Grilled shrimp is a flavorful and simple dish that’s perfect for a barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner. This recipe will guide you through the steps to achieve juicy and delicious grilled shrimp.
Grilled shrimp is one of the fastest meals you can make on the grill. It is very easy and one of the best ways to enjoy this seafood. Grilled shrimp is a delicious dish that can easily be made at home with just a few simple ingredients. And if you don’t have a grill, you can easily cook the shrimp in a grill pan or on a stovetop griddle.
Personally, I love to serve this dish alongside some grilled veggies and a refreshing salad, but it’s also great on its own as an appetizer.
How to prepare grilled shrimp
When it comes to grilling shrimp, it’s important to start with high-quality seafood. Opt for large shrimp that are peeled and deveined, as they are easier to handle and cook evenly. You can also peel and devein yourself if you happen to buy the shelled shrimp. You can leave the tails on for added presentation.
Before marinating, ensure that the shrimp are patted dry with a paper towel. This step helps the marinade adhere to the shrimp, ensuring maximum flavor with each bite.
How to marinate grilled shrimp
To marinate grilled shrimp, prepare a marinade using ingredients like olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, spices, and herbs. Place the shrimp in a bowl and pour the marinade over them. Mix well to ensure the shrimp are coated evenly. Cover the bowl and let the shrimp marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Skewering the Shrimp
Once you have marinated the shrimp for 15-20 minutes, it’s time to thread them onto skewers. Whether you opt for wooden or metal skewers is up to you, but if using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
When skewering the shrimp, leave a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking. This also allows the shrimp to get those beautiful grill marks that add to the overall presentation.
Grilling
It is very important to preheat your grill to high heat before placing the shrimp skewers on the grates. This will ensure that the shrimp cook quickly and evenly while achieving a tantalizing char on the outside. It’s also important to lightly oil the grates before placing the shrimp skewers. This will prevent the shrimp from sticking to the grates.
Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn a beautiful pink color and are cooked through. Avoid overcooking the shrimp to maintain their juicy and tender texture.
One thing to keep in mind when it comes to grilling shrimp is that it’s important not to overcook them, or they can become rubbery and tough. So keep a close eye on them while they’re on the grill, and be sure to flip them over after a couple of minutes to cook evenly on both sides.
Ingredients needed to make grilled shrimp
Shrimp: This is the most important ingredient of this meal. Ensure that your shrimps are peeled and deveined. This will improve the flavors of the shrimp greatly.
Garlic cloves: adds a delicious flavor to grilled shrimp. You can chop the cloves and mix with olive oil to brush onto the shrimp before grilling or add them directly to the marinade.
Olive oil: Used as the base of the marinade, olive oil helps to coat the shrimp and keep them moist as they grill. It also adds a rich and fruity note to the dish and helps to prevent sticking.
Fresh lemon juice: brings brightness and tang to the marinade. It adds a refreshing element that balances the richness of the shrimp and other flavors.
Fresh parsley: adds a burst of freshness to the dish and also used as a garnish.
Spices: Smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper – add depth, complexity, and a hint of heat to the shrimp
Wooden or metal skewers: This is used to hold the shrimp and using this makes it easier to flip the shrimps. If you are using wooden skewers, I recommend that you soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
How to make grilled shrimp
To prevent burning, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling.
In a bowl, mix minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped parsley, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.
Add shrimp to the marinade, coating them well.
Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes then Preheat the grill to medium-high.
Thread marinated shrimp on skewers, allowing space for even cooking.
Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked. Rest shrimp skewers for a minute or two before serving.
Serving Suggestions
There are so many ways you can serve and enjoy grilled shrimp skewers! Here are a few serving suggestions:
You can also serve them with a dipping sauce, such as a garlic aioli or a spicy cocktail sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Shrimp
How long should I marinate the shrimp for?
It’s best to marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. However, you can marinate them for up to 2 hours for a more intense flavor.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure it’s thawed before you start marinating and grilling.
How do I prevent the shrimp from sticking to the grill?
To prevent the shrimp from sticking to the grill, make sure the grill grates are well-oiled. You can also thread the shrimp onto metal skewers or soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them. This will prevent them from burning or sticking to the grill.
What is the best way to tell when the shrimp are fully cooked?
The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when fully cooked. A good rule of thumb is to grill them for 2-3 minutes on each side. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become tough and rubbery.
How long is grilled shrimp good for in the fridge?
Grilled shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days if properly stored in an airtight container. It’s important to let the shrimp cool completely before refrigerating them. Keep in mind that the longer the shrimp sits in the fridge, the more the texture may deteriorate.
How to tell when grilled shrimp is done
When grilled shrimp is fully cooked, it will turn pink and opaque. When you see no more translucent or gray areas, and the shrimp have a firm texture, they are done. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.
How to reheat grilled shrimp
To reheat grilled shrimp, place them in a microwave-safe dish with a little water or broth to add moisture. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap and heat on medium power in short intervals. Stir the shrimp occasionally to ensure even heating. Alternatively, you can reheat the shrimp in a pan on the stove, adding a little oil or butter for added moisture and flavor.
Grilled shrimp is one of the fastest meals you can make on the grill. It is very easy and one of the best ways to enjoy this seafood. Grilled shrimp is a delicious dish that can easily be made at home with just a few simple ingredients.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped parsley, smoked paprika, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
Add the shrimp to the marinade, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. While the grill is heating up, thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each shrimp to ensure even cooking.
Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Remove the grilled shrimp skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute or two before serving.
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