Grilled Shrimp Recipe

Zesty Grilled Shrimp Recipe: Coastal Flavor in Every Bite

Succulent grilled shrimp sparkle with zesty Mediterranean flavors that dance across your plate.

Summer evenings call for fresh seafood experiences that surprise and delight.

Marinades infuse each tender morsel with incredible depth and complexity.

Crisp herbs and bright citrus create magic in simple cooking techniques.

Coastal traditions inspire this quick and elegant dish that impresses without effort.

Charred edges and juicy centers promise a memorable meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

Unleash your inner chef and make this irresistible recipe your new summer favorite.

Grilled Shrimp Questions Answered

  • How do I know if the shrimp are properly cooked?

Look for the shrimp to turn pink and curl slightly. Overcooking makes them tough, so keep a close eye and cook for just 2-3 minutes per side.

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, completely thaw frozen shrimp first and pat them dry with paper towels before marinating. This helps the marinade stick better and ensures even cooking.

  • What type of skewers work best for grilling shrimp?

Metal skewers are ideal as they conduct heat evenly and don’t burn. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning.

  • Is it necessary to devein shrimp?

For most people, yes.

What Makes Grilled Shrimp A Winner

  • Boost Quick Meal Prep: Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps that get delicious results fast.
  • Master Simple Grilling Technique: Beginner-friendly recipe that teaches essential seafood grilling skills without complex methods, helping home cooks build confidence.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Versatile dish that works beautifully for casual gatherings, summer barbecues, and outdoor entertaining with minimal fuss and maximum flavor impact.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows personal touches like adding different herbs, spices, or marinades to match individual taste preferences and culinary creativity.

Grilled Shrimp Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Protein:
  • Shrimp: Fresh seafood that serves as the star of this grilled recipe, providing a delicate and tender protein base.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps to coat the shrimp and infuse flavor while preventing sticking during grilling.
  • Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to enhance the overall taste of the shrimp.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the shrimp.
Finishing Touches:
  • Butter: Provides a rich, glossy coating that adds extra flavor and moisture to the grilled shrimp.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that brings a bright green color and fresh herbal note to the dish.
  • Lemon: Citrus fruit that offers a zesty, tangy brightness to complement the grilled seafood.

How To Grill Shrimp With Ease

Step 1: Ignite the Grill

Preheat your grill to a sizzling medium-high heat around 400-450°F, creating the perfect cooking environment for succulent shrimp.

Step 2: Craft Magical Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Olive oil
  • Minced garlic
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Creating a flavor-packed coating that will transform ordinary shrimp into an extraordinary dish.

Step 3: Bathe Shrimp in Flavor

Add peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, gently coating each piece to ensure maximum taste absorption. Let the shrimp relax in the marinade for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.

Step 4: Skewer with Style

Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to guarantee even cooking and beautiful grill marks.

Step 5: Sear to Perfection

Place skewered shrimp directly on hot grill grates. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, watching for telltale signs of doneness – a pink color and slight curl indicates the shrimp are ready to devour.

Step 6: Add Luxurious Finish

Remove shrimp from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. Brush with melted butter for an extra layer of richness and shine.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor. Serve with lemon wedges on the side, allowing guests to squeeze fresh citrus juice over their grilled seafood masterpiece.

Smart Tips For Grilled Shrimp Recipe

  • Prevent Overcrowding: Space shrimp evenly on skewers to ensure each piece cooks uniformly and develops a delicious golden-brown exterior.
  • Check Seafood Doneness: Watch for pink color and slight curl in shrimp, which signals they're perfectly cooked and won't become rubbery.
  • Marinate Smartly: Keep marinating time between 10-15 minutes to infuse flavor without breaking down delicate shrimp protein structure.
  • Grill Temperature Matters: Maintain medium-high heat around 400-450°F for quick, even cooking that locks in moisture and creates beautiful char marks.
  • Enhance Flavor Boost: Brush melted butter after grilling and sprinkle fresh parsley to elevate taste and presentation of the dish.

Tasty Takes On Grilled Shrimp

  • Mediterranean Herb Shrimp: Enhance the marinade with chopped rosemary, thyme, and oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Mix paprika, cayenne, and red pepper flakes into the marinade for a bold, zesty New Orleans-style kick.
  • Coconut Lime Shrimp: Replace olive oil with coconut milk, add lime zest and juice to create a tropical, tangy marinade.
  • Asian Sesame Shrimp: Incorporate soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil into the marinade for an umami-rich Asian-inspired version.

Great Sides For Grilled Shrimp

  • Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright, citrusy notes that complement the grilled shrimp's delicate flavors.
  • Create Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Arrange hummus, tzatziki, olives, and pita bread alongside grilled shrimp to enhance the seafood's Mediterranean-inspired profile.
  • Match Zesty Salad Side: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to balance the shrimp's richness and add refreshing texture.
  • Serve Chilled Cucumber Gazpacho: Offer a cool, smooth soup that provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, smoky grilled shrimp, creating a harmonious summer dining experience.

How To Store And Reheat Grilled Shrimp

  • Store leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor transfer.
  • Wrap cooled shrimp individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of olive oil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave in short 15-second intervals, checking to avoid overcooking.
  • Consume refrigerated shrimp within 1-2 days for the best taste and texture. Discard if any unusual odor or slimy texture develops.
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Grilled Shrimp Recipe

Grilled Shrimp Recipe


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4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 21 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Shrimp Skewers bring Mediterranean coastal flavors straight to your grill, promising a quick and elegant seafood experience. Zesty herbs, garlic, and olive oil elevate these succulent shrimp, making you the star chef at any summer gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Seafood:

  • 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 tsp (5 g) salt
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped

Garnish and Optional Extras:

  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) melted butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the grill by heating it to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature around 400-450°F.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
  3. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, gently tossing to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
  4. Let the shrimp marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature, allowing the flavors to penetrate the seafood.
  5. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, ensuring they are not overcrowded to promote even cooking.
  6. Place the skewered shrimp directly on the preheated grill grates, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side.
  7. Look for visual cues of doneness: shrimp should turn pink and curl slightly, indicating they are fully cooked.
  8. Remove the grilled shrimp from the heat and transfer to a serving platter.
  9. Brush the cooked shrimp with melted butter for added richness and shine.
  10. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp for a burst of color and herbaceous flavor.
  11. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side, allowing guests to squeeze fresh citrus juice over the grilled seafood.

Notes

  • Marinate shrimp briefly to prevent texture breakdown from acid or salt, keeping them tender and succulent.
  • Use metal skewers for even heat distribution and to prevent wooden skewers from burning, ensuring consistent cooking.
  • Pat shrimp dry before marinating to help seasonings adhere better and achieve beautiful caramelization on the grill.
  • Adjust grilling time based on shrimp size – smaller shrimp cook faster, so reduce cooking duration to avoid overcooking and maintaining juicy texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 220 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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