Grilled Rhode Island Shrimp Cocktail on Arteflame

Introduction

Inspired by Cranston, Rhode Island, this grilled shrimp cocktail brings bold regional flavor to your backyard grill using the Arteflame’s unique searing power. A zesty, tangy sauce elevates fire-grilled shrimp into a dish that’s perfect for entertaining or a gourmet treat at home. Sear the shrimp over 1,000°F on the center grill grate, then finish to perfection on the flat cooktop—no oven, no pots, just pure flame and flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (extra for sauce)
• 1/2 tsp hot sauce (optional for spice)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Place three paper napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
2. Drizzle vegetable oil on the napkins to soak them.
3. Stack dry firewood over the napkins.
4. Light the napkins and allow the fire to burn for about 20 minutes until the grill is hot and ready. The center will reach over 1,000°F—perfect for searing.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Rinse and pat dry the shrimp.
2. Toss shrimp in melted butter, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt and pepper.

Step 3: Make the Cocktail Sauce

1. In a bowl, mix the ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and optional hot sauce.
2. Stir until smooth and refrigerate while shrimp grills.

Step 4: Grill the Shrimp

1. Place shrimp on the center grill grate for 30-45 seconds per side to achieve a deep sear and smoky flavor. You’ll know the magic is happening when the outside chars lightly.
2. Move seared shrimp to the flat cooktop near the center where it’s still hot but not direct flame. Cook until internal temperature reaches 130°F (remove at 130°F to rest as it will rise to 145°F off the grill).

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate grilled shrimp with a small bowl of cocktail sauce for dipping.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

Tips

• Sear quickly on the center grill grate for flavor, then move shrimp to the flat cooktop to gently finish cooking – the reverse sear method ensures a juicy bite.
• Shrimp cook fast. Keep an eye on internal temperature – remove at 130°F, and let it rise to 145°F off the grill.
• Butter adds a rich, savory flavor better than oil when grilling shrimp.
• The flat top cooktop on the Arteflame lets you control heat precisely – move toward the edge if things are cooking too fast.
• Double the sauce and save some for grilled vegetables or fish.

Variations

1. Spicy Rhode Island Shrimp Cocktail: Add smoked paprika and cayenne to the shrimp rub; use extra hot sauce in the cocktail sauce.
2. Garlic Herb Shrimp Cocktail: Add minced garlic and chopped parsley to the butter before tossing with shrimp.
3. Citrus Marinated Shrimp: Substitute lemon juice with lime and orange juice for a tropical twist, and add zest for extra flavor.
4. Rhode Island Lobster Cocktail: Swap shrimp for chunks of grilled lobster tail – same method, luscious result.
5. Maple Bacon Shrimp: Wrap shrimp in half a strip of bacon, glaze with maple syrup and grill until crisp.

Best pairings

• Grilled garlic bread (prepared on the flat cooktop)
• Charred sweet corn with butter and sea salt
• Grilled lemon halves (for squeezing)
• Chilled white wine or local Rhode Island beer
• Fresh arugula salad with vinaigrette

Conclusion

This Rhode Island-inspired grilled shrimp cocktail is a bold, flavorful way to impress your guests or treat yourself using nothing more than your Arteflame grill. With premium searing power and a zesty homemade cocktail sauce, it’s a recipe you'll want to make again and again. Don’t forget—great grilling starts with a great flame, and Arteflame makes it simple, delicious, and smoke-show ready.