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.

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 30 mins
Additional: 1 hr
Total: 1 hr 40 mins
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

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

Directions

Step 1 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.

 2 Preheat a smoker to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Add wood chips according to manufacturer’s Instructions.

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 8×10-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.