If you’re on the hunt for a seafood dish that bursts with flavor and boasts juicy, tender shrimp, you’ve got to try this Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp – Flavorful, Juicy, and Perfectly Grilled Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of bright lemon, aromatic garlic, and smoky paprika that makes each bite irresistible. The marinade not only infuses the shrimp with deliciousness but also keeps them wonderfully moist as they hit the grill. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to elevate any meal with minimal fuss and maximum taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity — with just a handful of fresh, pantry-friendly ingredients, you can create shrimp that are bursting with flavor and perfectly grilled. Every component plays a role, from the zesty lemon juice that brightens the dish to the smoky paprika that adds depth and warmth.
- Large raw shrimp (1 1/2 pounds): Use peeled and deveined shrimp with tails on to retain juiciness and add an elegant presentation.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): This keeps the shrimp moist and helps the marinade cling beautifully while grilling.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Adds a citrusy zing that balances the richness and freshens the palate.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Infuses a robust, savory flavor that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives a smoky warmth and vibrant color to the marinade.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Offers an earthy, herbaceous note that enhances the overall flavor.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a hint of gentle heat and spice.
- Wooden skewers (optional): Perfect for grilling shrimp evenly and making serving a breeze.
- Chopped fresh parsley: For a bright, fresh garnish that livens up the dish.
- Lemon wedges: Serve alongside for that extra pop of citrus when eating.
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, but keep the tails on—this looks beautiful and gives a nice handle for eating. Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels; this step helps the marinade adhere better and ensures that the shrimp will sear nicely on the grill instead of steaming.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Marinade
In a bowl, combine olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This simple marinade is where all the magic happens, marrying bright citrus with warm spices and hearty herbs. Whisk it thoroughly until everything is perfectly blended.
Step 3: Marinate the Shrimp
Place the shrimp into the bowl with the marinade and toss until each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes up to an hour. This resting time lets the flavors soak in deeply, ensuring each shrimp tastes vibrant and juicy.
Step 4: Get the Grill Ready
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to achieve a perfect sear. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 to 15 minutes before threading the shrimp on. This prevents the skewers from catching fire and makes grilling safer and easier.
Step 5: Skewer and Grill the Shrimp
Thread the marinated shrimp onto the soaked skewers—don’t overcrowd them to allow even cooking. Grill the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You want them to turn opaque with attractive grill marks while remaining tender. This short, high-heat cooking keeps the shrimp juicy and flavorful throughout.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Hot
Once off the grill, transfer your shrimp to a serving plate and sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley. Serve with fresh lemon wedges on the side so everyone can add a final squeeze of brightness. These shrimp are best enjoyed immediately while warm and succulent.
Step 7: Enjoy in Various Ways
These marinated grilled shrimp work brilliantly as a main course, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a tasty topping for salads and tacos. Their versatility makes them a weeknight hero or a party star!
How to Serve Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp – Flavorful, Juicy, and Perfectly Grilled Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley adds not only a pop of color but a subtle herbal note that lifts the flavor profile delightfully. Lemon wedges are a must-have—they brighten every bite and balance the smoky marinade beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside fluffy rice, grilled vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a balanced, colorful plate. Garlic bread or warm pita also pair wonderfully to soak up any leftover juices on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp on a bed of chilled quinoa salad or tuck them into warm tortillas for shrimp tacos topped with fresh slaw and a drizzle of creamy sauce. Skewered shrimp also make for an easy and impressive finger food at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, making them great for quick lunches or adding to salads during the week.
Freezing
If you want to save shrimp for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. This prevents sticking and preserves quality for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat shrimp gently in a warm skillet over low heat or pop them briefly in the microwave to avoid overcooking and drying out. Alternatively, enjoy them cold for a refreshing salad topping or seafood cocktail.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator before marinating so they absorb all those delicious flavors and cook evenly on the grill.
How long should I marinate the shrimp?
Between 30 minutes to 1 hour is ideal. Marinating longer than that doesn’t necessarily improve the flavor and the acid from the lemon juice can start to “cook” the shrimp, changing their texture.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem! You can easily cook these shrimp under a broiler or on a stovetop grill pan. Just watch closely to achieve those perfect char marks without overcooking.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to a day in advance. Just keep it chilled and whisk it again before tossing it with the shrimp to re-emulsify the flavors.
Are wooden skewers necessary?
Not at all! You can grill the shrimp directly on the grill rack or use metal skewers. Wooden skewers just make turning the shrimp easier and look lovely for serving.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp – Flavorful, Juicy, and Perfectly Grilled Recipe enough. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough to serve at a party. Give it a try and watch those succulent, aromatic shrimp become your new go-to for delicious grilled seafood that everyone will rave about!
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Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp – Flavorful, Juicy, and Perfectly Grilled Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 45 – 75 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This recipe for Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp delivers flavorful, juicy, and perfectly grilled shrimp that are easy to prepare and ideal for summer cookouts or quick weeknight dinners. Marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, and oregano, these shrimp are grilled to perfection, resulting in a tender texture with smoky grill marks and bright citrus notes. Serve them as a main dish, appetizer, or add them to salads and tacos for a delicious seafood boost.
Ingredients
Shrimp 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 Serving
- Wooden skewers (optional, for grilling)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
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 help the marinade adhere better.
- Make the marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Prepare the grill and skewers: Preheat 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 and grill shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each. Place on the preheated grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn opaque, firm, and have visible grill marks.
- Serve: Remove the shrimp from the grill immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and squeeze lemon wedges over the top for extra brightness.
- Enjoy: Serve these flavorful grilled shrimp as a main dish, as an appetizer, or use them as a tasty protein topping for salads and tacos.
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp to avoid rubbery texture; shrimp are done when they turn opaque and slightly firm.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan on the stovetop can be used as an alternative cooking surface.
- For added smoky flavor, consider adding a touch of smoked paprika to the marinade.
- Soaking wooden skewers is essential to prevent burning; if using metal skewers, this step is not necessary.
- The marinade can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge; just add the shrimp before marinating.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
