Grilled Garlic Herb Shrimp Recipe

Bringing together juicy shrimp, bright lemon, and a glorious blend of garlic and herbs, this Grilled Garlic Herb Shrimp is the dream dinner for anyone craving bold flavors without any fuss. It’s fast, fresh, and pulls together with almost zero effort—ideal for those busy weeknights, backyard BBQs, or even a low-key date night at home. Each bite is loaded with savory, sweet, and zesty notes that practically transport you to a seaside grill. If you love meals that feel special but are secretly effortless, make some room on your weekly dinner rotation for this shrimp masterpiece.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe shine. No complicated stuff—just real, vibrant ingredients that let the shrimp be the star of the show!

• Large Shrimp: Choose tail-on, peeled and deveined shrimp for maximum flavor and ease. The tails give that extra flair and are easier to grill.
• Paprika: Adds lovely color and a subtle smoky warmth.
• Minced Garlic: The hero of this dish—don’t hold back! Freshly minced delivers the best punch.
• Italian Seasoning: A medley of dried herbs for complex, garden-fresh flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Brings brightness and cuts through the richness—a squeeze makes all the difference.
• Olive Oil: Helps the shrimp stay juicy on the grill and binds the marinade together.
• Dried Basil: Lends a sweet, aromatic undertone. Don’t skip this—it really wakes up the shrimp!
• Pepper: Just enough to balance out the sweetness and boost the savory profile.
• Brown Sugar: Balances the acidity and brings a gentle caramelized finish when grilled. Trust me, it’s a game changer.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning, but remember, shrimp are naturally briny—so season to your taste.
• Wooden Skewers: Not just for convenience; they make flipping the shrimp on the grill a breeze. Remember to soak them, so they don’t burn.

Variations

• Spicy Shrimp: Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few red pepper flakes to elevate the heat.
• Citrus Twist: Swap out the lemon juice with lime or even orange for a different zing.
• Herb Swap: Fresh parsley or cilantro can replace or supplement basil for a brighter, herbaceous note.
• Sugar-Free: Omit the brown sugar or use honey for a different touch of sweetness.
• Vegetable Add-Ons: Thread chunks of bell peppers, zucchini, or red onion onto the skewers for a pops of color and flavor.

How to Make Grilled Garlic Herb Shrimp

Step 1: Whip Up the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, dried basil, brown sugar, pepper, and a touch of salt. Mix well until everything is beautifully incorporated. The fragrance right here is a promise of flavor to come!

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Add the cleaned, tail-on shrimp to the bowl. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—if you’re not in a rush, a couple of hours really amps up the flavors.

Tip: If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes will make a difference!

Step 3: Thread the Shrimp

While the shrimp marinates, soak your wooden skewers in water (about 20 minutes) to prevent burning on the grill. Thread 5-6 shrimp onto each skewer. This not only makes grilling easier but adds a fun presentation.

Step 4: Heat the Grill

Fire up your indoor grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates if needed.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Place the shrimp skewers on the grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and lightly charred in spots. Don’t walk away—shrimp cook fast and overcooked shrimp are not the goal here!

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Remove from the grill and serve immediately. You’ll want to dig in while they’re fresh and sizzling.

How to Serve

These shrimp skewers are as versatile as they are delicious! Serve them hot off the grill, garnished with extra lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil. For a complete meal, pair with:

• Rice or Quinoa: Makes for a hearty, satisfying dinner.
• Pasta Salad: Toss the shrimp with a fresh herb pasta salad for summer vibes.
• Leafy Greens: Perfect as a protein boost atop a bright, citrusy salad.
• Grilled Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus make perfect partners.
• Dipping Sauces: A garlic aioli or cool tzatziki sauce takes them over the top.

For a party, arrange them on a big platter for a showstopping appetizer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. Enjoy cold or reheat gently for best results.

Freezing

Grilled shrimp can be frozen in a sealed bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium-low heat for a couple of minutes or microwave on low just until warmed through. Avoid overheating, as shrimp dry out quickly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Garlic Herb Shrimp recipe is the kind of dish that delivers big flavors with very little effort, making it perfect for hectic nights or impromptu gatherings. It’s speedy, versatile, and incredibly tasty—guaranteed to make you feel like a dinnertime hero. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your new go-to shrimp recipe! Give it a try, savor every bite, and enjoy the simple pleasures of delicious home cooking.

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