Easy grilled lemon garlic shrimp are bursting with flavor! The juicy shrimp soak up zesty lemon and garlic, making each bite truly tasty. They cook quickly too, perfect for a busy day!
Honestly, they’re like a party on a skewer! I love serving them with rice or on top of a salad. You can’t go wrong when garlic is involved, right? 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are ideal for grilling. If you can’t find large, medium-sized shrimp will also work. For a different flavor, try using scallops instead, just adjust the cooking time since they may require longer.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder can work in a pinch—about 1 teaspoon will do. But I really love the taste of freshly minced garlic in this recipe!
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps the shrimp cook evenly. If you need a lighter option, avocado oil is a great substitute. It has a high smoke point and a mild flavor.
Lemon: Fresh lemon zest and juice are key for brightness. If you are out of lemons, lime juice can work as an alternative, giving a slightly different but still refreshing taste.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a nice smoky flavor. If you can’t find it, regular paprika or even cayenne can be used, but it won’t have the same depth. Remember cayenne is spicier, so use less!
How Should I Grill Shrimp for Perfect Results?
Grilling shrimp can be tricky, but it’s all about timing and temperature. Here’s how to get the best sear and flavor:
- Make sure the grill is preheated to medium-high. This helps the shrimp cook quickly and get those lovely grill marks.
- Skewer your shrimp, leaving a little space between each for even cooking. This prevents them from steaming and makes them more flavorful.
- Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They are done when they’re opaque and slightly firm to the touch. Overcooking can make them rubbery!
Don’t forget to let them rest for a moment before serving to keep them juicy! Enjoy your meal with a squeeze of fresh lemon for that extra zesty touch!
How to Make Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
For Grilling:
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soaked in water for 30 minutes)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook. For the best flavor, marinate the shrimp for 15-30 minutes in the fridge to let all those delicious ingredients mingle together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Mix everything well until it’s nicely combined.
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, tossing them around to make sure they’re all well coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. This helps the shrimp absorb all the fantastic flavors!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the shrimp is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using an indoor grill pan, preheat it over medium-high heat as well. This ensures the shrimp will cook evenly and get those lovely grill marks.
4. Skewer the Shrimp:
Once the shrimp have marinated, thread them onto the skewers—about 4-5 shrimp per skewer is perfect. Make sure to leave a little space between each shrimp so they cook evenly and get a nice char.
5. Grill the Shrimp:
Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they are done when they turn opaque and you see beautiful char marks. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery!
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the grill and transfer them to a serving plate. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and flavor. Remember to serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the shrimp—this adds an extra layer of brightness!
Enjoy your flavorful and appetizing grilled lemon garlic shrimp!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your frozen shrimp completely before marinating. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes.
How Long Can I Marinate the Shrimp?
For the best flavor, aim for 15-30 minutes of marinating. If you marinate for too long (more than 1 hour), the shrimp can start to become a bit mushy due to the acidity in the lemon juice.
What Can I Serve with Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it alongside grilled vegetables or in tacos for a fun twist!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, but be cautious not to overcook them again!
