Grilled Shrimp with Old Bay Butter (North Carolina Style) | Arteflame

Introduction

There is nothing quite like the sizzle of fresh seafood hitting a hot grill as the sun sets. This Grilled North Carolina Shrimp recipe instantly transports me to the Outer Banks, where the air tastes like salt and the food is meant to be eaten with your hands. The aroma of toasted garlic and spicy Old Bay butter is downright intoxicating, promising a meal that is messy, memorable, and incredibly satisfying.

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

This dish is the definition of high-reward, low-effort cooking. It takes less than 20 minutes from prep to plate, making it a weeknight luxury. The magic lies in the contrast: the sweet, tender shrimp get a smoky char from the grill, which pairs perfectly with the rich, zesty bite of the Old Bay butter sauce. It’s rustic enough for a backyard BBQ but elegant enough to serve to guests.

Chef’s Tips

• Dry the Shrimp: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Pat your shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure they caramelize rather than steam.
• Watch the Clock: Shrimp cook incredibly fast. Pull them off the heat the moment they turn opaque and form a gentle "C" shape to keep them juicy and snappy.

Make It Your Own

If you can't find Old Bay, a good Cajun seasoning makes a fantastic substitute for that spicy kick. For a dairy-free option, swap the butter for a high-quality vegan butter or olive oil, though the richness of real butter is hard to beat!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs fresh North Carolina shrimp (large, peeled and deveined, tails left on)
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Begin by rinsing your North Carolina shrimp under cold water. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels; removing excess moisture is crucial for getting a good sear rather than steaming them.
2. Place the shrimp in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss gently to coat. This prevents sticking and helps the heat conduct evenly.
3. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and black pepper, keeping in mind that the Old Bay butter will add significant salinity later.

Step 2: Prepare the Old Bay Butter

1. Place a heat-safe saucepan or a cast-iron skillet directly on the flat cooktop of your grill (or on a side burner).
2. Add the cup of butter and allow it to melt completely until it begins to foam slightly.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Whisk in the Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let the sauce simmer on a cooler part of the grill for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Grill the Shrimp

1. Ensure your grill surface is hot. If using an Arteflame, the center grill grate or the hot inner ring of the plancha is ideal for high-heat searing.
2. Place the shrimp individually on the hot surface. Do not crowd them; give them space to sear.
3. Cook for approximately 2 minutes on the first side until they turn pink and opaque with a nice golden-brown char.
4. Flip the shrimp and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes on the other side. The shrimp should curl slightly and be firm to the touch but not rubbery.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. As soon as the shrimp are cooked, transfer them directly from the grill surface into the pot/skillet containing the warm Old Bay butter.
2. Toss the shrimp vigorously in the butter sauce to ensure every piece is coated in the spicy, garlicky mixture.
3. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Tips

The key to perfect grilled shrimp lies in speed and attention. Shrimp are a delicate protein that can go from succulent to rubbery in a matter of seconds. When grilling, watch for the color change; as soon as the shrimp turns an opaque pink and forms a C-shape, it is done. If the shrimp curls into a tight O-shape, it is likely overcooked. For the best flavor, try to source wild-caught North Carolina shrimp, which have a sweeter, cleaner taste compared to farm-raised imported varieties.

Additionally, managing your heat source is vital. If you are using an Arteflame grill, utilize the temperature zones on the cooktop. Sear the shrimp near the center where the heat is highest, but keep your butter sauce on the outer edge where the temperature is lower. This prevents the butter solids from separating or the garlic from burning while keeping the sauce warm and ready for the cooked shrimp.

Variations

While the classic Old Bay and butter combination is a staple, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit different palates. If you prefer a smokier profile, you can incorporate ingredients that play well with the open flame. You can also adjust the heat levels depending on your crowd, making the dish as mild or as fiery as you like. Here are a few ways to twist the recipe:

• Spicy Cajun Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper and a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture for extra heat.
• Citrus Herb: Swap the Old Bay for Italian seasoning and increase the lemon juice, adding fresh dill for a brighter, lighter flavor.
• Beer Butter: Splash a quarter cup of lager or pilsner into the butter sauce while it simmers for a malty depth.
• Garlic Lover’s Dream: Double the garlic and add roasted garlic paste to the butter for an intense savory punch.
• Bacon Wrapped: Wrap each shrimp in a half-slice of pre-cooked bacon before grilling, then toss in the butter.

Best pairings

Grilled North Carolina shrimp is a robust dish that pairs beautifully with sides that can soak up the delicious, excess butter sauce. Traditionally, seafood in the South is served with hearty grains or fresh vegetables that balance the richness of the butter. You want sides that provide texture or a palate-cleansing freshness to contrast the spices in the Old Bay. Think about colors and textures when building your plate to create a complete dining experience.

Creamy stone-ground cheese grits are the absolute best companion for this dish, acting as a perfect vehicle for the spicy shrimp and sauce. Grilled corn on the cob, charred right alongside the shrimp, adds a sweet crunch that complements the savory seafood. A crisp cucumber and tomato salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich butter. For beverages, an ice-cold pilsner, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, or fresh iced tea are excellent choices to cut through the spice.

Conclusion

This Grilled North Carolina Shrimp recipe with Old Bay Butter is more than just a meal; it is a celebration of Southern coastal culture and the simple pleasures of outdoor cooking. By combining fresh, high-quality ingredients with the intense heat of the grill, you create a dish that is bursting with flavor and texture. It is elegant enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a casual weekend cookout. The rich, spicy butter clings to the sweet shrimp, creating a bite that is truly unforgettable.

We hope this recipe inspires you to fire up the grill and gather your loved ones. There is no better way to enjoy the season than with good food and great company. Give this recipe a try, tweak the variations to make it your own, and enjoy the authentic taste of the coast right at home.