Nothing captures the essence of summer like the smoky, charred taste of grilled shrimp. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a quick seafood dish, grilled shrimp is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. From zesty marinades to bold seasonings, here are five of the best grilled shrimp recipes to elevate your summer meals.
1. Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp
A timeless favorite, garlic butter grilled shrimp is rich, flavorful, and simple to prepare. The combination of melted butter, fresh garlic, and lemon creates a mouthwatering dish that pairs well with nearly any side.
Ingredients:
- 450 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 45 g melted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 ml lemon juice
- 5 g paprika
- 2 g salt
- 2 g black pepper
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the shrimp in the mixture and let marinate for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and thread shrimp onto skewers.
- Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and slightly charred.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
2. Spicy Cajun Grilled Shrimp
For those who love bold and fiery flavors, Cajun-spiced grilled shrimp is the perfect choice. This recipe features a smoky and spicy blend of seasonings that enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 450 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 30 ml olive oil
- 5 g smoked paprika
- 5 g cayenne pepper
- 5 g garlic powder
- 5 g onion powder
- 2 g salt
- 2 g black pepper
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Mix olive oil and spices in a bowl, then coat the shrimp evenly.
- Let the shrimp marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to high heat and thread shrimp onto skewers.
- Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are slightly charred.
- Serve with lime wedges for a fresh citrus kick.
3. Honey Lime Grilled Shrimp
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy flavors, with honey caramelizing beautifully on the grill and lime juice adding a refreshing zest.
Ingredients:
- 450 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 45 g honey
- 30 ml lime juice
- 15 ml soy sauce
- 5 g minced garlic
- 2 g chili flakes (optional)
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Mix honey, lime juice, soy sauce, garlic, and chili flakes in a bowl.
- Add shrimp and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and thread shrimp onto skewers.
- Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, brushing with extra marinade.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve warm.
4. Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp
This recipe brings light and refreshing Mediterranean flavors, combining olive oil, lemon, and oregano for a simple yet delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 450 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 45 ml olive oil
- 15 ml lemon juice
- 5 g dried oregano
- 5 g minced garlic
- 2 g salt
- 2 g black pepper
- 2 g crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the shrimp in the marinade and let sit for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat and thread shrimp onto skewers.
- Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until slightly charred.
- Serve with a side of tzatziki or grilled vegetables.
5. Teriyaki Grilled Shrimp
For an Asian-inspired twist, this teriyaki grilled shrimp recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with a delicious caramelized glaze.
Ingredients:
- 450 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 60 ml soy sauce
- 30 g honey
- 15 ml rice vinegar
- 5 g grated ginger
- 5 g minced garlic
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic in a bowl.
- Add shrimp and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and thread shrimp onto skewers.
- Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, brushing with leftover marinade.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Final Tips for Perfectly Grilled Shrimp
- Use skewers to prevent shrimp from falling through the grill grates.
- Avoid overcooking—shrimp cook quickly, so 2-3 minutes per side is usually enough.
- Marinate for extra flavor, but avoid marinating too long in acidic ingredients like lemon or vinegar, as they can alter the shrimp’s texture.
- Preheat the grill to ensure a good sear and prevent sticking.
With these five delicious grilled shrimp recipes, your summer meals will be full of bold flavors and irresistible aromas. Fire up the grill and enjoy a showstopping seafood feast!