There’s something magical about the sizzling sound of shrimp hitting a hot grill, especially when they’ve been marinated in herbs, garlic, citrus, and warm spices. This Herb Marinated Grilled Shrimp recipe is a must-have for seafood lovers, summer BBQ enthusiasts, and anyone looking to elevate their grilling game with a quick, healthy, and crowd-pleasing dish.
Whether you’re serving them on skewers, over rice, tossed into a salad, or as an appetizer with dipping sauces, these shrimp deliver on bold flavor with minimal effort. The marinade infuses each bite with smoky, citrusy, herby goodness—and the cooking time is so short, you’ll have dinner on the table in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is:
- ✅ Quick (just 6 minutes to cook!)
- ✅ Healthy and high in protein
- ✅ Naturally gluten-free
- ✅ Great for meal prep or a party appetizer
- ✅ Bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavor
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, summer grilling, light lunches, or impressive party platters.
Ingredients for Herb Marinated Grilled Shrimp
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on for presentation)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tip: Buy pre-peeled and deveined shrimp to save time, or ask your fishmonger to prep them for you.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium bowl for marinating
- Whisk or fork
- Grill or grill pan
- Skewers (optional for easy flipping)
- Tongs
- Basting brush (optional)
- Meat thermometer (optional but helpful)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Marinade
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until emulsified and fragrant.
Shortcut: You can make this marinade up to 2 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
2️⃣ Marinate the Shrimp
Add your shrimp to the bowl and toss to ensure even coating. Cover with plastic wrap or transfer to a zip-top bag. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.
Don’t over-marinate! Acid from the lemon juice can start to “cook” the shrimp if left too long.
3️⃣ Preheat the Grill
Fire up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Indoor Option: Use a stovetop grill pan or even a cast iron skillet.
4️⃣ Grill the Shrimp
Place shrimp directly on the grill or thread them onto skewers for easy flipping. Cook 2–3 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and slightly charred at the edges.
Pro Tip: Shrimp cook quickly—avoid overcooking or they’ll turn rubbery!
5️⃣ Serve Immediately
Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges, and enjoy with your choice of sides like rice, quinoa, fresh greens, or grilled veggies.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few delicious ways to serve your grilled shrimp:
- 🌾 Over a bed of rice or orzo with grilled vegetables
- 🥗 Tossed into a fresh summer salad with avocado and feta
- 🌮 In tacos with slaw, crema, and lime
- 🍢 As skewers for a party appetizer
- 🥖 On crusty bread with a drizzle of garlic butter
Storage & Leftovers
How to Store:
- Refrigerate cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat:
- Lightly reheat in a skillet over low heat or eat cold in a salad or wrap.
- Avoid microwaving—shrimp can overcook and become rubbery.
Make Ahead Tip: You can prep and marinate the shrimp the night before. Just grill when ready to serve!
Variations & Substitutions
Here are a few fun ways to change it up:
- 🧈 Garlic Butter Twist: Swap olive oil for melted butter for a richer flavor.
- 🍋 Citrus Mix: Add orange or lime juice for a citrusy blend.
- 🌶️ Spicy Shrimp: Increase cayenne or add hot sauce to the marinade.
- 🧄 Extra Garlic Lovers: Add roasted garlic for a sweet-savory kick.
- 🌿 Different Herbs: Try basil, dill, or mint for a unique twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Absolutely! Just thaw them completely before marinating. Pat dry to help the marinade stick.
Q: Can I cook these in a pan or oven?
A: Yes. A stovetop grill pan or cast iron skillet works great. You can also broil them in the oven for 2–3 minutes per side.
Q: How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?
A: Make sure your grill is hot and lightly oiled before placing shrimp down. Avoid moving them too soon—once they’re ready, they’ll release easily.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, but it’s best to grill the shrimp fresh. You can marinate ahead and store in the fridge for up to 2 hours before grilling.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~200 kcal
- Protein: ~24g
- Carbohydrates: Low
- Fat: Moderate (from olive oil)
- Gluten-Free: Yes
- Dairy-Free: Yes
This dish is great for keto, paleo, and clean eating meal plans!
Final Thoughts
This Herb Marinated Grilled Shrimp recipe is light, flavorful, and packed with fresh ingredients that make it perfect for summer or any time of year. It’s easy enough for a quick dinner, but elegant enough to serve guests. Plus, it’s so versatile that you’ll never get bored of it!
Enjoyed This Recipe?
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