Sizzling summer evenings call for a delectable grilled shrimp recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.
These succulent marine morsels dance with vibrant flavors the moment they hit the grill.
Marinades infuse each tender shrimp with zesty herbs and spices that awaken your palate.
The key is selecting fresh, plump shrimp that promise a delightful texture and rich seafood essence.
Quick-cooking and incredibly versatile, these grilled delights work perfectly as an appetizer or main course.
Bring a burst of coastal charm to your dinner table with this simple yet impressive dish that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.
You’ll want to savor every single bite of this mouthwatering seafood sensation.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Calories: 289 kcal
Servings: 5
Ingredients That Make Grilled Shrimp Shine
For Protein Base:
Raw Extra Jumbo Shrimp: Select plump, fresh shrimp with a sweet ocean scent, ensuring they're sustainably sourced for best flavor and environmental responsibility.
For Marinade And Flavor Enhancers:
Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves: Creates a silky base that helps spices cling to shrimp and infuses rich, aromatic undertones.
Jalapeño, Brown Sugar: Balances heat with subtle sweetness, creating a complex flavor profile that tingles the taste buds.
For Spice Blend:
Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cumin, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Craft a robust spice mix that delivers smoky, warm, and slightly spicy notes, transforming ordinary shrimp into a restaurant-quality dish.
For Garnish And Freshness:
Fresh Lime Slices, Lime Wedges, Chopped Cilantro: Adds bright, zesty freshness that cuts through the richness and provides a vibrant visual and flavor finish to the grilled shrimp.
Tools to Get Grilled Shrimp Just Right
Wooden Skewers: Essential for threading shrimp, soak in water beforehand to prevent burning.
Immersion Blender: Perfect for quickly blending marinade ingredients into a smooth mixture.
Shallow Bowl: Ideal for marinating shrimp evenly and comfortably.
Small Bowl: Great for mixing marinade ingredients.
Grill: Necessary for achieving that delicious charred flavor.
Tongs: Helpful for safely turning shrimp on the grill.
Cutting Board: Used for preparing lime slices and chopping cilantro.
Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing limes and cilantro.
How to Grill Shrimp Like a Pro
Skewer Preparation Grab wooden skewers and soak them in cool water to prevent burning during grilling.
Flavor Fusion Whisk together silky olive oil, zesty garlic, spicy ginger, and robust black pepper to create a tantalizing marinade that will transform ordinary shrimp into a culinary masterpiece.
Marinating Magic Gently bathe the shrimp in the aromatic mixture, ensuring each piece is lovingly coated. Let the flavors mingle and dance in the refrigerator for a few hours, occasionally turning to maximize taste absorption.
Grill Setup Heat the grill to a sizzling medium-high temperature and lightly brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking and create those beautiful char marks.
Cooking Performance Arrange the marinated shrimp on skewers, creating an elegant presentation. Grill each side until they transform into a gorgeous golden-pink color with delightful caramelized edges – typically 3-4 minutes per side.
Finishing Touch Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the shrimp and serve with bright, juicy lime wedges for an extra burst of citrusy excitement.
Tips to Tweak Grilled Shrimp for Variety
Experiment with different herbs like fresh rosemary or thyme to add extra depth to the shrimp's flavor profile. Swap olive oil with coconut oil for a tropical twist.
Mix protein sources by adding chunks of bell pepper, red onion, or zucchini between shrimp for colorful and nutritious skewers. Metal skewers work great and eliminate the need for pre-soaking.
Adjust heat by adding red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or jalapeño to the marinade. Start with small amounts and taste test to find your perfect spice balance.
No grill? No problem! Bake shrimp in a 400°F oven for 8-10 minutes or quickly sauté in a hot cast-iron pan for similar charred results. Broiling works wonderfully too for getting those beautiful caramelized edges.
Transform this recipe into a complete meal by serving over coconut rice, tucking into warm tortillas for tacos, or tossing with fresh mixed greens for a light summer salad.
Best Pairings for Grilled Shrimp
Seaside Picnic Plate: Arrange grilled shrimp over a bed of colorful mixed salad greens with a light citrus vinaigrette, creating a fresh and vibrant summer dish perfect for outdoor dining.
Tropical Taco Twist: Chop the grilled shrimp and stuff into warm corn tortillas, topped with a zesty mango salsa and a drizzle of creamy avocado sauce for a Caribbean-inspired meal.
Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Serve the shrimp alongside hummus, cucumber slices, olives, and warm pita bread, transforming the grilled shrimp into a shareable Mediterranean-style appetizer that's great for entertaining.
Beach-Style Rice Bowl: Layer the grilled shrimp over coconut rice, garnish with chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds, creating a quick and satisfying meal with a hint of tropical flavor.
Grilled Shrimp Storage Suggestions
Quick Meal Prep: Marinate shrimp early in the day or night before grilling to intensify flavors and save time during busy evenings.
Smart Refrigeration: Store marinated shrimp in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, keeping them chilled and maintaining maximum freshness.
Leftover Transformation: Repurpose grilled shrimp in salads, tacos, or pasta dishes within 2 days for delicious second-meal options that prevent food waste.
Freezing Strategy: Cooked shrimp can be safely frozen for up to 3 months when placed in sealed freezer bags, allowing convenient meal planning for future quick dinners.
Succulent Grilled Shrimp Skewers showcase Mediterranean flavors with zesty herbs and lemon. Marinade infuses delicate shellfish with fresh ingredients, creating a quick summer meal perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (454 g) raw extra jumbo shrimp (16–20 per lb), peeled and deveined
⅓ cup olive oil
2 tsps brown sugar
2 large garlic cloves, roughly chopped
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp minced jalapeño
Thin slices of fresh lime (if placing shrimp on skewers)
Chopped cilantro for garnish
Wedges of fresh lime for squeezing over top of grilled shrimp
Instructions
Skewer Preparation: Soak wooden skewers in cold water for 30 minutes to prevent charring during grilling.
Marinade Creation: Whisk extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger root, and black pepper into a harmonious, aromatic blend.
Marination Process: Immerse shrimp in marinade, ensuring thorough coating and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, gently rotating midway to infuse flavors deeply.
Grill Setup: Preheat grill to medium-high temperature (375-400°F), lightly oil grates to prevent adhesion and create perfect searing conditions.
Skewering Technique: Thread marinated shrimp onto pre-soaked skewers, alternating with lime slices for a vibrant flavor enhancement and visual appeal.
Grilling Execution: Cook shrimp on prepared grill, turning once, for 2-3 minutes per side until achieving a golden exterior and translucent white interior, ensuring internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Serving Presentation: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, and accompany with lime wedges for a burst of citrusy brightness.
Notes
Prevent Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in cold water for 30 minutes to stop them from catching fire during grilling.
Maximize Marinade Impact: Massage marinade thoroughly into shrimp to ensure every piece absorbs maximum flavor and becomes uniformly seasoned.
Monitor Cooking Time Precisely: Grill shrimp for exactly 2-3 minutes per side to achieve perfect golden-brown edges without overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
Temperature Safety Check: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal shrimp temperature reaches 145°F, guaranteeing both delicious taste and safe consumption.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.
Oregon State University
Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.
Sophie Reynolds
Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Oregon State University
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.