Indulge in these juicy grilled shrimp, a delightful dish that’s bursting with flavor. Coated in a zesty marinade of garlic, lemon, and spices, they are grilled to smoky perfection, making them an easy and irresistible summer favorite.

Preparation takes only a few minutes, and the cooking time is just as quick. With such ease and flavor, what more could you ask for?

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Shrimp

Incredible Taste: The combination of smoky paprika, zesty lemon, and garlic transforms simple shrimp into an exquisite Mediterranean-inspired dish without overshadowing their natural sweetness.

Quick Crowd-Pleaser: It’s the perfect showstopper for gatherings, ready in just 15 minutes.

Minimal Cleanup: With a straightforward marinade and grilling process, you can spend less time scrubbing pots and more time enjoying your meal.

Versatile Serving: Serve as an appetizer, pair with pasta, or add to salads—these shrimp are great in so many dishes!

Ingredients

• Large Shrimp: Ideal for a tender texture and sweet flavor that complements the marinade beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Provides richness and ensures the spices stick to the shrimp while grilling.
• Fresh Lemon: Adds a tart zest that balances the flavors perfectly.
• Garlic: Finely minced for its aromatic flavor that permeates the shrimp.
• Old Bay: A classic seafood seasoning that elevates the dish.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a smoky, earthy taste that deepens the flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who prefer a hint of heat.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the overall taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped, this adds freshness and a touch of color to your presentation.

How to Make Grilled Shrimp

This grilled shrimp recipe epitomizes everything I love about cooking: it’s swift, bursting with flavor, and visually appealing.

The smoky paprika paired with fresh citrus and garlic makes these shrimp irresistible, rounded out with a touch of spice to keep things exciting. Let’s dive into the preparation:

Instructions

1. Rinse: Rinse the shrimp under cold water, pat them dry, and remove the tails if desired.
2. Mix: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Marinate: Add the shrimp to the mixture, tossing to ensure they are well coated. Allow them to rest for 10–15 minutes (do not exceed 30 minutes).
4. Heat: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or skillet to prevent sticking.
5. Grill: Grill the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque.
6. Rest: Let the shrimp rest for 1–2 minutes, then arrange them on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy!

Tips For the Best Grilled Shrimp

One of the best parts of this dish is how quickly it can be ready. It’s perfect for those warm summer evenings when you want something impressive without spending hours cooking. Here are a few tips to nail this recipe:

• Size Matters: Opt for large or jumbo shrimp (16-20 per pound) to ensure they cook evenly and don’t overcook.
• Marinate Quickly: Keep the marinade time to a maximum of 15-20 minutes; longer marinating may start ‘cooking’ the shrimp with the acid from the lemon.
• Use Skewers: For easy grilling, soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes, then thread the shrimp onto the skewers for grilling.
• Watch Closely: Shrimp are quick to overcook. They’re done when they curl into a ‘C’ shape.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different seasonings like Cajun spice, teriyaki marinade, or garlic herb butter.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve your grilled shrimp over cilantro-lime rice, alongside grilled veggies, or as part of a seafood pasta dish for a delightful meal.

How to Store

Whether cooking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these grilled shrimp make every meal feel like a celebration. However, they are best enjoyed fresh. Here’s how to store and reheat them:

To Store: Place the cooled shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. They’ll last for 3 to 4 days in the fridge.

To Freeze: Flash freeze cooled shrimp in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. They can be kept for 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

To Reheat: Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of oil. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

More Delicious Shrimp Recipes to Try

• Shrimp Fajitas
• Creamy Chipotle Shrimp
• Hibachi Shrimp
• Sweet and Sour Shrimp