Shrimp lovers, get ready! Cooking Blackstone shrimp recipes on your Blackstone griddle is an experience you don’t want to miss. The combination of the flat-top surface, high heat, and that irresistible sear brings out flavors in shrimp that are simply unbeatable. Whether you’re preparing for a weeknight meal, a big family BBQ, or just indulging in some culinary adventure, Blackstone shrimp is an ideal choice. This ultimate guide will take you through the tastiest ways to prepare shrimp on your Blackstone griddle, from marinades and seasonings to step-by-step recipes.
Why Choose Blackstone for Shrimp?
When it comes to cooking shrimp, a Blackstone griddle has some unique advantages. The high heat and spacious cooking surface give shrimp that perfect sear while allowing you to prepare multiple sides or ingredients simultaneously. Blackstone shrimp recipes benefit from this versatility—you can sauté vegetables, toast tortillas, or sear up some garlic bread right alongside your shrimp.
For seafood lovers, using a Blackstone griddle is almost like having a mini outdoor restaurant at your fingertips. Because shrimp cooks quickly and absorbs flavors so well, a griddle is the perfect tool to maximize taste and texture.
Learn more about the benefits of cooking seafood on griddles and get inspired to make your meals more dynamic and fun. Additionally, the Blackstone griddle’s even cooking surface ensures that your shrimp is uniformly seared, which is crucial for perfect doneness. Check out this great piece on shrimp cooking tips for more information.
Ingredients to Elevate Your Blackstone Shrimp Recipes
For more inspiration, make sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Shrimp Seasoning, which will help you choose the best flavors for your shrimp.
The key to an outstanding shrimp dish is all in the ingredients and the way you prepare them. Here are some must-have ingredients that will enhance your Blackstone shrimp recipes:
- Fresh Shrimp: Always use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp. Fresh shrimp offers the best flavor and texture, but frozen can work well when defrosted properly.
- Butter or Oil: For the griddle, use butter for a rich flavor or opt for high-smoke-point oils like avocado or canola oil.
- Garlic: Shrimp and garlic are a match made in heaven. Fresh minced garlic delivers the most robust flavor.
- Herbs and Spices: Common seasonings for shrimp include paprika, cayenne, thyme, rosemary, and dill.
- Lemon: Lemon juice or zest brightens the flavor, making the shrimp taste fresher and more vibrant.
- Sauces and Marinades: Consider soy sauce, Worcestershire, teriyaki, or spicy BBQ sauce to mix up the flavors. Using a marinade is a great way to add complex flavors and tenderize the shrimp.
The Best Blackstone Shrimp Recipes: Step-by-Step Guides
You might also enjoy our Beginner’s Guide to Griddle Cooking, which will help you master the basics of using your Blackstone griddle.
1. Garlic Butter Blackstone Shrimp
If you’re after a quick and simple recipe that’s packed with flavor, garlic butter shrimp on the Blackstone griddle is an excellent choice. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the Griddle: Set your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat. You want the surface hot enough to give the shrimp a quick sear without overcooking them.
- Melt the Butter: Once the griddle is hot, add butter. It will start to melt and sizzle.
- Add Garlic: Immediately add minced garlic to the melted butter. Stir it around for about 30 seconds to let the flavors blend.
- Cook the Shrimp: Place the shrimp on the griddle. Let them sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a vibrant pink and slightly charred on the edges.
- Season and Serve: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp, add salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Tips:
- Avoid overcooking. Shrimp typically cook in just a few minutes.
- You can also add a touch of white wine during cooking for an extra flavor boost.
2. Spicy Blackstone Shrimp Tacos
Shrimp tacos are always a crowd-pleaser, and cooking the shrimp on a Blackstone griddle makes them even better. The high heat allows the shrimp to get that beautiful char while staying juicy and tender.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 lime, juiced
- Tortillas
- Shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and avocado slices for topping
Instructions:
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine shrimp with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and olive oil. Toss until all shrimp are evenly coated.
- Heat the Griddle: Preheat the Blackstone to medium-high heat.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add seasoned shrimp to the griddle and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side or until the shrimp are pink and slightly charred.
- Warm the Tortillas: While cooking the shrimp, place tortillas on the edge of the griddle to warm.
- Assemble Tacos: Load the warm tortillas with shrimp, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and avocado slices. Drizzle with lime juice.
Tips:
- Customization: Tacos can be paired with a variety of toppings. Consider a drizzle of chipotle mayo or a sprinkle of cotija cheese.
- Cooking Tip: Place shrimp in a single layer and give them space to cook evenly.
3. Teriyaki Shrimp with Veggies
Teriyaki shrimp on the Blackstone griddle makes for a healthy and colorful meal. Here’s a quick recipe that incorporates a range of veggies for extra nutrition.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ¼ cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
Instructions:
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, mix shrimp with teriyaki sauce and soy sauce. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Prepare the Veggies: Slice bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion. Drizzle with a little sesame oil.
- Cook on the Griddle: Preheat the Blackstone griddle and add sesame oil. Place veggies first to get them started, as they take longer to cook than shrimp. After 5-7 minutes, add shrimp.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the shrimp with the veggies until everything is well coated and shrimp are cooked through. Serve over rice or noodles.
Tips:
- Marination Time: Don’t over-marinate shrimp as the acidity in sauces can break down the texture quickly.
- Use High Heat: Quick high-heat cooking is essential to get that restaurant-quality char.
Blackstone Griddle Cooking Techniques for Shrimp
Cooking shrimp on the Blackstone griddle may seem straightforward, but there are a few techniques that can take your dish from good to great:
1. Proper Preheating
The Blackstone griddle should be preheated before you add any shrimp. This ensures that the shrimp sear properly, locking in the juices and preventing overcooking.
2. Using Oil vs. Butter
While butter adds a rich, delicious flavor, it has a lower smoke point than oils like avocado or grapeseed. Therefore, using a combination of butter and oil often yields the best results: flavor from butter, and a good sear thanks to the higher smoke point of oil.
3. Flat Spatula Mastery
Use the Blackstone griddle’s spatula to move shrimp quickly. Flip them to achieve even cooking on both sides. Keeping the shrimp in a single layer is essential for ensuring that they all cook evenly.
4. Cooking with Veggies
For stir-fry or teriyaki dishes, cook vegetables before adding shrimp. Veggies generally require more time to soften, while shrimp cook in just a few minutes.
Delicious Sides to Pair with Blackstone Shrimp
For more side ideas, check out our Guide to Perfect Griddle Side Dishes to complement your shrimp recipes.
A shrimp dish is never complete without some mouthwatering sides. Here are some side dishes that complement Blackstone shrimp recipes beautifully:
- Grilled Veggies: Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus are all great options. Cook them right on the Blackstone alongside your shrimp.
- Garlic Bread: Sear some buttered bread on the side of the griddle to soak up all the flavorful juices.
- Lemon Herb Rice: A simple lemon rice pairs well with almost any shrimp preparation.
- Grilled Pineapple: A bit of sweetness can balance out the savory flavors, especially in spicy shrimp recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Authentic Corn Tortillas Gluten Free?
Yes, traditional corn tortillas are made from just a few ingredients: masa harina (corn flour), water, and sometimes salt. As a result, they are naturally gluten-free. However, it’s always best to check packaging labels since some processed versions may contain additives. Read more about corn tortillas here.
What is the Difference Between Masa Harina and Corn Flour?
Masa harina is a type of corn flour made from dried corn that has been cooked and soaked in a lime solution, then ground into a fine powder. Corn flour, on the other hand, is made from ground dried corn but without the nixtamalization process. This difference is significant because it affects the flavor and texture of the final product, giving masa harina its distinct taste in tortillas and tamales.
What is the Difference Between Yellow Corn Tortillas and White Corn Tortillas?
The difference lies primarily in the type of corn used. Yellow corn tortillas are made from yellow corn, which has a slightly sweeter flavor, whereas white corn tortillas are made from white corn, which tends to be softer and more pliable. Some prefer yellow corn tortillas for their added color and more robust texture, while others like the tenderness of white corn tortillas.
Internal Linking Suggestions
- How to Make Homemade Salsa – Perfect for pairing with shrimp tacos.
- The Best Griddle Accessories You Need – Equip yourself with the right tools for cooking shrimp.
- Easy Mexican Street Corn Recipe – An ideal side for any shrimp dish.