Smoked Crab Legs

smoked shrimp on skewers with lemon on a bed of lettuce
smoked shrimp on skewers with lemon on a bed of lettuce

Smoked Shrimp

This Smoked Shrimp recipe is made using a homemade BBQ rub and then grilled for a smoky flavor. This dish can be made with any smoker or pellet Traeger grill. Drizzle the shrimp in garlic butter sauce if you like.
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course dinner, lunch
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 92 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • If using bamboo or wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes prior to use. Metal skewers do not require soaking.
  • Coat the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
  • Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees.
  • Drizzle the shrimp in olive oil and then sprinkle the spices throughout.
  • Thread the shrimp onto the skewers. If you aren't using skewers, place the shrimp onto the grill grates or into a pan.
  • Smoke the shrimp for 30-50 minutes until the shrimp is pink and opaque.

Notes

Feel free to add fresh lemons or vegetables to your skewers.
Cooked shrimp will turn pink and opaque. The shrimp will also become firm when you touch it. Perfectly cooked shrimp usually has a C-shape, as opposed to a tightly curled O shape.

Nutrition

Serving: 4ozCalories: 92kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 15gFat: 2g
Keyword how long to smoke shrimp, smoked shrimp, Traeger shrimp, Traeger smoked shrimp
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Recipe Rating




Lauren

Saturday 3rd of February 2024

This was our first time making shrimp on our smoker and they turned out fabulous. Full of smoky, delicious flavor!

Brandi Crawford

Saturday 3rd of February 2024

Such an easy dish to make!

Kim

Saturday 3rd of February 2024

This was so good! Probably my new favorite way to enjoy shrimp. I added a little lemon pepper at the end for a bigger kick and it was phenomenal.

Brandi Crawford

Saturday 3rd of February 2024

Ohhh I love that!

Kim

Saturday 3rd of February 2024

I've never had smoked shrimp before but this was divine! It really did level up the flavor of one of my favorite foods.

Brandi Crawford

Saturday 3rd of February 2024

That's what I love most!

Chenee

Saturday 3rd of February 2024

I love shrimp in just about any form. This looks absolutely incredible! Can't wait to try it!