This Grilled Shrimp Recipe is a summertime favorite that’s fast, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard cookouts. Juicy shrimp are coated in a bright, savory marinade featuring lemon, garlic, and smoky paprika — simple ingredients that deliver big flavor. Whether you're new to grilling seafood or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers consistently delicious results every time. The shrimp cook in just minutes, making this the ideal dish when you want something quick, fresh, and impressive.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 mins
Marinating Time: 15–30 mins
Cook Time: 6 mins
Total Time: 30–45 mins
Servings: 4
Yield: 1 pound grilled shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp (16/20 or 21/25 size), peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Tip: Patting the shrimp dry before marinating helps the seasoning adhere and promotes better browning on the grill.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Place them in a medium bowl or large resealable plastic bag.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 3: Marinate
Pour marinade over shrimp. Toss to coat evenly.
Refrigerate for 15–30 minutes.
Do not marinate longer than 1 hour — the acid in the lemon will start to break down the shrimp and affect the texture.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375–400°F).
Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Grill the Shrimp
Thread shrimp onto skewers to keep them from falling through the grates, or grill directly if your grates are narrow.
Grill shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, flipping once, until pink, opaque, and lightly charred.
Remove promptly — shrimp overcook quickly.
Step 6: Serve
Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
- Use in shrimp tacos, pasta dishes, or grain bowls.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated Values
- Calories: 185
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
Pro-Tip:
For the best flavor and perfect grill marks, using a quality barbecue grill makes a huge difference when cooking shrimp. A consistent, even heat source helps prevent overcooking, produces that delicious smoky char, and gives you more control over temperature. If you don’t currently own a grill — or if you’ve been thinking about upgrading — this recipe is the perfect excuse to invest in a reliable gas barbecue grill. It will elevate not only your Grilled Shrimp Recipe but every outdoor meal you make. Click the button below to browse top-rated gas grills on Amazon and find the perfect fit for your cooking setup.
Conclusion
This Grilled Shrimp Recipe brings the perfect balance of smoky, zesty, and savory flavors, all in under 30 minutes. It’s incredibly versatile — serve it as an appetizer, main dish, or as the star protein in salads, tacos, or pasta. Whether you're preparing a casual family dinner or hosting a summer gathering, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Once you try it, you'll want to keep shrimp stocked all season long for quick and delicious meals everyone will love.
