Description
A quick and flavorful recipe for Spicy Garlic Grilled Shrimp, marinated with a blend of olive oil, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice, then grilled to perfection. This dish offers a smoky, spicy kick that’s perfect for summer cookouts or a vibrant weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended to create the marinade.
- Marinate the shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the shrimp to absorb the bold flavors.
- Preheat the grill: Heat the grill to medium-high. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 20 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning during cooking.
- Skewer the shrimp: Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, piercing through both the tail and head to secure them tightly for grilling.
- Grill the shrimp: Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque with nice grill marks, indicating they are cooked through.
- Garnish: Remove the shrimp from the grill and sprinkle evenly with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, herbal finish.
- Serve: Serve the grilled shrimp immediately alongside lemon wedges to squeeze over for an extra burst of tangy flavor.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers before grilling helps prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Marinating the shrimp for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor but avoid marinating longer than 2 hours as the acid may start to cook the shrimp.
- Cooking time may vary depending on the size of shrimp; avoid overcooking to keep shrimp tender and juicy.
- For a milder version, reduce or omit cayenne pepper.
- Can be served as an appetizer or main dish with sides like rice, salad, or grilled vegetables.
