Garlic Butter Smoked Shrimp

One of the quickest meals you can make in your smoker is shrimp, done in just 30 minutes. These shrimp are lightly seasoned to let the smoke flavor shine, but add more seasoning if desired. Because of the short smoke time, feel free to use a stronger-flavored wood such as hickory or mesquite. Serve with cheesy grits, rice, atop a salad, or as an appetizer with a remoulade sauce.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Calories: 306 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• 5 sprigs fresh thyme
• 3 thin strips lemon peel

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat a smoker to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Add wood chips according to manufacturer's instructions.

Step 2

Place shrimp in a resealable plastic bag. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and drizzle with olive oil. Toss shrimp around in the bag to evenly distribute seasoning. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.

Step 3

Place butter in a microwave-safe dish and cook on high until completely melted, 20 to 30 seconds. Stir in lemon peel, garlic, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.

Step 4

Arrange shrimp in even rows in a 8x10-inch aluminum pan. Place thyme sprigs between each row. Drizzle butter mixture over shrimp.

Step 5

Place in the preheated smoker and cook shrimp until firm and orange-pink in color, about 30 minutes. The internal temperature should be 120 degrees F (49 degrees C), about 30 minutes. Do not overcook as the shrimp will become rubbery. Serve immediately.