This is the ultimate grilled shrimp recipe you’ve been searching for! Forget dry, rubbery shrimp forever. With a vibrant lemon garlic marinade and our foolproof grilling technique, you’ll have perfectly juicy, tender, and incredibly flavorful shrimp every single time. It’s the perfect quick and healthy meal for summer nights, backyard BBQs, or any time you need a delicious dinner on the table in under 20 minutes.
We’ve packed this guide with all the tips and tricks you need to become a shrimp grilling expert. From choosing the right size shrimp to mastering the grill, get ready for your new favorite go-to recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Shrimp Recipe
- Incredibly Fast: The shrimp marinate for just 15 minutes and cook in less than 5. It’s the definition of a quick weeknight dinner!
- Packed with Flavor: The simple marinade of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs infuses the shrimp with bright, zesty flavor that is absolutely irresistible.
- Perfectly Cooked: We share the secret to achieving that perfect “C” shape, ensuring your shrimp are tender and juicy, never tough.
- Healthy & Versatile: This recipe is naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and packed with protein. Serve it over salads, with rice, in tacos, or as a simple appetizer. Looking for a spicier kick? You’ll love our spicy grilled shrimp recipe (coming soon), too!
Key Ingredients for Perfect Grilled Shrimp
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. The marinade comes together in minutes and creates a flavor that complements the sweet shrimp without overpowering it.
- Large Shrimp: Use large or jumbo shrimp (16-20 or 21-25 count per pound). They are easier to skewer and less likely to overcook. Peeled and deveined shrimp save a ton of prep time.
- Olive Oil: Forms the base of our marinade, helping to keep the shrimp moist and preventing them from sticking to the grill.
- Lemon: We use both the zest and juice for a multi-layered, bright citrus flavor. The acid also helps to tenderize the shrimp.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must for the best flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens everything up.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a gentle warmth in the background. Feel free to adjust to your personal spice preference.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To season and enhance all the other flavors.
How to Choose the Best Shrimp for Grilling
The shrimp you choose can make a big difference. For this grilled shrimp recipe, size matters!
Look for large (21-25 count) or jumbo (16-20 count) shrimp. Their larger size makes them more forgiving on the hot grill, reducing the risk of overcooking. Always opt for raw, not pre-cooked, shrimp. We recommend buying shrimp that are already peeled and deveined to make your job easier. You can choose tail-on or tail-off based on your preference; tail-on often makes for a nicer presentation.
How to Make the Best Grilled Shrimp Recipe
Making this grilled shrimp is a simple, four-step process. The key is to have everything prepped and ready to go before you hit the grill because the cooking happens fast!
Step 1: Make the Lemon Garlic Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. This marinade is the heart of our grilled shrimp recipe.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp (But Not for Too Long!)
Pat your raw shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for getting a good sear! Add the dry shrimp to the bowl with the marinade and toss gently to coat. Let the shrimp marinate for just 15-20 minutes at room temperature. Any longer and the lemon juice can start to “cook” the shrimp, making it tough.
Step 3: Skewer the Shrimp
If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, piercing them through the thickest part and the tail. You can fit about 4-5 large shrimp per skewer. Using two parallel skewers makes flipping much easier!
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F). Clean the grates well and oil them lightly. Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. The shrimp are done when they are pink and opaque and curl into a “C” shape. Be careful not to overcook them!
Tips for Perfectly Juicy Grilled Shrimp Every Time
Follow these expert tips to guarantee success with your grilled shrimp recipe.
- Don’t Over-Marinate: 15-20 minutes is the sweet spot. The acid in the lemon juice will change the texture of the shrimp if left for too long.
- Pat the Shrimp Dry: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Removing excess water helps the shrimp grill rather than steam.
- Use Two Skewers: Threading shrimp onto two parallel skewers stops them from spinning around when you try to flip them. It’s a game-changer!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Give the skewers enough space to ensure they cook evenly with direct heat.
- Watch for the “C” Shape: As soon as the shrimp curl from straight into a “C” shape, they’re done. If they curl into a tight “O,” they are likely overcooked.
Grilling Shrimp on a Gas vs. Charcoal Grill
You can make this recipe on any type of grill. The key is to maintain a consistent medium-high heat.
| Grill Type | Temperature | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Grill | 400-450°F | Preheat all burners on high, then reduce to medium-high. Clean and oil the grates. Cook over direct heat. |
| Charcoal Grill | Medium-Hot Coals | Arrange hot coals in a two-zone fire (one side with coals, one without). Grill over the direct heat of the hot coals. |
Variations and Substitutions
This grilled shrimp recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Here are a few ideas:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade.
- Herbaceous: Swap the parsley for fresh dill, cilantro, or oregano. Our cilantro lime shrimp (coming soon) is another fantastic variation.
- Sweet & Savory: Add a teaspoon of honey to the marinade for a touch of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- Cajun Style: For a different flavor profile, try tossing the shrimp with olive oil and our easy cajun shrimp seasoning (coming soon).
What to Serve with Grilled Shrimp
Grilled shrimp skewers are incredibly versatile. Serve them as an appetizer or a main course with sides like grilled vegetables, a fresh green salad, coconut rice, or creamy pasta. They are also perfect for making delicious shrimp tacos or a light and refreshing summer shrimp salad (coming soon).
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can enjoy them cold on salads or gently reheat them. The best way to reheat is in a skillet over low heat for a minute or two until just warmed through. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them rubbery.
The Best Grilled Shrimp Recipe
Grilled Shrimp Recipe (Juicy & Flavorful in 10 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F). Clean and oil the grill grates.
- Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers. For best results, use two parallel skewers to prevent the shrimp from spinning when flipped.
- Place the shrimp skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and have curled into a ‘C’ shape.
- Remove the shrimp from the grill immediately to prevent overcooking. Serve hot with extra lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Notes
Patting the shrimp dry before marinating is key to getting a beautiful sear on the grill.
Cook time will vary slightly depending on the exact size of your shrimp and the heat of your grill. Watch them closely!
Frequently Asked Questions
To prevent shrimp from sticking, ensure your grill grates are very clean and well-oiled before you start cooking. Also, the olive oil in the marinade helps create a non-stick barrier.
Large or jumbo shrimp grill very quickly. It typically takes only 2-3 minutes per side over medium-high heat. Watch for them to turn pink and opaque.
This is a matter of personal preference. Tail-on shrimp often look more appealing for presentation and provide a small ‘handle’ for eating. Tail-off shrimp are a bit easier to eat, especially in dishes like tacos or salads. Both work well for this recipe.
You should preheat your grill to medium-high heat, which is around 400-450°F (200-230°C). This high heat allows the shrimp to cook quickly and get a nice sear without drying out.
More Delicious Shrimp Recipes To Try
If you loved this simple grilled shrimp, you’re sure to enjoy some of our other favorite shrimp dishes!
- Classic Shrimp Scampi
- The Best Shrimp Tacos (coming soon)
- Southern-Style Shrimp and Grits
- 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp (coming soon)
We hope this becomes your go-to grilled shrimp recipe! If you make it, please leave a comment and rating below to let us know how you liked it. And don’t forget to share a photo of your beautiful skewers on Pinterest!
