Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a tasty dish that’s quick to make! Juicy shrimp is marinated in zesty lemon juice and garlic, then grilled to perfection. It’s full of flavor!
This dish is a hit at summer cookouts. Just picture it: succulent shrimp that gives a delightful crunch with every bite. I can’t resist serving it with a side of fresh salad!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are ideal for grilling. If you can’t find large shrimp, medium ones work too, but adjust the cooking time slightly. For a twist, you could use scallops instead!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil gives a great flavor, but you can use other oils like avocado oil for a high smoke point. Canola or vegetable oil works fine too if that’s what you have.
Garlic: Fresh garlic delivers the best taste. You can substitute with garlic powder in a pinch, but it won’t be as vibrant. I love using roasted garlic for a sweeter touch.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest enhance the brightness of this dish. You can use lime for a different flavor, or if you’re in a hurry, bottled lemon juice will do.
Smoked Paprika: This adds lovely depth. If you don’t have it, regular paprika will work, but you might miss out on the smoky flavor. A dash of cayenne pepper can replace it for heat.
How Do I Grill Shrimp Without Overcooking Them?
Cooking shrimp to perfection requires a watchful eye! To prevent rubbery shrimp, follow these easy steps:
- Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high. A hot grill sears the shrimp quickly.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers. A little space allows heat to circulate, cooking them evenly.
- Grill shrimp for just 2-3 minutes per side. They’ll turn pink and opaque when done. Remove them immediately!
- If you’re new to grilling, keep a close eye on them; shrimp can go from perfect to overcooked very quickly.
With these tips, you’ll master the art of grilling shrimp in no time!
Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time plus about 15-20 minutes for marinating. Grilling will only take another 5-6 minutes, so you can have delicious lemon garlic shrimp on the table in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a mixing bowl. In it, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Whisk everything together until it’s nice and combined.
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
Now, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to your marinade. Toss them around gently to make sure each shrimp is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes. Remember, don’t leave them too long as they can become too flavorful from the marinade!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the shrimp are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C). To prevent sticking, lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in oil.
4. Skewer the Shrimp:
After marinating, take the shrimp out of the fridge. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each shrimp. This will help them cook evenly. If you used wooden skewers, make sure they’ve soaked for about 30 minutes to avoid burning.
5. Grill the Shrimp:
Place the shrimp skewers on the hot grill. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque, with nice grill marks. Be careful not to overcook them; otherwise, they may get tough!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, carefully remove the shrimp from the grill and transfer them to a serving plate. Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the shrimp for a pop of color. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing on top!
Enjoy your flavorful, juicy Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before marinating. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly in a bowl of cold water. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture for better grilling.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Skewers?
Yes! If you don’t have skewers, you can grill the shrimp directly on a grill basket or grill mat. Just ensure they are placed in a single layer to cook evenly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent falling through the grates.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Shrimp?
Store any leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be good for up to 2 days. You can reheat them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, but be aware they may lose some of their tenderness during reheating.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, simply omit the crushed red pepper flakes. For extra heat, feel free to add more! Alternatively, you can experiment with spices like cayenne or a hot sauce when serving to adjust to your taste.
