There is nothing quite like enjoying the Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp – Flavorful, Juicy, and Perfectly Grilled Recipe on a warm evening with friends or family. This dish bursts with bright, zesty notes from fresh lemon juice and garlic, balanced by the smoky richness from paprika and oregano, making each bite irresistibly flavorful and tender. Whether you are a grill master or a seafood lover searching for that perfect, juicy shrimp recipe, this is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that transforms ordinary shrimp into an extraordinary treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful selection of ingredients that create a harmonious flavor profile. Each component adds depth, color, and texture to the shrimp, ensuring every bite is deliciously satisfying.
- 1 1/2 pounds large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on): Choosing large shrimp with tails intact enhances presentation and makes them easier to handle on the grill.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil helps the marinade coat the shrimp evenly while keeping them moist and tender during grilling.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy zing that elevates the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses a robust aroma and savory flavor that complements the seafood perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Paprika brings a subtle smoky warmth and vibrant color to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Oregano provides an earthy herbiness that balances the citrus and spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances all the flavors and helps the shrimp develop a juicy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Black pepper adds a gentle kick that rounds out the seasoning.
- Wooden skewers (optional, for grilling): Soaking wooden skewers prevents burning and makes flipping shrimp easier on the grill.
- Chopped fresh parsley: A fresh sprinkle of parsley adds color and a hint of herbal brightness.
- Lemon wedges: Lemon wedges served alongside allow guests to add an extra splash of freshness.
How to Make Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp – Flavorful, Juicy, and Perfectly Grilled Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by peeling and deveining your shrimp, making sure to leave the tails on. The tails not only make the shrimp easier to hold but also add a lovely decorative element once grilled. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to help the marinade cling better and create beautiful grill marks.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisking these ingredients together creates a flavorful marinade that will penetrate the shrimp, building layers of taste with every bite.
Step 3: Marinate the Shrimp
Place the shrimp into the bowl with the marinade, tossing gently to ensure each piece is coated evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This marinating step is essential for infusing the shrimp with those bold, zesty flavors while keeping them perfectly juicy.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill and Prepare Skewers
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 to 15 minutes before threading the shrimp on. This simple trick prevents the skewers from catching fire and helps you cook the shrimp evenly without interruption.
Step 5: Grill the Shrimp
Thread marinated shrimp onto the skewers, ensuring they are snug but not overcrowded. Grill each side for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turns opaque, juicy, and develops those irresistible grill marks. Timing is key here – shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye to avoid overcooking, which can make them rubbery.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the shrimp from the grill and immediately transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley and provide lemon wedges on the side to add an extra burst of freshness before serving.
Step 7: Enjoy Your Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp – Flavorful, Juicy, and Perfectly Grilled Recipe
Serve your shrimp as a satisfying main dish, a tasty appetizer, or an exciting topping on salads and tacos. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these marinated grilled shrimp are guaranteed to impress and delight everyone at your table.
How to Serve Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp – Flavorful, Juicy, and Perfectly Grilled Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges are classic for a reason. They add freshness, a pop of color, and extra citrus brightness that refreshes the palate between bites. You can also experiment with chopped cilantro or a light drizzle of garlic butter for a different twist.
Side Dishes
The best marinated grilled shrimp pairs beautifully with a variety of sides such as fluffy rice pilaf, grilled vegetables, or a crisp green salad. For a more indulgent meal, try serving them alongside creamy mashed potatoes or tossed in a zesty pasta salad for a vibrant contrast to the smoky shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, thread shrimp with slices of bell pepper or cherry tomatoes on the skewers before grilling. You can also layer grilled shrimp over toasted crostini topped with a dollop of herbed cream cheese or avocado for an elegant appetizer. Serving shrimp tacos with fresh salsa, cabbage slaw, and warm tortillas is another crowd-pleasing way to enjoy this recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled shrimp should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or adding protein to your next salad. Always keep them refrigerated promptly to maintain their juicy texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the shrimp, place them in a single-layer freezer-safe container or bag to avoid clumping. Frozen grilled shrimp are best consumed within 1 month for optimal flavor and texture. When ready to use, thaw them slowly in the refrigerator to preserve their deliciousness.
Reheating
To reheat the shrimp without drying them out, warm them gently over low heat in a skillet or microwave them briefly. Avoid high heat or prolonged cooking, as shrimp can become tough if overheated. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after reheating brightens the flavors and brings them back to life.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp as long as they are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating. This helps the marinade penetrate evenly and ensures the shrimp cook properly on the grill.
How long should I marinate the shrimp?
Marinating for 30 minutes to 1 hour is ideal. This time allows the shrimp to absorb the flavors without becoming mushy. Marinating longer than this might negatively affect the texture due to the acidity in the lemon juice.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook the shrimp another way?
Absolutely! You can cook the marinated shrimp in a hot skillet or broil them in the oven. Both methods will give you a tasty result, though grilling imparts that unique smoky flavor and char that make this recipe special.
Are wooden skewers necessary?
Wooden skewers are helpful for handling the shrimp on the grill and preventing them from falling through the grates, but they are optional. If you don’t have skewers, you can grill the shrimp directly on a clean grill basket or a grill pan.
Can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
Definitely! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade if you like a bit of heat. Conversely, if you prefer mild flavors, feel free to reduce the amount of black pepper or omit the paprika.
Final Thoughts
This Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp – Flavorful, Juicy, and Perfectly Grilled Recipe is truly a kitchen gem that elevates simple shrimp into a memorable dish everyone will love. It’s easy to prepare, bursting with vibrant flavors, and perfect for any occasion—whether a casual backyard barbecue or a special dinner. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and enjoy the wonderful combination of zest, smoke, and juiciness that only the best marinated grilled shrimp can deliver!
Print
Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp – Flavorful, Juicy, and Perfectly Grilled Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This recipe for Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp offers a flavorful and juicy seafood dish perfect for summer grilling. The shrimp are marinated in a zesty combination of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, and oregano, then char-grilled to perfection, delivering a deliciously smoky and tender bite every time.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Grilling and Garnish
- Wooden skewers (optional, for grilling)
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on for a decorative touch. Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the marinade adheres well.
- Make the marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the shrimp: Add the shrimp into the marinade and toss until each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10-15 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning during grilling.
- Skewer the shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp onto the soaked skewers evenly, making sure not to overcrowd them for even cooking.
- Grill the shrimp: Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are opaque in color and charred with nice grill marks.
- Serve: Remove the shrimp from the grill and plate immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve as a main dish, appetizer, or a delicious topping for salads and tacos.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Marinating for up to 1 hour is optimal; avoid longer to prevent the shrimp from becoming mushy.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor in the marinade.
- Keep an eye on shrimp while grilling; they cook quickly and can become rubbery if overdone.
- Gluten free and dairy free naturally; great for a light, healthy meal.
