This juicy garlic shrimp recipe is tossed in a bright garlic‑lemon marinade and grilled until slightly smoky and perfectly tender. Quick and easy, it’s a flavorful weeknight dinner or a crowd‑pleaser for barbecues and gatherings.
Grilled garlic shrimp highlights the natural sweetness of shrimp with a garlicky, citrusy dressing. The ingredients are simple and the method is straightforward, so you can have a restaurant‑quality seafood dish on the table in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright, balanced flavor. Lemon and herbs cut through the richness of the olive oil and garlic for a lively finish.
- Prep ahead friendly. Marinate and skewer the shrimp 1–2 hours in advance for easy cooking when guests arrive.
- Fast and simple. The marinade comes together in moments, and the shrimp grill in roughly five minutes.
Ingredients for Grilled Garlic Shrimp
- Olive oil: or a neutral oil of your choice.
- Parsley: freshly chopped for flavor and color.
- Lemon juice: freshly squeezed for the best brightness.
- Garlic: freshly minced is recommended.
- Seasonings: dried Italian seasoning, salt, crushed red pepper flakes and black pepper.
- Shrimp: large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on.
- Lemon wedges: for serving.
Substitutions and Variations
- Shrimp substitutes: scallops, calamari, or firm white fish work well if shrimp isn’t available.
- Milder garlic option: use shallots or garlic powder to reduce sharpness.
- Oil alternatives: try avocado oil or melted butter for a different richness.
- Herb swaps: cilantro, basil, or dill can replace parsley for a new flavor profile.
How To Grill Shrimp
Tips To Make The Best Grilled Shrimp Recipe
- Marinating time: 30 minutes to 2 hours is ideal; longer can start to “cook” the shrimp with the lemon’s acidity.
- Grill temperature: Medium‑high ensures quick, even cooking and those appealing grill marks.
- Wooden skewers: Soak for at least 30 minutes to keep them from burning.
- Avoid overcooking: Shrimp become rubbery when cooked too long — watch for pink, opaque flesh and firm texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Marinate for at least 30 minutes and no longer than two hours to avoid breakdown from the lemon juice.
Grill about 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink, opaque and firm but not rubbery.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet just until warmed; avoid overheating to prevent rubberiness.
Yes — freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, though freshly cooked is best.
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque and the flesh is firm to the touch.
Large or jumbo shrimp hold up well on the grill and are easy to skewer and serve.
What to Serve with Grilled Garlic Shrimp
Grilled garlic shrimp pairs nicely with many sides. A few complementary options include:
- Mixed roasted or steamed vegetables
- A crisp house salad
- Roasted or air‑fried red potatoes
- Creamy tortellini or veggie pasta
More Easy Shrimp Recipes
- Shrimp Sushi Stack
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers
- Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo
- Oven Shrimp Skewers
- Cilantro Lime Shrimp
This grilled garlic shrimp recipe is a reliable, flavorful option for quick weeknights or special meals. With minimal ingredients and short cook time, it’s likely to become a regular in your recipe rotation.
Grilled Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1½ lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined, tail‑on
- Lemon wedges, to garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, parsley, lemon juice, minced garlic, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, salt, crushed red pepper and black pepper.
- Pour the marinade over the shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
- Thread the shrimp onto soaked wooden or metal skewers.
- Place skewers on a preheated griddle or grill pan and cook 2–3 minutes per side (about 4–5 minutes total), turning often until shrimp are cooked through.
- Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges and serve immediately.
Notes
- Marination time: 30 minutes to 2 hours; avoid longer to prevent texture changes from the lemon.
- Grill temperature: Preheat to medium‑high for even cooking.
- Avoid overcooking: Shrimp usually need about 2–3 minutes per side; remove as soon as they’re pink and firm.
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 2g
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Protein: 0.3g
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Fat: 14g