This Grilled Shrimp recipe is quick, flavorful, and packed with a tangy citrus kick. With perfectly seasoned shrimp grilled to juicy perfection, this dish is an excellent choice for a weeknight meal, a barbecue, or a light seafood dinner. Whether you serve them on their own or as part of a larger meal, these grilled shrimp are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for a fast and flavorful meal.
- Flavor-packed – The combination of lemon, garlic, Old Bay seasoning, and a touch of paprika creates a savory and slightly spicy marinade.
- Versatile – You can serve these grilled shrimp on their own, over pasta, in tacos, or as a topping for salads.
- Healthy – With lean shrimp, fresh ingredients, and olive oil, this dish is both light and nutritious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2–1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
- Prepare the shrimp: Clean and rinse the shrimp under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. Optionally, remove the tails.
- Make the marinade: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Marinate the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the marinade, tossing gently to coat evenly. Let them sit for 10–15 minutes (no more than 30 minutes) to absorb the flavors.
- Grill the shrimp: Heat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or skillet to prevent sticking.
- Cook the shrimp: Place the shrimp on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp cook quickly.
- Rest and serve: Let the shrimp rest for 1–2 minutes before serving. Arrange them on a platter, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with extra lemon wedges for squeezing.Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 5–6 minutes
- Total time: 15–20 minutes
Variations
- Add a smoky flavor: If you prefer a smoky flavor, add some smoked paprika to the marinade for extra depth.
- Spicy shrimp: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
- Herb-infused: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or cilantro to the marinade for a herby twist.
- Serve with sauce: Pair the shrimp with a creamy dipping sauce like garlic butter or a zesty aioli.
- Skewer the shrimp: For an easy-to-eat option, thread the shrimp onto skewers before grilling.
Storage / Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze leftover shrimp for up to 1 month. Thaw them in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat shrimp in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, but avoid overcooking.

FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely in the fridge before marinating and grilling.
Can I leave the tails on the shrimp?
You can, but removing them makes the shrimp easier to eat, especially if you’re serving them on their own.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp are ready when they form a “C” shape and turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp curl into an “O” shape, so keep an eye on them!
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just add the shrimp before cooking.
Can I grill shrimp on a stovetop grill pan?
Yes, a grill pan on the stovetop works just as well. Be sure to oil it lightly to prevent sticking.
Can I use a different seasoning instead of Old Bay?
Certainly! You can use Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, or a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for a different flavor.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of grilling them?
Yes, you can bake the shrimp at 400°F for 8–10 minutes or until pink and opaque.
How long should I marinate the shrimp?
Marinate the shrimp for 10–15 minutes. If you marinate them too long, the citrus will start “cook” the shrimp.
Can I serve the shrimp with a side dish?
Yes! These shrimp go great with pasta, rice, quinoa, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.
Can I use shrimp with shells on?
Yes, you can, but you’ll need to peel and devein them after grilling, which can be a bit messy.
Conclusion
This Grilled Shrimp recipe is simple, flavorful, and sure to become a favorite. With a perfect balance of garlic, lemon, and Old Bay seasoning, the shrimp are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Serve them on their own, or pair them with your favorite side dish for a delicious meal.
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Grilled Shrimp
- Total Time: 15–20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Grilled Shrimp recipe is quick, flavorful, and packed with a tangy citrus kick. With perfectly seasoned shrimp grilled to juicy perfection, this dish is an excellent choice for a weeknight meal, a barbecue, or a light seafood dinner. Whether you serve them on their own or as part of a larger meal, these grilled shrimp are sure to impress.
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons olive oil
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
1/2–1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1/2 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Clean and rinse the shrimp under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. Optionally, remove the tails.
- Make the marinade: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Marinate the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the marinade, tossing gently to coat evenly. Let them sit for 10–15 minutes (no more than 30 minutes) to absorb the flavors.
- Grill the shrimp: Heat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or skillet to prevent sticking.
- Cook the shrimp: Place the shrimp on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp cook quickly.
- Rest and serve: Let the shrimp rest for 1–2 minutes before serving. Arrange them on a platter, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with extra lemon wedges for squeezing.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sauté the shrimp in sun-dried tomato oil or add extra herbs like thyme and rosemary to the marinade.
- If you prefer more spice, increase the red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper.
- For a smoky flavor, add smoked paprika to the marinade.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like garlic butter or aioli.
- Skewer the shrimp for easy grilling and serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–6 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 170mg