Grilled shrimp is a tasty summer favorite that’s quick and easy to make. You can create delicious meals with just a few simple ingredients and some basic grilling skills. From spicy marinades to zesty seasonings, there are many ways to add flavor to your grilled shrimp.
These 20 grilled shrimp recipes will give you plenty of ideas for your next cookout or dinner. You’ll find options ranging from classic garlic and herb shrimp to more unique flavors like honey lime and chili. Whether you prefer skewers, foil packets, or loose shrimp on the grill, there’s a recipe here for you to try.
Grilled shrimp skewers are a quick and tasty meal option. You can make them in no time, perfect for busy weeknights or casual cookouts.
Start by marinating the shrimp in a mix of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. This adds lots of flavor to the seafood. Thread the shrimp onto skewers, making sure not to overcrowd them.
Grill the skewers over medium-high heat for just a few minutes per side. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and slightly curl. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make them tough.
Serve your grilled shrimp skewers hot off the grill. They taste great on their own or paired with a side salad and rice.
Garlic butter grilled shrimp is a tasty and simple dish you can make at home. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, around 450-500°F.
Mix peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Melt butter and mix in minced garlic and chopped parsley for extra flavor.
Place a cast iron skillet on the grill and add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Drizzle the garlic butter mixture over the cooked shrimp. For a zesty touch, grill lemon halves alongside the shrimp and squeeze over the dish before serving.
Cajun-spiced grilled shrimp bring a zesty kick to your barbecue. You can easily make these at home with a few simple ingredients.
Start by mixing Cajun seasoning with melted butter or olive oil. Coat your shrimp in this flavorful blend.
Thread the seasoned shrimp onto skewers. Grill them over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side.
For extra flavor, serve your Cajun grilled shrimp with a spicy remoulade sauce. Mix mayo, sour cream, Cajun spice, ketchup, and mustard for a tasty dip.
This dish is quick to make and packed with bold flavors. It’s perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners.
Grilled shrimp tacos are a tasty and easy meal option. Start by marinating shrimp in a mix of olive oil, lime zest, chili powder, cumin, and garlic.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400-450°F. Grill the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
While the shrimp cooks, prepare toppings like Mexican slaw and spicy mayo. You can also add mango, jalapeño, and cilantro for extra flavor.
Warm your taco shells and assemble by adding the grilled shrimp and your chosen toppings. These tacos are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering with friends.
You can make tasty lemon herb grilled shrimp at home. Start by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs in a bowl. Add garlic powder, salt, and paprika for extra flavor.
Pat the shrimp dry and toss them in the marinade. Let them sit for 15-30 minutes in the fridge. Don’t marinate for more than 2 hours.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the shrimp onto skewers if you like. Grill for 3-4 minutes, turning once, until pink and opaque.
For a zesty touch, grill lemon halves alongside the shrimp. Drizzle the cooked shrimp with any leftover marinade before serving.
Grilled shrimp salad is a tasty and light meal perfect for warm days. You can make it easily, even on busy weeknights.
Start by seasoning your shrimp with spices like paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Grill them until they’re pink and slightly charred.
For the salad base, use fresh greens like romaine or mixed lettuce. Add colorful veggies such as tomatoes, peppers, and grilled corn for extra flavor and crunch.
Top your salad with the grilled shrimp and some sliced avocado. For a finishing touch, drizzle with a honey mustard dressing or a garlic Parmesan vinaigrette.
This dish is not only delicious but also healthy. It’s packed with protein from the shrimp and lots of nutrients from the veggies.
Mediterranean grilled shrimp brings bright, fresh flavors to your plate. You’ll love the mix of garlic, lemon, and herbs in the marinade.
To make this dish, toss shrimp with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped fresh herbs like oregano and basil. Let it marinate for 15-30 minutes.
Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred. Serve with grilled vegetables or a Greek salad for a complete meal.
This recipe works great for both dinner and appetizers. You can easily adjust the amount to feed a small gathering or just your family.
This tasty dish combines the sweet flavors of coconut with spicy curry for a tropical twist on grilled shrimp. You’ll marinate jumbo shrimp in a blend of coconut milk, red curry paste, garlic, ginger, and lime juice.
Thread the shrimp onto skewers with chunks of bell pepper and onion. Grill them over medium-high heat until nicely charred and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Brush the skewers with any leftover marinade while grilling for extra flavor. Serve your coconut curry grilled shrimp with cilantro chutney or mango chutney on the side for dipping.
Grilled bacon-wrapped shrimp is a tasty appetizer you can make in under 30 minutes. The key is to precook the bacon before wrapping it around the shrimp. This ensures crispy bacon and juicy shrimp.
Start by marinating jumbo shrimp in lemon juice, garlic, and spices. While they soak up the flavors, partially cook your bacon slices. Wrap each shrimp with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
Grill the wrapped shrimp for about 8 minutes, turning once. The bacon will crisp up nicely while the shrimp stays tender. This easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right from your grill.
Chili lime grilled shrimp is a quick and tasty summer dish. You can make it in about 25 minutes total.
Mix lime juice, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika for the marinade. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour this over your shrimp and let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
Preheat your grill to 450°F. Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
Serve your chili lime shrimp hot with lime wedges. The zesty, spicy flavors make this a perfect cookout recipe.
Thai grilled shrimp offers a burst of flavors that will transport you to Southeast Asia. Start by marinating peeled and deveined shrimp in a mix of coconut milk, lime juice, and Thai seasoning.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. For extra flavor, brush them with leftover marinade while cooking.
Serve your Thai grilled shrimp hot off the grill. They pair well with jasmine rice or a crisp salad. You can also try them with a sweet and spicy Thai chili sauce for dipping.
You’ll love this tropical twist on grilled shrimp. Juicy shrimp and sweet pineapple chunks are skewered together and glazed with a homemade teriyaki sauce.
Marinate the shrimp in teriyaki sauce, green onions, garlic, sugar, pineapple juice, and lemon juice for 30 minutes. This infuses them with flavor.
Thread the shrimp and pineapple pieces onto skewers. Grill over medium-high heat for 2-4 minutes per side until cooked through and lightly charred.
Brush extra teriyaki sauce on the skewers as they cook for added flavor. Serve these tasty kebabs over rice for a quick and delicious meal.
Grilled shrimp po’ boys offer a tasty twist on the classic New Orleans sandwich. You’ll start by marinating shrimp in a flavorful blend of spices and olive oil.
Grill the shrimp on skewers over medium-high heat until they’re pink and slightly charred. This cooking method adds a smoky flavor while keeping the shrimp juicy.
Serve the grilled shrimp on a toasted baguette or French bread. Top with crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and pickles. A spicy remoulade sauce brings all the flavors together.
This lighter version of the traditional fried po’ boy still packs plenty of flavor. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner.
Grilled shrimp with mango salsa is a tasty summer dish. The shrimp are marinated in lime juice and spices, then grilled for a few minutes per side.
To make the salsa, mix chopped mango, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Add lime juice for extra flavor. This fruity salsa balances the savory shrimp perfectly.
Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until just cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them or they’ll get rubbery.
Serve the grilled shrimp with a generous spoonful of mango salsa on top. The sweet and spicy salsa complements the smoky grilled shrimp nicely.
Grilled Shrimp Alfredo combines two favorite dishes into one tasty meal. You’ll love the smoky flavor of grilled shrimp paired with creamy fettuccine alfredo.
Start by seasoning your shrimp with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Grill them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through.
While the shrimp cooks, prepare your alfredo sauce. Melt butter in a pan, add garlic, and whisk in cream cheese. Pour in heavy cream and milk, then add parmesan cheese.
Toss cooked fettuccine with the alfredo sauce. Place the grilled shrimp on top of the pasta. This dish brings together the best of both worlds – grilled seafood and creamy pasta.
Grilled shrimp paired with creamy avocado is a match made in seafood heaven. You can create a delicious sauce by blending ripe avocados with cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of garlic.
Marinate your shrimp in a mix of lime juice, olive oil, and spices before grilling. This will infuse them with zesty flavor. Grill the shrimp for just a few minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly charred.
Serve your grilled shrimp alongside the avocado sauce for dipping. This combo works great in tacos or on top of a fresh salad. The cool, creamy avocado balances perfectly with the warm, spicy shrimp.
Balsamic glazed grilled shrimp is a tasty and easy dish you can make at home. Start by marinating the shrimp in olive oil and garlic for 30 minutes.
While the shrimp marinates, make the glaze. Mix balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Brush the balsamic glaze on the shrimp as they cook.
Once done, drizzle more glaze over the shrimp and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve hot as an appetizer or main dish with your favorite sides.
This sweet and tangy shrimp recipe is sure to become a new favorite for your summer grilling menu.
Tips for Perfectly Grilled Shrimp
Grilling shrimp can be quick and easy with the right approach. These tips will help you get juicy, flavorful results every time.
Choosing the Right Shrimp
Pick fresh or thawed shrimp that smell clean like the ocean. Larger shrimp work best for grilling. Look for 16-20 count per pound.
Avoid pre-cooked shrimp. They’ll dry out on the grill.
Shell-on shrimp keep more moisture when grilling. But peeled and deveined shrimp are easier to eat.
Wild-caught shrimp often have better flavor than farmed. Gulf shrimp and Key West pinks are tasty options.
Preparing Shrimp for Grilling
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps seasoning stick and prevents steaming.
Marinate shrimp for 15-30 minutes max. Acid-based marinades can start “cooking” the shrimp.
Thread shrimp on skewers to make flipping easier. Leave space between each shrimp for even cooking.
Brush shrimp with oil before grilling. This stops them from sticking to the grates.
Season shrimp right before grilling. Salt draws out moisture if left on too long.
Grilling Techniques for Shrimp
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-450°F).
Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side. They cook fast, so watch closely.
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a C-shape. Straight shrimp are undercooked, O-shaped are overcooked.
Don’t move shrimp too much while grilling. Let them get nice grill marks.
Take shrimp off the heat just before they’re fully cooked. They’ll finish cooking from residual heat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Grilling shrimp can be tricky. Watch out for these common errors to make sure your shrimp turn out perfect every time.
Overcooking Shrimp
Overcooking is one of the biggest mistakes when grilling shrimp. Shrimp cook very quickly, usually in just 2-3 minutes per side.
Pay close attention and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough.
Use a timer to keep track. You can also look for the shrimp to curl into a loose “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked.
Using the Wrong Seasonings
Choosing the right seasonings is key for tasty grilled shrimp. Avoid using too many strong flavors that can overpower the delicate shrimp taste.
Stick to simple seasonings like garlic, lemon, herbs, and a touch of salt and pepper. These enhance the shrimp’s natural sweetness without masking it.
Be careful with acidic marinades. Don’t marinate shrimp for more than 30 minutes, or the acid will start to “cook” the shrimp and make them mushy.
Try a light coating of olive oil and spices instead of a heavy marinade. This lets the shrimp’s flavor shine through while adding a nice kick.
Pairing Suggestions
Grilled shrimp pairs well with many side dishes and wines. The right combinations can take your meal to the next level.
Side Dishes for Grilled Shrimp
Potato salad is a classic choice. Its creamy texture balances the smoky shrimp flavor. For a lighter option, try a cucumber salad. The cool crunch adds freshness to your plate.
Grilled corn on the cob is perfect for summer meals. Brush it with butter and sprinkle with salt for a simple treat. Steamed broccoli offers a healthy, green side. It’s packed with nutrients and easy to prepare.
Coleslaw brings a tangy crunch to the table. Mix cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing for best results. Pasta salad is versatile and filling. Choose a vinaigrette or mayo-based dressing to suit your taste.
Wines That Complement Grilled Shrimp
White wines often pair best with grilled shrimp. Sauvignon Blanc has crisp acidity that cuts through rich flavors. Its citrus notes match well with seafood.
Pinot Grigio is light and refreshing. It won’t overpower the delicate shrimp taste. For a bolder choice, try Chardonnay. Its buttery flavor can enhance creamy sauces.
Rosé is great for summer grilling. Its fruit flavors complement the smoky char on the shrimp. If you prefer red, go for a light Pinot Noir. Its low tannins won’t clash with the seafood.
Sparkling wines like Prosecco can add a festive touch. The bubbles cleanse your palate between bites.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
