Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! You can cook these shrimp in a hot cast-iron skillet or under the broiler for similar results. If using a skillet, heat it until it's very hot before adding the shrimp, then cook for about 2 minutes per side until opaque.

How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking?

Perfectly cooked shrimp turn from translucent to opaque pink and form a loose "C" shape. If they curl into a tight "O" shape, they're overcooked. Remember that shrimp continue to cook slightly after being removed from the heat, so it's better to pull them off a touch early.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen shrimp work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating. The convenience of keeping a bag of frozen shrimp on hand means this fantastic meal is always within reach.

Is it necessary to devein the shrimp?

While not strictly necessary from a safety standpoint, deveined shrimp have a cleaner appearance and taste. Most "peeled and deveined" shrimp from the store are already prepared this way, saving you time and effort.

Easy Grilled Shrimp Recipe

Name: Easy Grilled Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 16 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

This Easy Grilled Shrimp recipe is a game-changer for your dinner rotation. With perfectly seasoned jumbo shrimp that cook in just minutes, you’ll get restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of smoky paprika, aromatic herbs, and zesty lemon creates an irresistible flavor profile that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or simply craving a quick seafood dinner, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimum fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From prep to table in under 20 minutes – perfect for those evenings when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
Flavor Explosion: The blend of herbs and spices creates a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that transforms simple shrimp into something extraordinary.
Versatile: Works wonderfully as an appetizer, main course, or addition to salads and pasta dishes.
Healthy Option: Lean protein with minimal oil makes this a nutritious choice that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Fool-Proof: Even if you’re new to grilling seafood, this straightforward method ensures perfectly cooked shrimp every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Jumbo Shrimp: The star of the show! Using jumbo size gives you more surface area for those delicious grill marks and prevents overcooking. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined to save time.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Creates a base for the marinade and helps prevent sticking. The fruity notes complement the seafood beautifully.
Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and acidity that balances the richness of the shrimp. Fresh is always best here for the most vibrant flavor.
Smoked Paprika: The secret weapon in this recipe! Provides a gorgeous red color and a deep smoky flavor that makes these shrimp taste like they’ve been cooked over a wood fire.
Garlic Powder: Infuses the shrimp with savory notes without the risk of burning that comes with fresh garlic on the grill.
Onion Powder: Adds subtle savory depth that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Dried Oregano and Basil: These Mediterranean herbs bring an aromatic quality that transforms simple shrimp into something special.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors. Don’t skip them!
Cayenne Pepper: Provides a gentle heat that builds but doesn’t overwhelm. Adjust according to your spice preference.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Herb Lover’s Version

Swap the dried herbs for fresh ones (double the amount) and add chopped cilantro and parsley to the marinade for a bright, herbaceous twist.

Tropical Twist

Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the marinade along with 1 teaspoon of grated ginger and a splash of coconut milk for shrimp with island flair.

Garlic Butter Upgrade

After grilling, toss the hot shrimp in 2 tablespoons of melted butter mixed with 2 minced garlic cloves and a squeeze of fresh lemon for an indulgent finish.

Mediterranean Style

Add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and ½ teaspoon of coriander to the spice mix, and serve with tzatziki sauce for dipping.

How to Make Easy Grilled Shrimp

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Place your jumbo shrimp in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Add all the seasonings (smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper). Toss thoroughly until every shrimp is evenly coated with the vibrant spice mixture. Cover and refrigerate while your grill preheats.

Step 2: Prepare the Grill

Preheat your outdoor grill to high heat (around 500°F). If you’re using wooden skewers, this is the time to soak them in water for about 10 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 3: Grill the Shrimp

You have two options for grilling: either thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers (which makes flipping easier), or place them directly on the grill if they’re large enough not to fall through the grates. Grill the shrimp for just 2-3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn from translucent to opaque pink with beautiful grill marks.

Step 4: Serve

Remove from the grill and serve immediately while hot and juicy. A final squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving adds a bright finishing touch.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook incredibly quickly! They’re done as soon as they turn opaque and form a slight C shape. Overcooking will result in tough, rubbery shrimp.
Even Sizing: Try to use shrimp that are similar in size so they cook at the same rate.
Pat Dry First: Before marinating, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to help the marinade stick better.
Don’t Marinate Too Long: Unlike meat, shrimp shouldn’t marinate for hours as the acid in the lemon juice can start to “cook” them. 15-30 minutes is perfect.
High Heat is Key: Make sure your grill is properly preheated to get those beautiful char marks without overcooking the interior.
Double Skewer: If using skewers, threading each shrimp on two parallel skewers prevents them from spinning when you try to flip them.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

These grilled shrimp are incredibly versatile. Serve them alongside a cool cucumber salad and fluffy rice pilaf for a complete meal, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.

Appetizer Presentation

For a stunning starter, arrange the grilled shrimp around a small bowl of cocktail sauce or garlic aioli. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs.

Make it a Feast

For a seafood extravaganza, serve alongside grilled corn on the cob, a fresh green salad, and grilled sourdough bread rubbed with garlic.

Summer Entertaining

These shrimp are perfect threaded onto skewers with colorful bell peppers and red onion chunks for an impressive yet easy summer gathering centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover grilled shrimp (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They make a wonderful addition to salads or pasta dishes the next day.

Freezing

While it’s best to grill shrimp fresh, you can freeze the marinated uncooked shrimp for up to 1 month. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before grilling.

Reheating

To reheat without overcooking, warm gently in a skillet with a touch of butter over medium-low heat just until warmed through. Alternatively, enjoy them cold in a salad for a delicious next-day lunch.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare the marinade up to 3 days in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. The shrimp can be peeled and deveined a day ahead, but for best results, only combine with the marinade shortly before grilling.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! You can cook these shrimp in a hot cast-iron skillet or under the broiler for similar results. If using a skillet, heat it until it’s very hot before adding the shrimp, then cook for about 2 minutes per side until opaque.
How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking?

Perfectly cooked shrimp turn from translucent to opaque pink and form a loose “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked. Remember that shrimp continue to cook slightly after being removed from the heat, so it’s better to pull them off a touch early.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen shrimp work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating. The convenience of keeping a bag of frozen shrimp on hand means this fantastic meal is always within reach.
Is it necessary to devein the shrimp?

While not strictly necessary from a safety standpoint, deveined shrimp have a cleaner appearance and taste. Most “peeled and deveined” shrimp from the store are already prepared this way, saving you time and effort.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Grilled Shrimp recipe proves that spectacular flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. With just minutes of prep and a brief stint on the grill, you’ll create a dish that tastes like it came from a seaside restaurant. The smoky-sweet flavor profile is universally appealing, making this recipe perfect for everything from quick weeknight dinners to impressive entertaining. Give it a try tonight—I’m confident it will become a regular in your meal rotation!