Grilled Garlic Herb Shrimp is a flavorful and quick dish, perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners. The combination of garlic, herbs, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar creates a delicious marinade that enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp. Grilling the shrimp on skewers not only makes them easy to handle but also adds a smoky char that complements the garlic herb marinade perfectly.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. large shrimp (tails on, peeled, and deveined)
- 2 tsp. paprika
- 2 Tbsp. minced garlic
- 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tsp. dried basil
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
- Salt, to taste
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
- Step 1: Rinse the large shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Keeping the tails on provides a nice presentation and makes the shrimp easier to handle on the grill.
2. Make the Marinade:
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 tsp. paprika, 2 Tbsp. minced garlic, 2 tsp. Italian seasoning, 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tsp. dried basil, ½ tsp. black pepper, 2 Tbsp. brown sugar, and salt to taste.
- Step 2: Whisk the ingredients together until the marinade is smooth and well-combined.
3. Marinate the Shrimp:
- Step 1: Add the shrimp to the marinade, ensuring each shrimp is evenly coated. You can use a spatula or your hands to toss the shrimp in the mixture.
- Step 2: Cover the bowl and let the shrimp marinate in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the shrimp without over-marinating, which can result in a mushy texture.
4. Prepare the Skewers:
- Step 1: While the shrimp are marinating, soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Step 2: Once soaked, thread the shrimp onto the skewers. For a nice presentation, alternate the shrimp so they curl in opposite directions on the skewer.
5. Preheat the Grill:
- Step 1: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the shrimp from sticking.
6. Grill the Shrimp:
- Step 1: Place the shrimp skewers on the hot grill. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
- Step 2: As the shrimp grill, brush them with any leftover marinade for extra flavor.
7. Serve:
- Step 1: Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a minute or two.
- Step 2: Garnish the grilled shrimp with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice, and serve with your favorite side dishes
Tips for the Best Grilled Shrimp:
- Pre-soak Wooden Skewers: To prevent burning, make sure to soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutesbefore grilling.
- Tail-On Shrimp: Keeping the tails on not only makes for a nicer presentation but also gives a small “handle” for easier eating.
- Marinate for Flavor: While shrimp should not be marinated for too long, even a short 20-30 minutes in the fridge allows the shrimp to absorb the flavors of the marinade.
- Grill Quickly: Shrimp cook very fast, so keep an eye on them. Grill for only 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once, to avoid overcooking.
- Use Large Shrimp: Larger shrimp (size 16-20 per pound) are ideal for grilling as they hold up better to high heat and are easier to handle on skewers.
Variations:
- Spicy Garlic Herb Shrimp: If you prefer some heat, add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Citrus Herb Shrimp: For a bright citrus flavor, add orange zest or lime juice to the marinade along with the lemon juice.
- Herb Butter Drizzle: After grilling, melt some butter with fresh herbs and drizzle over the shrimp for a luxurious finish.
- Tropical Shrimp Skewers: Add pineapple chunks or bell peppers between the shrimp on the skewers for a tropical twist.
Serving Suggestions:
- Over Rice: Serve the shrimp over a bed of rice, such as garlic butter rice, cilantro lime rice, or wild rice, to soak up all the delicious juices.
- With Vegetables: Pair the shrimp with grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus, for a light and healthy meal.
- In a Salad: For a fresh, summer-inspired dish, toss the grilled shrimp into a Caesar salad, Greek salad, or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Tacos: For a fun twist, serve the shrimp in soft tortillas with cabbage slaw, avocado slices, and cilantro for a delicious shrimp taco meal.
Storing Leftovers:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until just heated through. Be careful not to overcook during reheating to maintain tenderness.
- Use in Other Dishes: Leftover shrimp can be chopped and added to pasta, salads, or tacos for a quick and flavorful meal
This Grilled Garlic Herb Shrimp recipe is the perfect blend of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors. The garlic, herbs, and lemon elevate the shrimp, while grilling adds that irresistible charred flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a summer BBQ, or a quick weeknight meal, this shrimp dish is sure to impress. Paired with sides like rice, grilled veggies, or tossed in a salad, these skewers are versatile, easy, and delicious. Enjoy the bold, fresh flavors, and don’t be surprised if this recipe becomes a regular on your grilling rotation!
