Grilled Shrimp Cocktail-Style Shrimp
All the flavor of shrimp cocktail—no boiling required.
When the summer heat sets in, the last thing I want to do is stand over a pot of boiling water in the galley. But I still crave that fresh, briny, lemony flavor of a classic shrimp cocktail.
This grilled version gives you all that—and skips the pot entirely.
Instead of poaching shrimp, we give them a quick toss in lemon juice, lemon zest, and my homemade Old Bay-style seasoning, then grill them for just a few minutes. Once they’re off the grill, a short chill brings everything together for that shrimp cocktail vibe: tender shrimp with bright citrus, a little spice, and a perfect dipping situation waiting on the side.
Whether you serve them room temp or chilled, these grilled shrimp are clean, flavorful, and super simple—perfect for a hot day on the water or a backyard meal.
Why This Works
No stovetop, no boiling water—just fire up the grill
Lemon and Old Bay-style seasoning = classic shrimp cocktail flavor
Chill after grilling to mimic that cold shrimp cocktail finish
Quick marinate, fast grill time, big payoff
Serving Tips
Great as an appetizer with cocktail sauce
Serve over chilled lettuce or cucumber ribbons for a shrimp cocktail salad
Also delicious with remoulade, aioli, or even just a drizzle of fresh lemon juice
Grilled Shrimp Cocktail-Style Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp Old Bay-style seasoning
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
Instructions
- Quick Marinade:In a bowl, toss shrimp with avocado oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Old Bay-style seasoning.Let sit for 10–15 minutes max. Don’t go longer or the lemon juice will start “cooking” the shrimp.Grill:Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).Grill shrimp directly or on skewers for 2–3 minutes per side, until opaque and lightly charred.Cool and Serve:Let the shrimp cool to room temperature or refrigerate for 20–30 minutes.Serve with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges for the full shrimp cocktail experience—no steamy kitchen required.
Serving Tips
- Great as an appetizer with cocktail sauceServe over chilled lettuce or cucumber ribbons for a shrimp cocktail saladAlso delicious with remoulade, aioli, or even just a drizzle of fresh lemon juice
Make It Yours
- Want to bump up the flavor? You can use up to 1 ½ teaspoons of seasoning if your blend is on the milder side, but I find 1 teaspoon hits the perfect balance—clean, classic, and not overpowering.