If you are searching for the ultimate seafood dish to impress family and friends, look no further than this Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp Recipe. It combines vibrant flavors, tender textures, and smoky grill marks that bring out the natural sweetness of the shrimp perfectly. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue or a simple weeknight dinner, these shrimp marinaded with fragrant spices and grilled to juicy perfection are sure to become your go-to recipe for seafood lovers everywhere.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the careful balance of ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the bright acidity of lemon juice to the warmth of smoked paprika. Together, they create a marinade that enhances the shrimp’s natural taste without overpowering it.
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp ensures tender and juicy bites.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the shrimp moist during grilling.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brings brightness and a subtle tang that balances the richness.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Gives a pungent, aromatic kick that flavors every bite.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds smoky depth and a lovely reddish hue to the marinade.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Infuses a gentle earthiness with a hint of warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a touch of heat if you like a bit of spice.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Balances the saltiness with mild spicy notes.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh herb that adds a pop of color and freshness when garnishing.
How to Make Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. This fragrant mixture is the heart of the Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp Recipe, infusing every shrimp with a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Add your peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss until each piece is coated thoroughly with the marinade. Pop the bowl in the fridge and let those delicious flavors soak in for anywhere between 30 minutes and 2 hours. This waiting time is what makes the shrimp burst with flavor once grilled.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare Your Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high, making sure it’s nice and hot before cooking. Oil the grates lightly to prevent the shrimp from sticking. A hot grill will give you those signature grill marks and help cook the shrimp quickly and evenly.
Step 4: Skewer the Shrimp
Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, keeping them snug but not squished. Using skewers makes grilling easier and helps the shrimp cook evenly on all sides. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water beforehand to avoid burning.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and let them sizzle for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a bright pink color and develop a light char. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can dry out quickly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the shrimp from the grill, sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley, and add lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing. Your Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of greenery that contrasts beautifully with the pink shrimp. Lemon wedges are essential for squeezing over the top right before eating—it brightens all the smoky and garlicky flavors.
Side Dishes
These grilled shrimp are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad, garlicky rice, or grilled vegetables. For a heartier meal, you could serve them alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a zesty pasta salad to balance the lightness of the shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp right on top of crusty bread as an open-faced bruschetta, or toss them into warm tortillas with slaw and avocado for a gourmet shrimp taco. Skewers can also be served as finger food at a party with a range of dipping sauces on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover grilled shrimp, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days without losing their delightful texture or flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the marinated raw shrimp before grilling if you want to prepare ahead. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air, and store for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and grill fresh for best results.
Reheating
To reheat leftover grilled shrimp, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or pop them in the oven at a low temperature just until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make shrimp rubbery. A quick reheat keeps the shrimp juicy and tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating to achieve the best flavor and texture when grilled.
How long should I marinate the shrimp for?
Marinating for at least 30 minutes lets the flavors penetrate well, but you can marinate up to 2 hours. Avoid exceeding 2 hours as the acid in the lemon juice can start “cooking” the shrimp, affecting the texture.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook the shrimp in a pan?
Yes, you can cook the shrimp on a hot grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. It won’t have the smoky char of a grill but will still be delicious and juicy.
Are skewers necessary?
Skewers are helpful for even cooking and presentation, but you can grill the shrimp directly on a grill basket or skewers. Just be sure to turn shrimp carefully to avoid falling through the grill grates.
What if I want a milder version without spice?
Simply omit the crushed red pepper flakes, and your Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp Recipe will remain flavorful without the heat, making it perfect for all tastes.
Final Thoughts
This Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp Recipe is the kind of dish that feels special but comes together effortlessly. Its vibrant marinade, quick grilling time, and juicy results make it a standout whether for casual dinners or festive occasions. I really hope you give it a try soon—you might just find it becoming your new favorite way to enjoy shrimp!
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Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp recipe features succulent large shrimp marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices, then grilled to perfection. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, these shrimp make an ideal appetizer or main course for any gathering or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Marinade
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, tossing thoroughly to coat each piece. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Skewer the shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, making them easier to handle on the grill and ensuring quick, uniform cooking.
- Grill the shrimp: Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and develop slight char marks, indicating they are cooked through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove grilled shrimp from the skewers and arrange on a serving platter. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges for an added burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- For even cooking, try to use shrimp that are similar in size.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to taste depending on your spice preference.
- Grilled shrimp cook quickly; avoid overcooking to keep them tender and juicy.
- This recipe can also be adapted for indoor grilling or broiling if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
