Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp Recipe

If you’re searching for the Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp recipe that’s bursting with flavor and easy to prepare, you’re in for a treat. This dish brings together juicy, tender shrimp soaked in a vibrant marinade of garlic, lemon, and herbs, then grilled to smoky perfection. It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer cookout or adding a bright seafood touch to your weeknight dinner. Get ready to fall in love with every bite of these perfectly charred and savory shrimp that deliver both simplicity and taste in one irresistible package.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things straightforward but doesn’t skimp on flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the aromatic, tangy, and smoky profile that makes the Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp stand out. From fresh garlic to zesty lemon juice, these basics come together to create magic on your grill.

• 1 1/2 pounds large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on): The star of the dish, fresh shrimp ensures juicy, tender grilling with a bit of flair from the tails.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade cling beautifully to each shrimp piece.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Delivers a bright, citrusy punch that balances the richness and adds freshness.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Imparts irresistible depth and aroma, making the shrimp incredibly savory.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a subtle smoky sweetness and lends gorgeous color to the shrimp.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds earthy herbal notes that complement the garlic and lemon perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and rounds out all the other flavors in the marinade.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle kick that keeps the palate excited without overpowering.
• Wooden skewers (optional, for grilling): Perfect for easy handling and even cooking, just soak beforehand to avoid burning.
• Chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges (optional garnishes): Provide a fresh, vibrant finish that brightens the dish up beautifully.

How to Make Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by peeling and deveining your shrimp, but keep those tails intact for a lovely presentation and an easy grip while eating. Pat them dry using paper towels—this simple step helps the marinade cling better and ensures you get those perfect grill marks.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. This marinade is where the flavor magic happens, blending bright citrus, aromatic herbs, and smoky spice into a luscious coating for your shrimp.

Step 3: Marinate the Shrimp

Toss your shrimp in the marinade, making sure each piece gets evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This resting time allows the shrimp to soak up those fantastic flavors without becoming mushy.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill

While your shrimp marinates, get your grill heating to medium-high. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for 10-15 minutes before threading the shrimp. This little trick prevents them from catching fire and keeps the grilling process safe and smooth.

Step 5: Grill the Shrimp

Thread the marinated shrimp onto your skewers and place them on the hot grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn opaque and sport beautiful grill marks. This quick cooking keeps them juicy and tender while adding that irresistible charred flavor.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Once grilled, remove your shrimp from the heat and serve right away. The Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp tastes best piping hot, with its flavors fresh and vibrant from the grill.

How to Serve Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over your grilled shrimp for a pop of green that adds brightness and a mild herbal note. A few lemon wedges on the side invite everyone to add an extra drizzle of zesty freshness—simple touches that elevate the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these shrimp with light, colorful sides like a crisp garden salad, grilled vegetables, or fluffy couscous. They’re also fantastic alongside creamy mashed potatoes or rice pilaf, balancing the bold grill flavors with buttery textures and subtle starchiness.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve your Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp atop fresh avocado toast, tossed into a vibrant taco with crunchy slaw, or layered on top of a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of vinaigrette. They’re versatile and elegant, perfect for anything from casual dinners to special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, place the shrimp in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that shrimp tastes best fresh, so try to enjoy them as soon as possible.

Freezing

While fresh grilling is ideal, you can freeze marinated shrimp before cooking if needed. Lay them flat in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling for the best results.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your shrimp in a skillet over low heat or pop them into a toaster oven for just a couple of minutes to maintain their tenderness. Avoid microwaving, which can quickly make shrimp rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating. Fresh shrimp is often best, but quality frozen shrimp works very well if handled properly.

How long can I marinate the shrimp?

Marinating for 30 minutes to 1 hour is perfect. Any longer, and the acid from the lemon juice may start to ‘cook’ the shrimp, changing the texture.

Can I grill shrimp without skewers?

Yes, you can place shrimp directly on the grill grate, but skewers make flipping easier and help prevent shrimp from falling through the grates.

What’s the best type of grill to use?

Both gas and charcoal grills work wonderfully. Charcoal adds extra smoky flavor, but gas grills offer fantastic control and convenience.

Are these shrimp spicy?

This recipe has a gentle warmth thanks to the paprika and black pepper, but it is not spicy-hot. You can adjust seasonings to your preference if you want more heat.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try the Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a special treat but is so easy to whip up time and again. Whether you’re serving it for a backyard BBQ or a cozy dinner at home, these shrimp bring bright, bold flavors and an inviting smoky char every time. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone around you with this delicious seafood favorite!

Print