Description
Amazing Spicy Grilled Shrimp features fresh shrimp marinated in a bold, vibrant blend of spices and citrus, grilled to juicy perfection with smoky char. Ready in under 30 minutes, this quick and easy recipe delivers a perfect balance of heat, flavor, and tenderness, ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts. Adaptable to various spice levels and dietary needs, it’s a healthy, flavorful crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with fresh herbs and light side dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Marinade Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh or thawed medium-large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Finely chopped green onions
- Additional lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse shrimp under cold water, peel and devein if needed. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the marinade adheres well and to achieve a great sear on the grill.
- Create the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until well blended to form a vibrant, spicy marinade.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Place shrimp in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over and toss to coat all shrimp evenly. Let sit for 15 to 30 minutes to infuse flavors without overwhelming the shrimp.
- Preheat and Prepare the Grill: Heat grill to medium-high and oil the grates well to prevent sticking. Use charcoal, gas, or electric grill ensuring steady heat and clean grates for ideal grill marks and caramelization.
- Grill the Shrimp: Thread shrimp onto skewers if using, or place directly on the grill. Cook about 2 to 3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred. Avoid overcooking to maintain juiciness and tenderness.
- Serve Immediately: Remove shrimp from the grill. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm while bursting with flavorful spice and smoky char.
Notes
- Don’t overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Use fresh shrimp if possible for best flavor; frozen can be used if thoroughly thawed and dried.
- If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount to balance heat without losing smoky spice.
- Press shrimp gently onto grill for classic grill marks that enhance flavor and presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (about 6 shrimp)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg