This Grilled Marinated Shrimp Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser, combining a vibrant, zesty marinade with quick, smoky grilling that brings out the shrimp’s natural sweetness. The marinate unlocks layers of flavor, from the bright lemon juice and fresh parsley to the subtle heat of hot pepper sauce and the comforting depth of tomato paste and oregano. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a midweek dinner or entertaining friends, this recipe is an effortless way to enjoy juicy, tender shrimp that tastes far fancier than it actually is. It’s fresh, flavorful, and sure to become a go-to in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward but essential—the olive oil carries richness, fresh parsley adds a lively herbal note, and lemon juice brightens everything up. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this Grilled Marinated Shrimp Recipe so irresistible.
- 1 cup olive oil: Acts as the base of the marinade, helping flavors meld and keeping shrimp juicy.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a fresh, grassy brightness and specks of green color.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Adds tangy acidity that tenderizes shrimp and enhances zestiness.
- 2 tbsp hot pepper sauce: Introduces a playful kick of heat without overpowering the dish.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Provides punchy aromatic depth essential for savory marinades.
- 1 tbsp tomato paste: Adds umami richness and a subtle sweetness.
- 2 tsp dried oregano: Infuses earthy, slightly peppery herbaceous notes.
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste): Enhances all flavors while seasoning shrimp perfectly.
- 1 tsp ground black pepper (or to taste): Offers mild heat and complexity.
- 2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on: The star ingredient; keeping tails on helps handle and presentation.
- 6 skewers (wooden or metal): Necessary for grilling evenly and easy flipping.
How to Make Grilled Marinated Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Make the Marinade
Start by whisking together the olive oil, fresh parsley, lemon juice, hot pepper sauce, minced garlic, tomato paste, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. This blend of ingredients creates a marinade that is bursting with bright, savory, and mildly spicy notes—each whisked-in element helps tenderize and flavor the shrimp deeply.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Next, add your peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, tossing gently to ensure every piece is coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let those vibrant flavors soak in, but no longer than 2 hours so the acid from the lemon juice doesn’t start to “cook” the shrimp.
Step 3: Prep the Grill
If you’re using wooden skewers, now is the time to soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Meanwhile, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, which will give you the perfect sear and quick cooking time that keeps shrimp juicy and tender.
Step 4: Skewer and Grill
Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, packing them close but without overcrowding. Place the skewers on the hot grill, cooking shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and have a lightly charred exterior. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking—shrimp cook super fast and become rubbery if left too long.
Step 5: Serve Hot
The final step is simple but important: serve the shrimp immediately off the grill to enjoy the full burst of smoky, tangy flavors. You can present them with lemon wedges or use as a topping on fresh salad, a bowl of fluffy rice, or your favorite pasta for a satisfying meal.
How to Serve Grilled Marinated Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate the dish beautifully. Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro over the grilled shrimp for a pop of green and fresh aroma. Lemon wedges on the side invite everyone to add a citrus squeeze for an extra zing that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
This Grilled Marinated Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, complementary sides. Consider serving it alongside grilled vegetables, a crisp green salad with vinaigrette, or even creamy garlic mashed potatoes. For a Mediterranean vibe, try couscous or orzo tossed with olive oil and herbs.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests? Present the shrimp on a wooden board laid with fresh greens and scatter edible flowers for a colorful display. You can also thread shrimp with chunks of grilled pineapple or bell peppers for lovely contrast or stack them over a bed of garlic butter noodles for a comforting twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover shrimp from this Grilled Marinated Shrimp Recipe, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Be aware that shrimp texture may soften slightly but will still taste delicious when chilled or reheated gently.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked grilled shrimp, it’s best to do so only if necessary. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then a freezer-safe bag to avoid freezer burn. Thaw gently in the refrigerator and consume within one month for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftover shrimp quickly on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave for short bursts to keep from overcooking. You can also toss them briefly in a hot skillet with a splash of olive oil or butter to regain some crispness and warmth.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Grilled Marinated Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating to ensure they soak up the flavors properly and grill evenly.
How long should I marinate the shrimp?
Marinate for at least 30 minutes and no longer than 2 hours. This time frame infuses flavor without starting to cook the shrimp from the lemon’s acidity.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can cook the shrimp under the broiler or in a grill pan on the stove to achieve similar charred flavors and textures.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, the marinade can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just whisk it again before tossing with shrimp to redistribute any settled ingredients.
Is it necessary to leave the tails on shrimp for grilling?
Leaving tails on makes the shrimp easier to handle on skewers and adds to their stunning presentation, but you can remove them if preferred.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Grilled Marinated Shrimp Recipe a try soon—it’s one of those simple yet spectacular dishes that can elevate any meal instantly. With its fresh, vibrant flavors and speedy cooking time, it’s perfect for impressing friends or enjoying a delicious dinner at home. Once you taste these juicy, flavorful shrimp straight off the grill, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this recipe in your arsenal!
Print
Grilled Marinated Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 46 minutes (including marinating and skewers soaking time)
- Yield: 4 servings (4–6 shrimp per serving)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Delicious grilled marinated shrimp featuring a zesty blend of olive oil, fresh parsley, lemon juice, and a touch of heat from hot pepper sauce. Perfectly grilled to a tender, flavorful finish, this recipe is ideal for a quick, healthy, and satisfying seafood meal.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 cup olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp hot pepper sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp ground black pepper (or to taste)
Main
- 2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- 6 skewers (wooden or metal)
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, chopped fresh parsley, lemon juice, hot pepper sauce, minced garlic, tomato paste, dried oregano, salt, and ground black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse, up to a maximum of 2 hours for more intense flavor.
- Prep the Grill: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure a perfect sear.
- Skewer & Grill: Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers. Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and develop a slight char, indicating they are cooked through.
- Serve Hot: Remove the shrimp skewers from the grill and serve immediately. They are excellent with lemon wedges or paired with salad, rice, or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Marinating shrimp for up to 2 hours intensifies the flavor but avoid longer to prevent the seafood from becoming mushy.
- Ensure shrimp are not overcooked to maintain tenderness; pink and slightly charred is ideal.
- Can be served with various sides like grilled vegetables, rice, or pasta for versatility.
- Use metal skewers as an alternative to wooden ones.
