Grilling seafood on a Traeger pellet grill brings out flavors that you just can’t get in a regular kitchen. One of the best dishes to try is Traeger Grilled Shrimp Scampi. It’s buttery, smoky, lemony, and oh-so-tender!
In this article, we’ll show you step-by-step how to make this mouthwatering dish at home. We’ll cover everything from picking the best shrimp, seasoning them just right, grilling like a pro, fixing common problems, and even answering the biggest questions people ask online.
If you love shrimp, garlic, butter, and the magic of wood-fired flavor, you’re in for a treat!
Traeger Grilled Shrimp Scampi
What Makes Shrimp Scampi on a Traeger Special
“Shrimp scampi grilling on a Traeger, bathed in lemon butter and smoky flavors.”
There’s something amazing about cooking shrimp scampi on a Traeger grill. It’s not just about heating it up it’s about infusing it with smoky wood flavors that make each bite taste like summer in your backyard.
Unlike stovetop shrimp, grilled shrimp scampi takes on a lightly charred, savory taste thanks to the real wood pellets that fuel the Traeger. It’s like giving your seafood a hug from a campfire!
“Traeger Grilled Shrimp Scampi combines the classic buttery goodness of scampi with the smoky magic of outdoor cooking, giving you restaurant-level flavor without leaving your backyard.”
Plus, shrimp cooks super fast, so you’ll have dinner ready before you can even set the table. Talk about a win-win!
How Grilling Changes the Classic Shrimp Scampi Flavor
When you grill shrimp scampi on a Traeger, the buttery sauce still shines but now it carries hints of smoke and a slight crispiness around the edges of the shrimp. Yum!
The smoked shrimp scampi turns out juicy on the inside, a little crispy on the outside, and packed with flavors from garlic, lemon, butter, and wood smoke. That’s a flavor explosion you can’t get just cooking it in a pan.
Compared to pan-frying, grilling also keeps your kitchen cool and your cleanup easy. All you need is your grill, a cast-iron skillet, and a little bit of patience (but not much it’s ready in 10 minutes!).
Ingredients Needed for Traeger Grilled Shrimp Scampi
Fresh Shrimp Selection Tips
Picking the right shrimp is key if you want your Traeger Grilled Shrimp Scampi to taste amazing. Always go for colossal or jumbo shrimp if you can. They stay juicy and don’t dry out on the grill. Plus, they’re easier to flip without falling apart.
Fresh is best, but if you have frozen shrimp, no worries! Just make sure to thaw them fully before grilling. Check that your shrimp smells clean and a little salty like the ocean. If it smells fishy, it’s a no-go.
When buying, look for shrimp that’s already deveined. It’ll save you loads of time and hassle later.
Essential Ingredients: Butter, Garlic, and Lemon
Traeger Grilled Shrimp Scampi gets its famous buttery, tangy flavor from just a few simple ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Colossal Raw Shrimp | 1 pound |
| Salted Butter (melted) | ½ cup |
| Dry White Wine | ¼ cup |
| Fresh Garlic (chopped) | ½ teaspoon |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic Powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
As you can see, nothing fancy! Just fresh, real flavors coming together in perfect harmony.
For those who love seafood, you might also enjoy this delicious Smoked Salmon Salad as a refreshing side dish. It’s another great grill-friendly option!
“Simple ingredients are the heart of amazing grilled seafood and Traeger Grilled Shrimp Scampi proves it every time!”
Equipment You’ll Need for Grilling Shrimp Scampi
Why a Traeger Pellet Grill is Ideal
The secret to that mouthwatering wood-fired shrimp scampi flavor? Yep, it’s the Traeger pellet grill. Unlike gas or charcoal, Traeger grills use real wood pellets to add a rich, smoky taste that’s just perfect for seafood.
With easy temperature control, you can set it and forget it. No flare-ups. No wild temperature swings. Just steady, gentle heat that cooks shrimp fast while keeping them tender.
If you’re serious about your seafood game, investing in a Traeger will level you up fast!
“A Traeger grill doesn’t just cook your shrimp; it brings the deep flavor of real wood smoke into every juicy bite.”
Using a Cast Iron Skillet for Best Results
Now, here’s a little trick: don’t throw your shrimp straight onto the grates. Instead, use a good ol’ cast iron skillet.
Why? Because the skillet holds onto all that delicious butter, wine, and lemon sauce. Plus, it gets super hot, giving your shrimp a perfect sear while bathing them in flavor.
Before you even drop the shrimp in, let the cast iron heat up right on the grill for 10–15 minutes. When you pour in the sauce and hear that sizzle, you’ll know you’re on the right track.
If you love hearty meals cooked in a cast iron pan, you might also want to check out this Smoked Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s a cheesy, smoky dream that pairs great with grilled seafood!
Preparing Shrimp for Grilling
Cleaning and Deveining Shrimp Properly
Before you start making your delicious Traeger Grilled Shrimp Scampi, it’s super important to prep the shrimp right. First things first clean your shrimp well. If you bought them with shells, peel them off but leave the tail on for a fancy look.
Then, check if the shrimp has been deveined. If not, use a small knife to make a shallow cut along the back and pull out the dark vein. It’s not harmful, but it can taste gritty if you leave it in.
Rinse your shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp will soak up the buttery scampi sauce way better!
“Good prep means great flavor. A little extra time cleaning shrimp makes a big difference when grilling.”
Marinating Shrimp for Maximum Flavor
Once your shrimp are clean and dry, it’s time to marinate! This step pumps your Traeger Grilled Shrimp Scampi with extra garlicky, buttery goodness.
Here’s a quick marinade you can whip up:
- ½ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- ½ teaspoon chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Mix it all together and pour it over your shrimp. Let the shrimp sit in the marinade for 15–30 minutes while you fire up your Traeger grill. Don’t marinate too long though shrimp are delicate and can get mushy.
Pro Tip: Always keep your marinating shrimp in the fridge. You don’t want them sitting out too long.
For more tasty seafood tricks and ideas, make sure to check out other seafood recipes like the Grilled Salmon Salad, perfect for fresh summer meals!
How to Grill Shrimp Scampi on a Traeger
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now comes the fun part grilling! Making Traeger Grilled Shrimp Scampi is easy and quick if you follow these simple steps.
- Preheat your Traeger to 400°F. Place your cast iron skillet right inside while the grill heats up.
- Heat the Sauce: Pour your melted butter, wine, garlic, and lemon juice into the hot skillet. Let it bubble and sizzle for 3–4 minutes.
- Season Shrimp: Sprinkle garlic powder and salt all over the shrimp.
- Add Shrimp: Carefully put the shrimp into the skillet with the hot sauce.
- Grill: Close the Traeger lid and cook for about 8–10 minutes. Flip shrimp once halfway through.
- Done: Shrimp should turn pink and the flesh should be firm and opaque.
That’s it! Quick, easy, and finger-lickin’ good!
“The best thing about Traeger Grilled Shrimp Scampi? It tastes like it took all day but it’s ready in minutes!”
Cooking Times and Temperature Tips
Shrimp cooks fast, so you’ve got to keep an eye on them. Overcooked shrimp gets rubbery not what you want.
Here’s a handy guide:
| Shrimp Size | Grill Time (at 400°F) |
|---|---|
| Jumbo/Colossal | 8–10 minutes |
| Medium | 5–7 minutes |
Make sure your shrimp turn a bright pink color with no gray or translucent parts. As soon as they’re opaque and curled into a loose “C” shape, they’re perfect!
If you’re looking for another easy and fast grilling idea, you might love our guide on how to make Smoked Queso Dip it’s the perfect side dish to pair with seafood on the grill!
Best Tips for Perfect Grilled Shrimp Scampi
Avoiding Overcooking Shrimp
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when grilling Traeger Grilled Shrimp Scampi is overcooking the shrimp. Sadly, shrimp goes from perfect to rubbery in just a minute or two if you’re not paying attention.
Here’s an easy tip: Watch the color and the shape.
- When shrimp turns bright pink and the flesh becomes white and opaque, it’s done.
- The shrimp should curl into a loose “C” shape.
- If they curl too tightly like an “O,” they’re overcooked.
Also, remember that shrimp will continue to cook for a minute after you take them off the heat. So it’s smart to pull them off just as soon as they look ready.
“Perfectly grilled shrimp are tender, juicy, and packed with smoky, buttery flavor just like every bite of Traeger Grilled Shrimp Scampi should be.”
Keeping an eye on these little signs will make sure your dish turns out just right every single time.
Getting the Perfect Smoky, Buttery Finish
Now, if you want that golden buttery finish (and who doesn’t?), here’s what you do:
- Make sure your cast iron skillet is super hot before you add the sauce.
- Let the sauce sizzle for a few minutes before tossing the shrimp in.
- Baste the shrimp halfway through grilling with a spoonful of the hot buttery sauce.
This easy step keeps the shrimp juicy and locks in that smoky wood-fired taste. Trust me, once you master this, your Traeger Grilled Shrimp Scampi will be next-level good!
Variations of Grilled Shrimp Scampi
Adding Different Spices or Herbs
Once you’ve nailed the classic Traeger Grilled Shrimp Scampi, why not get a little creative? Changing up the spices and herbs is a simple way to give the dish a whole new vibe!
Here are some ideas to mix things up:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the butter sauce.
- Herb Boost: Sprinkle fresh parsley, basil, or even thyme after grilling.
- Zesty Twist: Toss in some zest from a fresh lemon or even lime for extra brightness.
If you want even more ways to spice up your meals, you might enjoy checking out flavorful seafood dishes like this Jumbo Lump Crab Guide and Recipes, perfect for seafood lovers!
“With just a little twist, you can turn your Traeger Grilled Shrimp Scampi into a whole new favorite dish every time you grill!”
Pairing Shrimp Scampi with Pasta, Rice, or Vegetables
Traeger Grilled Shrimp Scampi is amazing on its own but it’s even better when you pair it with tasty sides!
Here are a few easy ideas:
- Pasta: Toss the grilled shrimp and buttery sauce with linguine or angel hair pasta.
- Rice: Serve over a fluffy bed of jasmine or wild rice.
- Veggies: Grilled asparagus, zucchini, or a simple salad makes it a full meal.
No matter what you choose, these sides soak up the garlicky, buttery sauce beautifully. Plus, they turn your simple shrimp into a restaurant-worthy plate that everyone will love!
Troubleshooting Common Grilling Problems
What to Do if Shrimp Turns Out Rubbery
Oh no rubbery shrimp? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! The biggest reason your Traeger Grilled Shrimp Scampi turns out rubbery is overcooking.
Here’s how to fix it next time:
- Lower the grill temperature slightly if your shrimp are cooking too fast.
- Use bigger shrimp like colossal or jumbo they stay juicier.
- Check early. If the shrimp are pink and curled into a “C,” they’re ready!
If you’re unsure, always pull the shrimp early rather than late. Shrimp keeps cooking a little even after you take it off the grill.
“The secret to perfect Traeger Grilled Shrimp Scampi is treating shrimp gently they cook way faster than you think!”
Managing Heat and Smoke on a Traeger Grill
Sometimes the grill itself can cause little problems, but they’re easy to fix. If you’re seeing too much smoke or uneven cooking:
- Make sure the pellets are dry. Wet pellets create ugly smoke.
- Clean your Traeger before grilling. Old grease can cause flare-ups.
- Spread shrimp out in the skillet so they cook evenly.
A clean, hot grill with good wood pellets gives you the sweet smoky flavor you want without all the hassle!
Serving and Presentation Ideas
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Shrimp Scampi
A plate of Traeger Grilled Shrimp Scampi looks even better when you serve it with tasty sides! Here are some easy, crowd-pleasing ideas:
- Buttery Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up that amazing sauce.
- Pasta Primavera: Toss some veggies and pasta for a fresh, colorful side.
- Steamed Rice: Plain rice lets the scampi flavors shine bright.
If you’re feeling a little fancy, add a squeeze of fresh lemon and sprinkle chopped parsley over everything. It makes the plate pop!
And hey, if you want more seafood side ideas, you might love our Ultimate Guide to Butter Salmon Recipes, packed with easy tips too!
How to Plate Shrimp Scampi Like a Pro
You don’t have to be a chef to make your Traeger Grilled Shrimp Scampi look amazing! Try these simple tricks:
- Use a big white plate to let the colors stand out.
- Layer the shrimp neatly not just tossed on the plate.
- Drizzle extra buttery sauce on top for shine.
- Add a lemon wedge or a sprig of parsley for a fresh look.
“A little extra love in plating can make even a simple dish feel like a five-star meal!”
Traeger Grilled Shrimp Scampi
Equipment
- Traeger Grill (or other pellet grill)
- Mixing Bowl
- Grill Basket or Skewers
- Basting Brush
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb colossal raw shrimp tails on
- ½ cup salted butter melted
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- ½ tsp chopped fresh garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Traeger Grill to 400°F (205°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, dry white wine, chopped garlic, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt.
- Place shrimp in the bowl and toss gently to coat. Marinate for 5–10 minutes while the grill heats.
- Place shrimp in a grill basket or thread onto skewers. Grill for 3–4 minutes per side, basting with extra sauce halfway through.
- Remove from grill once shrimp are opaque and slightly charred. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
Conclusion
Grilling shrimp scampi on a Traeger is honestly one of the easiest and tastiest ways to enjoy seafood at home. With a little smoky magic, fresh ingredients, and a hot cast iron pan, you can have a plate of juicy, buttery Traeger Grilled Shrimp Scampi ready in no time!
Remember, don’t overcook the shrimp, keep your grill clean, and have fun playing around with flavors and sides. Whether you’re cooking for family or throwing a weekend barbecue, this dish will always impress.
So grab your shrimp, fire up the Traeger, and let the good times (and good smells) roll! Happy grilling!