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Here is my go-to grilled shrimp recipe that always turns out perfectly seasoned and nicely charred. With just a few basic ingredients, some fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon, these shrimp are ready in under 15 minutes.
These grilled shrimp have become our favorite summer dinner option, especially on warm evenings when we don’t want to heat up the kitchen. I usually make a double batch because they disappear so quickly – and they’re just as good cold in tomorrow’s salad!
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Shrimp
- Quick cooking time – From start to finish, you’ll have these shrimp ready in just 20 minutes – perfect for those busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
- Simple ingredients – With just a handful of basic seasonings and fresh shrimp, you can create this flavorful dish using items you probably already have in your pantry.
- Healthy protein option – Shrimp is naturally low in calories but high in protein, making this a great choice for anyone watching their diet without sacrificing flavor.
- Easy preparation – Just mix the marinade, toss with shrimp, and grill – it’s really that simple, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks.
What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?
For grilling, bigger shrimp work best, which is why this recipe calls for jumbo shrimp (21-25 count per pound). The larger size helps prevent them from overcooking and falling through the grill grates. Fresh shrimp is great if you can get it, but don’t worry – frozen shrimp is actually a solid choice since most “fresh” shrimp at the seafood counter was previously frozen anyway. When shopping, look for shrimp that’s already deveined but still has the tails on, as the tails help protect the delicate meat during cooking and make for easier handling. Just make sure to thaw frozen shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water if you’re in a hurry.
Options for Substitutions
This grilled shrimp recipe is pretty adaptable, and here’s what you can switch up if needed:
- Olive oil: You can swap olive oil with avocado oil, vegetable oil, or even melted butter. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but they’ll all work well for grilling.
- Old Bay seasoning: If you’re out of Old Bay, mix together equal parts celery salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper with a pinch of dried oregano. Cajun seasoning also works as a good substitute.
- Lemon juice: Lime juice makes a great substitute, or you can use white wine vinegar (use half the amount) for that citrusy tang.
- Jumbo shrimp: While jumbo shrimp are ideal, you can use medium or large shrimp – just adjust the cooking time down by 1-2 minutes to prevent overcooking. Fresh or frozen both work well, just make sure they’re fully thawed if using frozen.
- Smoked paprika: Regular paprika works fine, though you’ll miss some of that smoky flavor. You could add a tiny pinch of cumin to make up for it.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Grilling
The biggest mistake when grilling shrimp is overcooking them, which turns these tender seafood morsels into rubbery, tough disappointments – they only need 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Another common error is placing shrimp directly on the grill without first patting them dry, as excess moisture prevents that perfect char and can cause them to stick to the grates – always pat them thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning. For the best results, make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F) and oil your grates well to prevent sticking, and don’t forget to slightly undercook the shrimp since they’ll continue cooking for a minute or two after you remove them from the heat. To ensure even cooking, try to choose shrimp that are similar in size, and if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
What to Serve With Grilled Shrimp?
This smoky, garlicky grilled shrimp pairs perfectly with so many different sides! For a light summer meal, I love serving it over a bed of cilantro lime rice or alongside grilled corn on the cob that’s been slathered with butter. You can also toss these shrimp on top of a fresh green salad with avocado and mango for a refreshing twist, or serve them with roasted vegetables and couscous for a Mediterranean-style dinner. If you’re hosting friends, try setting up a DIY taco bar with warm tortillas, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and lime wedges so everyone can build their own grilled shrimp tacos.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: Once cooked, you can keep your grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re perfect for adding to salads or pasta dishes throughout the week. Just remember that seafood is best enjoyed sooner rather than later!
Make Ahead: Want to prep ahead? Mix up the marinade and store it separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just toss it with the shrimp and you’re good to go. Don’t marinate the shrimp for more than 30 minutes though, or the acid from the lemon juice might start cooking them.
Serve Later: If you’re planning to serve these at a party, you can grill them just before guests arrive and serve them at room temperature for up to 2 hours. They’re actually quite tasty this way and make a great appetizer!
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 5-7 minutes |
| Total Time | 15-22 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 400-450
- Protein: 60-65 g
- Fat: 20-25 g
- Carbohydrates: 7-10 g
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 3 large garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 teaspoons old bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound raw jumbo shrimp (21-25 count, tails on, deveined)
Step 1: Prepare the Grill and Mixing Bowl
Begin by heating your grill to medium-high/high.
Clean the grill grates to ensure there are no remnants from previous cooking sessions.
Once clean, rub a light coat of oil on the grates to prevent sticking while grilling.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a low, wide medium-sized bowl, combine the following ingredients: oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Mix these ingredients together thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the bowl containing the marinade.
Fold gently but thoroughly to coat each shrimp evenly with the seasoned oil mixture.
Ensure every shrimp is well-coated to absorb the flavors.
Step 4: Grill the Shrimp
Place the marinated shrimp on the preheated grill grates.
Cook them for about 3 minutes, or until they develop some nice char marks.
Flip the shrimp and cook for another 2 minutes, or just until they are no longer translucent.
Be vigilant to avoid overcooking, as smaller shrimp will take less time to cook through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
For the best texture and flavor, serve the grilled shrimp immediately.
Accompany with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the top to enhance the taste with a splash of citrus.