Grilled North Carolina Shrimp with Old Bay Butter

Introduction

If you’re looking for a seafood dish with a bold punch of flavor and a signature sear, these Grilled North Carolina Shrimp with Old Bay Butter are for you. Using premium, fresh shrimp from the North Carolina coastline, this grilled seafood delight delivers juicy tenderness and crispy char in every bite. We’ll cook the shrimp on the Arteflame Grill—starting on the center grill grate for a high-heat sear and finishing gently on the flat top cooktop griddle. The butter and spices melt into the shrimp, producing irresistible aromas and flavors, all without needing a single pan. Perfect for gatherings or weeknight feasts, this is grilling made simple, flavorful, and unforgettable.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs of fresh North Carolina shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)
• Woodfire for grilling
• Paper napkins and vegetable oil for lighting the grill

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour a small amount of vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack dry firewood on top of the napkins.
4. Carefully light the napkins and let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes until the center reaches 1,000°F and the flat cooktop is evenly heated.

Step 2: Prepare the Old Bay butter mixture

1. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, Old Bay seasoning, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cayenne pepper.
2. Set aside for brushing on shrimp.

Step 3: Skewer and season the shrimp

1. Thread the shrimp onto skewers. This makes flipping easier and ensures even searing.
2. Lightly brush the shrimp with some of the Old Bay butter mixture.

Step 4: Sear the shrimp over the center grill grate

1. Place the shrimp skewers directly on the center grill grate for initial high-heat searing.
2. Sear for 30–60 seconds per side to develop great grill marks and lock in flavor.

Step 5: Finish cooking on the flat cooktop

1. Move the shrimp from the grill grate to the hotter inner zone of the flat cooktop.
2. Baste generously with more Old Bay butter as the shrimp sizzles in its own juices.
3. Continue cooking until shrimp turn opaque and slightly browned (about 3–4 minutes total).
4. Remove from heat when internal temperature is 120°F; it will finish cooking as it rests to reach 135°F.

Step 6: Serve and garnish

1. Transfer shrimp to a platter, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

Tips

• Always preheat the Arteflame grill fully to ensure consistent results across the cooking zones.
• Use metal skewers to prevent burning or charring; if using wooden, soak first for 30 minutes.
• Baste frequently to enrich the seafood flavor and achieve golden caramelization.
• Finish cooking the shrimp on the flat cooktop to avoid over-charring.
• Don’t walk away—shrimp cooks fast! Have your garnishes ready.

Variations

1. Cajun Butter Shrimp: Swap Old Bay for Cajun seasoning and add a splash of hot sauce to the butter.
2. Garlic Herb Shrimp: Replace Old Bay with Italian herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
3. Honey Lime Shrimp: Add 1 tbsp honey and 1 tsp lime zest to the melted butter instead of lemon and Old Bay.
4. Smoky Paprika Shrimp: Use smoked paprika and crushed red pepper flakes, omitting cayenne and Old Bay.
5. Asian-Inspired Shrimp: Mix melted butter with soy sauce, grated ginger, and sesame seeds.

Best pairings

• Corn on the cob grilled on the Arteflame flat top with butter and smoked paprika
• Charred asparagus or broccolini with lemon zest and parmesan
• Grilled sourdough with a garlic butter rub
• Dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Rosé
• Fresh fruit salad or grilled pineapple for a refreshing finish

Conclusion

Grilled North Carolina Shrimp with Old Bay Butter is a true coastal classic—made even better with the power of the Arteflame grill. This dish sizzles to perfection on the flat cooktop, infusing butter and seasoning into every bite without burning or drying out the shrimp. Whether you're cooking for family or impressing friends at your next cookout, this simple yet elegant recipe makes for an unforgettable grill session. Let the bold flavors of Old Bay meet the sweetness of North Carolina shrimp. Dive in and enjoy.