Grilled Shrimp – Perfectly seasoned, these succulent shrimp boast a smoky char and a juicy, tender bite, perfect for a backyard barbecue or craving a quick weeknight dinner that pairs beautifully with fresh veggies, zesty dips, or even a side of fluffy rice.
Choosing and Prepping The Shrimp
Size of the shrimp: For grilling, go with medium to jumbo shrimp. They’re less likely to fall through the grates and easier to manage on the grill.
Fresh or Frozen: Both work! If frozen, thaw shrimp completely in the refrigerator overnight.
Devein or Not to Devein: That’s up to you. While not harmful, the vein can look unappealing.
Skewers or No Skewers: I love skewers for even cooking and easy flipping, but you can grill them individually too. Use metal skewers, or soak wooden ones in water beforehand.
Grilled Shrimp Marinade
Here’s my go-to base recipe that’s tangy and fresh:
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Dried herbs (oregano, Italian seasoning, or your favorite blend)
From here, customize the ingredients! Add Cajun spices, soy sauce and ginger, or a zesty lime and cilantro combo. Just let the shrimp marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers – Tips For Perfection
- Preheat: Get your grill nice and hot (medium-high heat) for that perfect sear.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Work in batches if needed to prevent steaming instead of grilling.
- Shrimp turn bright pink and curl slightly when cooked through. This only takes 2-3 minutes per side!
Recipe Variations
- Toss hot grilled shrimp in melted butter, garlic, red pepper flakes, and parsley.
- Marinate with lemon, oregano, and feta. Serve with tzatziki sauce.
- Grill with bell peppers and onions. Serve on warmed tortillas.
Grilled Shrimp – Serving Suggestions
- Pasta: Toss with linguine and a light lemon sauce.
- Salads: Top your favorite greens for a protein boost.
- Tacos: So good with fresh salsa and avocado.
- Simple and Delicious: Enjoy as is with a squeeze of lemon!
How to Store Grilled Shrimp
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), proper storage is key to maintaining their flavor and texture.
- Refrigeration:
Store grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. - Freezing:
Place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. - Reheating Tips:
Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 300°F to avoid overcooking. Microwaving can make shrimp rubbery, so it’s best to avoid it.
Recipe FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about grilling shrimp:
1. Should I grill shrimp with the shell on or off?
Grilling with the shell on helps retain moisture and adds flavor. However, peeled shrimp are easier to eat and absorb marinades better. It’s a matter of preference!
2. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp works great. Just ensure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before grilling.
3. How do I know when shrimp is done?
Shrimp is fully cooked when it turns pink, opaque, and curls into a loose “C” shape.
4. What’s the best way to marinate shrimp?
Combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, herbs, and your favorite spices. Let the shrimp marinate for 15-30 minutes before grilling.
5. Can I cook shrimp without a grill?
Absolutely! Use a grill pan on the stovetop or broil shrimp in the oven for similar results.
Grilled Shrimp (Best Marinade)
Grilled Shrimp - Perfectly seasoned, these succulent shrimp boast a smoky char and a juicy, tender bite, perfect for a backyard barbecue or craving a quick weeknight dinner that pairs beautifully with fresh veggies, zesty dips, or even a side of fluffy rice.
Ingredients
- 1 lb med-large shrimp, peeled and deveined
For the Marinade
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon basil, freshly chopped
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Butter Sauce
- 1 teaspoon parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 minced garlic clove
- lemon wedges, optional, for serving
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add the marinade ingredients. Combine well. Add the shrimp and let it marinate for at least 20-30 minutes.
- Preheat your grill on medium heat.
- Prepare the shrimp on skewers and grill about 2-3 minutes on each side. Work in batches and grill the shrimps.
- Remove from skewers and transfer to the serving bowl.
- Add the garlic butter sauce and serve warm.
- Enjoy immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 138Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 17mgSodium 187mgCarbohydrates 2gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 1g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Check my other shrimp recipes:
Grilled shrimp is a surefire way to impress at your next gathering or elevate a simple weeknight meal. With these tips, variations, and serving ideas, you’ll be able to whip up this delicious dish like a pro. So fire up the grill, grab your skewers, and let the aroma of perfectly grilled shrimp fill the air!
