How to Smoke Shrimp

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Learn how to smoke shrimp seasoned with amazing flavor. This healthy recipe with 15 minutes prep makes a stunning presentation.

I didn’t grow up eating smoked meats, but in the two years that we’ve had our Traeger pellet smoker, I’ve fallen in love with it. From pulled pork to meatloaf to a smoked whole chicken, there’s just nothing like the flavor a smoked dinner can give.

Today we’re talking all about how to smoke shrimp. It’s a unique way to use the smoker, perfect for a date night in or as a delicious appetizer for company.

a closeup of a plate of shrimp

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • a unique way to use your smoker
  • simply flavored with healthy spices and olive oil
  • only 6 ingredients
  • 15 minutes prep time
ingredients for smoked shrimp on a table

How to Season Shrimp

I wanted to season this shrimp with seasonings that I knew you’d have on hand. You’ll need chili powder, garlic powder, salt and black pepper. You can adjust the heat with the amount of pepper and chili powder you use.

  • You can also give the shrimp an Italian flair with oregano, basil and garlic powder.
  • Rosemary, garlic and lemon is a great option as well.
seasoned shrimp in a glass bowl

What flavor of wood is best for smoking shrimp?

Experiment with different kinds of wood as each variety lends its own unique flavor. In general, apple and cherry pair very well with seafood. I love the sweet fruit flavor with the spicy seasonings on the shrimp.

How to Smoke Shrimp

We have a pellet smoker. Pellets have a higher moisture content than wood chips so no water is needed. However, if you have an electric smoker, make sure to check the steam pot and keep it filled with water. Maintaining a high moisture content within the smoker is important.

Note: You can always use skewers when cooking your shrimp. Simply place the skewers on the smoker going the opposite direction of the grates to smoke the shrimp. I have a tray that has holes in it for on the grill and I used that when smoking shrimp.

  • Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Combine all of the spices in a small bowl, set aside.
  • In a large bowl, gently toss the shrimp in the olive oil before adding the spices. Toss until coated.
  • Place the shrimp on the smoker racks (or on aluminum foil, to prevent them from falling through the grates).
  • Smoke for about 60 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink.
  • Remove from the smoker and serve immediately.
overhead view of a plate of shrimp and rice

What to Serve with Shrimp

Serve your smoked shrimp over a bed of rice (or low carb cauli rice) You can also serve with roasted asparagus or carrots. Here are a few other options:

overhead of a plate of smoked shrimp and rice
overhead of a plate of smoked shrimp and rice

How to Smoke Shrimp

4.50 from 18 votes
Learn how to smoke shrimp seasoned with amazing flavor. This healthy recipe with 15 minutes prep makes a stunning presentation.
Servings 6
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour

Equipment

  • Wood Chunks or chips, pre-soaked, or pellets (whichever your smoker uses)
  • Water

Ingredients
 

  • 1 pound fresh colossal shrimp peeled & deveined, tails removed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Combine all of the spices in a small bowl, set aside.
  • In a large bowl, gently toss the shrimp in the olive oil before adding the spices. Toss until coated.
  • Place the shrimp on the smoker racks (or on aluminum foil, to prevent them from falling through the grates).
  • Smoke for about 60 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink.
  • Remove from the smoker and serve immediately.
  • Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container and eat within 3 days.

Notes

The calories shown are based on the recipe serving 6, with 1 serving being ⅙ of the shrimp. Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the calories shown are just an estimate. **We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information in the nutrition box are calculated through a program and there is room for error. If you need an accurate count, I recommend running the ingredients through your favorite nutrition calculator.**

Nutrition

Calories: 127kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 191mg | Sodium: 2957mg | Potassium: 123mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 792IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 122mg | Iron: 2mg
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Calories 127
Keyword healthy recipe, smoked recipes
a piece of shrimp on a fork

About Julie Clark

I'm Julie Clark, CEO and recipe developer of Tastes of Lizzy T. With my B.A. in Education and over 30 years of cooking and baking, I want to teach YOU the best of our family recipes.

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Jeanne
1 year ago

5 stars
This is a great recipe. I had two pounds of shrimp and thought I’d better double the seasoning. Big mistake on my part. I like spicey food but it was too much for me (but I’m still gonna eat the shrimp). I know better for next time.

It’s an easy recipe and comes together really fast. Thanks for a “keeper”. Thank you!