Grilled Garlic Herb Shrimp Recipe

Grilled Garlic Herb Shrimp is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts or quick weeknight meals. With a simple marinade of garlic, herbs, and lemon, this shrimp is juicy, smoky, and packed with flavor. It can be served on its own, over rice or pasta, or with a fresh salad for a light, healthy meal.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined (leave tails on for presentation if desired)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest for extra brightness
• 1 tablespoon white wine in the marinade for a subtle complexity
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky flavor

For Serving:

• Rice or couscous
• Grilled vegetables
• A light green salad

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Place the shrimp in a large bowl. Make sure they are peeled and deveined, leaving the tails on for presentation if desired.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Pour the marinade over the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Let the shrimp marinate for 15-30 minutes at room temperature. Avoid marinating for too long, as the lemon juice can start to “cook” the shrimp.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean the grill grates and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Skewer the Shrimp (Optional)

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
2. Thread the shrimp onto skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer. This makes flipping them easier on the grill.

Step 5: Grill the Shrimp

1. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become tough when overdone.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the shrimp from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.
2. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Cooking Notes

• Shrimp Size: Large or jumbo shrimp work best for grilling, as they are less likely to overcook and dry out on the grill.
• Grill Alternatives: If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the shrimp on a grill pan or under the broiler in your oven.

Variations

1. Spicy Grilled Shrimp

Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.

2. Honey Garlic Grilled Shrimp

Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the marinade for a sweet and savory combination that caramelizes slightly when grilled.

3. Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill and a sprinkle of feta cheese to the shrimp after grilling for a Mediterranean flair.

4. Cajun Grilled Shrimp

Season the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning in addition to the garlic and herbs for a bold, spicy flavor.

5. Asian-Inspired Grilled Shrimp

Replace the olive oil with sesame oil, and add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and a teaspoon of grated ginger to the marinade for an Asian-inspired dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Grilled Garlic Herb Shrimp ahead of time?
Shrimp is best served immediately after grilling, but you can prepare the marinade and shrimp ahead of time. Just marinate the shrimp no longer than 30 minutes to avoid the lemon juice from cooking them.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or enjoy cold over a salad.

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just make sure to fully thaw them before marinating and grilling.

Q: Can I grill shrimp without skewers?
Yes, you can grill the shrimp directly on the grill grates, but be careful as smaller shrimp may fall through. If grilling without skewers, larger shrimp work best.

Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, if you don’t have fresh herbs, you can substitute with dried herbs. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs in place of the fresh herbs.

This Grilled Garlic Herb Shrimp recipe is a quick, healthy, and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The fresh garlic and herb marinade adds a burst of flavor to the juicy grilled shrimp, making it a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with rice, grilled vegetables, or a light salad for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.