This Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp is quick, tasty, and perfect for summer cookouts! The zesty lemon and yummy garlic come together to give each shrimp a burst of flavor.
It’s so easy to make that you might just find yourself grilling shrimp every week! I like to serve it with fresh veggies or over a bed of rice. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are best, but you can use any size. If shrimp aren’t available, try using scallops or even chicken for a twist. Frozen shrimp work fine; just make sure they’re thawed before marinating.
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. For a different flavor, consider using avocado oil or melted butter, both of which pair nicely with shrimp.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best taste. If you’re out, garlic powder can work in a pinch (about 1 teaspoon). But fresh is my favorite for that vibrant flavor!
Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key. If lemons are not on hand, lime juice would be a great alternative. You could also use a splash of white vinegar for acidity.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a nice depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder will work, but they won’t have the smoky taste.
How Do You Ensure Your Shrimp Are Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling shrimp can be tricky, but a few tips can help you get it just right. First, avoid over-marinating; 15-30 minutes is ideal. This ensures they stay tender and don’t become mushy.
- Make sure your grill is hot—medium-high heat is perfect. This creates a nice sear and prevents the shrimp from sticking.
- Oil the grill grates lightly just before grilling. A paper towel dipped in oil does the trick!
- Don’t crowd your shrimp on the skewers; give them space to cook evenly.
- Watch the color change: grill for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
These steps will help you achieve perfectly grilled shrimp every time!
Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes of prep time. After marinating the shrimp for 15-30 minutes, grilling will take another 6-8 minutes. Overall, you can have a delicious meal ready in about 30-45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and you have a lovely marinade.
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
Add the cleaned shrimp to the marinade, tossing gently to coat every shrimp thoroughly. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes. Remember, don’t let them marinate for too long—30 minutes is the max, or they might get too soft!
3. Prepare the Grill:
While the shrimp are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. It’s essential to get it nice and hot! To keep the shrimp from sticking, lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in oil.
4. Skewer the Shrimp:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. Then, thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers. Keep them close, but leave a little space in between for even cooking.
5. Grill the Shrimp:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for them to turn a beautiful pink color and get those lovely char marks. Don’t walk away—shrimp cook really fast!
6. Serve:
Once they are perfectly grilled, carefully remove the skewers from the grill and place the shrimp on a serving plate. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious grilled lemon garlic shrimp immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of brightness. Perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or served over rice or a fresh salad!
Enjoy this tasty dish that’s sure to impress family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. The best way to thaw shrimp is to place them in the refrigerator overnight, or you can quickly thaw them in a sealed plastic bag under cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can simply reduce or omit the smoked paprika. Alternatively, for a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
While the shrimp are best when cooked fresh, you can prepare the marinade in advance. Marinate the shrimp no more than 30 minutes before grilling. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy them within 1-2 days!
What Should I Serve with Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp?
This shrimp pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! Serve it over rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. Roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a light couscous dish also make great accompaniments to this flavorful seafood dish.