Smoked Shrimp Recipe

Smoked Shrimp Recipe – A Flavorful & Easy Seafood Delight

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If you love bold, smoky flavors and tender, juicy seafood, then smoked shrimp recipe is a must-try recipe! Smoking enhances the natural sweetness of shrimp, infusing it with rich, woodsy aromas while keeping the texture succulent and juicy. Whether you’re using a pellet smoker, charcoal smoker, or even a simple grill, this recipe is easy, quick, and packed with flavor.

One of the best things about smoking shrimp is its versatility. You can keep it simple with salt, pepper, and garlic, or experiment with spicy Cajun rubs, honey glazes, or Asian-inspired marinades. Smoked shrimp makes a fantastic appetizer, main dish, or even a topping for salads, pasta, tacos, or rice bowls.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through an easy smoked shrimp recipe, covering the best wood chips to use, seasoning options, and pro tips for getting perfectly smoky, flavorful shrimp every time. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced BBQ lover, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to impress!

Ingredients for Smoked Shrimp Recipe

To make delicious, smoky shrimp, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. The key to great smoked shrimp is fresh seafood, the right seasoning, and quality wood chips for that perfect smoky aroma.

Essential Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on for better texture)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (helps seasoning stick)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (enhances the smoky flavor)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • Juice of ½ lemon (adds brightness)

For a Flavor Boost (Optional):

  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (adds depth)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for a tangy kick)

Best Wood Chips for Smoking Shrimp

The type of wood chips you use will impact the flavor profile of the shrimp. Here are the best choices:

  • Applewood – Mild, slightly sweet smoke (great for delicate seafood).
  • Cherry – Slightly fruity, enhances the natural sweetness of shrimp.
  • Hickory – Stronger, slightly bacon-like flavor (best when mixed with milder woods).
  • Pecan – Nutty, rich, and mild (great for buttery shrimp).
  • Mesquite – Bold and earthy, best for spicy Cajun-style shrimp.

How to Make Smoked Shrimp

Now that we have our ingredients, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of making perfectly smoked shrimp. This method works with a pellet smoker, electric smoker, charcoal smoker, or even a grill with wood chips.

Step 1: Preparing the Shrimp

  1. Clean the Shrimp:
    • If using fresh shrimp, peel and devein them, leaving the tails on for extra flavor and texture.
    • If using frozen shrimp, thaw them in cold water for 10–15 minutes and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Season the Shrimp:
    • Place the shrimp in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil or melted butter.
    • Sprinkle on salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
    • Add lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, or honey if using.
    • Toss everything together to coat the shrimp evenly.
  3. Skewer the Shrimp (Optional):
    • If using a smoker with grates, thread the shrimp onto wooden or metal skewers to prevent them from falling through.
    • If using a smoker basket or grilling mat, you can skip this step.

Step 2: Setting Up the Smoker

  1. Preheat the Smoker:
    • Set your smoker to 225°F (107°C) for a slow, even cook.
    • If using a grill, set up indirect heat and add soaked wood chips in a smoker box or foil pouch.
  2. Choose Your Wood Chips:
    • Use applewood, cherry, hickory, pecan, or mesquite for the best smoky flavor.

Step 3: Smoking the Shrimp

  1. Place the Shrimp in the Smoker:
    • Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a smoker rack, grilling mat, or skewers.
    • Keep space between each shrimp to allow smoke to circulate.
  2. Smoke the Shrimp Until Tender:
    • Total cook time: 30–40 minutes at 225°F.
    • Shrimp is done when it turns opaque and pink, with an internal temperature of 120°F (49°C).
  3. Optional Basting:
    • Halfway through, brush the shrimp with melted butter, lemon juice, or extra seasoning for more flavor.

Step 4: Serving the Smoked Shrimp

  1. Remove from the Smoker:
    • Let the shrimp rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish & Serve:
    • Sprinkle with fresh parsley, lemon zest, or extra smoked paprika.
    • Serve with cocktail sauce, garlic butter, or aioli for dipping.

Variations of Smoked Shrimp Recipe

Smoked shrimp is incredibly versatile, and you can easily customize it with different seasonings, marinades, and glazes. Here are some delicious variations to try!

1. Spicy Smoked Shrimp 🌶️

If you love bold, fiery flavors, this spicy version is for you!

How to Make It Spicy:

  • Increase the cayenne pepper to 1 teaspoon.
  • Add 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
  • Toss shrimp in ½ teaspoon hot sauce or sriracha before smoking.
  • Use mesquite or hickory wood for a bolder, smoky kick.

🔥 Best Served With: Spicy mayo, chipotle aioli, or a squeeze of lime!

2. Garlic Butter Smoked Shrimp 🧄🧈

Garlic lovers, this one’s for you! This version infuses shrimp with rich, garlicky butter flavor.

How to Make It:

  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter and mix with 1 tablespoon minced garlic.
  • Brush the shrimp with this mixture before and after smoking.
  • Add ½ teaspoon dried oregano or parsley for extra aroma.
  • Use pecan or applewood chips for a subtle, sweet smoke.

🧄 Best Served With: A side of garlic butter for dipping!

3. Honey Glazed Smoked Shrimp 🍯

For a sweet and smoky twist, this honey-glazed version is perfect for BBQ lovers.

How to Make It:

  • Mix 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika.
  • Brush shrimp with the glaze 10 minutes before removing from the smoker.
  • Use cherry or applewood chips for a slightly fruity smoke.

🍯 Best Served With: A side of coleslaw or grilled pineapple!

4. Cajun Smoked Shrimp 🔥

This version brings Louisiana-style bold flavors with a smoky, spicy kick.

How to Make It Cajun-Style:

  • Coat shrimp with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or Old Bay).
  • Add ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce to deepen the flavor.
  • Use hickory or mesquite wood for a stronger smoke.

🔥 Best Served With: Corn on the cob and dirty rice!

5. Asian-Inspired Smoked Shrimp 🍜

This version brings an umami-packed, soy-ginger glaze for an Asian twist.

How to Make It:

  • Mix 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and ½ teaspoon honey.
  • Brush the mixture over shrimp before smoking.
  • Use cherry or applewood for a slightly fruity smoke.

🥢 Best Served With: Steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, or a soy-sesame dipping sauce!

Each of these variations adds a unique flavor twist to smoked shrimp.

Tips for the Best Smoked Shrimp

To get perfectly smoky, juicy, and flavorful shrimp, follow these expert tips!

1. How to Avoid Overcooking Shrimp

Shrimp cooks very quickly, so be careful not to overdo it.

  • Ideal temperature: Smoke at 225°F (107°C).
  • Cooking time: 30–40 minutes or until shrimp reaches 120°F (49°C).
  • Check doneness: Shrimp should be pink, opaque, and slightly firm—not rubbery!

2. Best Smoking Techniques for Shrimp

  • Use skewers – Keeps shrimp from falling through grates and makes flipping easier.
  • Use a grilling mat or smoker basket – Prevents shrimp from sticking to the grates.
  • Flip shrimp halfway through smoking – Ensures even cooking and flavor distribution.

3. How to Get Maximum Smoky Flavor

  • Choose the right wood chips – Applewood, cherry, pecan, and hickory are best.
  • Don’t oversmoke – Too much smoke can overpower the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
  • Keep shrimp dry before smoking – Patting shrimp dry helps absorb more smoke.

4. How to Make Shrimp More Flavorful

  • Brine shrimp before smoking – Soak in a simple saltwater brine for 30 minutes to enhance juiciness.
  • Marinate for at least 15 minutes – Helps shrimp absorb seasoning and stay tender.
  • Baste with butter or glaze – Brushing shrimp with garlic butter, honey glaze, or a spicy rub while smoking adds an extra layer of flavor.

5. Best Ways to Serve Smoked Shrimp

  • On its own – With lemon wedges and dipping sauces like garlic butter or cocktail sauce.
  • In tacos – With slaw, avocado, and chipotle mayo.
  • Over rice or pasta – Toss with butter, herbs, and a squeeze of lime.
  • On a salad – Adds a smoky, protein-packed boost.

By following these tips, you’ll get perfectly smoked shrimp every time!

FAQs About Smoked Shrimp Recipe

Here are some common questions and answers to help you make the best smoked shrimp every time!

1. What’s the Best Type of Shrimp for Smoking?

  • Fresh shrimp is best, but frozen shrimp works if properly thawed.
  • Jumbo or extra-large shrimp (16/20 count) are ideal—they stay juicy and don’t overcook easily.
  • Shell-on shrimp can help retain moisture, but peeled shrimp absorb more smoke flavor.

2. Can I Smoke Shrimp Without a Smoker?

Yes! If you don’t have a smoker, try these alternatives:

  • Grill Method: Use indirect heat and place soaked wood chips in a foil packet.
  • Stovetop Method: Use a stovetop smoker or a covered pan with a wire rack over wood chips.
  • Oven Method: Roast at 225°F (107°C) with liquid smoke for a similar flavor.

3. How Long Does Smoked Shrimp Last?

  • Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze smoked shrimp for up to 2 months—just reheat gently to avoid drying them out.

4. What’s the Best Wood for Smoking Shrimp?

  • Applewood & cherry – Sweet and mild, great for delicate seafood.
  • Hickory & pecan – Rich and slightly nutty, pairs well with garlic butter flavors.
  • Mesquite – Strong and earthy, best for Cajun or spicy shrimp.

5. What Can I Serve with Smoked Shrimp?

  • Dipping Sauces: Garlic butter, cocktail sauce, spicy aioli.
  • Side Dishes: Coleslaw, cornbread, roasted veggies, grilled asparagus.
  • Main Courses: Smoked shrimp tacos, shrimp pasta, shrimp and grits.

These FAQs should help you master smoked shrimp at home.

Conclusion

Smoked shrimp is an easy, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers. Whether you’re using a pellet smoker, charcoal smoker, or grill, this recipe infuses shrimp with deep, smoky flavors while keeping them tender and juicy.

To make the best smoked shrimp, remember:
✅ Use jumbo shrimp to prevent overcooking.
✅ Choose the right wood chips (applewood, cherry, or hickory for the best flavor).
✅ Season well or marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance taste.
✅ Smoke at 225°F (107°C) for 30–40 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
✅ Experiment with variations like spicy Cajun, garlic butter, or honey-glazed shrimp.

Whether you serve smoked shrimp as an appetizer, in tacos, over rice, or with dipping sauces, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for BBQs, weeknight meals, and special occasions. Now that you have a step-by-step guide, it’s time to fire up the smoker and enjoy!