Easy Grilled Shrimp: The Ultimate Summer Recipe

Grilled shrimp is a summer staple for a reason. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. This recipe offers a foolproof method for perfectly grilled shrimp every time, whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned pro. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet satisfying dish!

## Why Grilled Shrimp is a Must-Try

* **Quick Cooking:** Shrimp cooks in just a few minutes on the grill, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
* **Healthy and Delicious:** Shrimp is a lean protein source and takes on the smoky flavors of the grill beautifully.
* **Versatile:** Grilled shrimp can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or added to salads, tacos, and pasta dishes.
* **Easy to Customize:** The marinade can be adapted to your taste preferences, from spicy to sweet to savory.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Shrimp:** 1 pound of large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off, your preference)
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons, for moisture and preventing sticking
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves, minced, for flavor
* **Lemon Juice:** 2 tablespoons, for brightness and acidity
* **Lemon Zest:** 1 teaspoon, for enhanced lemon flavor
* **Fresh Herbs:** 2 tablespoons, chopped (parsley, cilantro, dill, or a combination), for freshness
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional), for a touch of heat
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste, for seasoning

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Grill:** Gas or charcoal grill
* **Grill Basket or Skewers:** To prevent the shrimp from falling through the grates
* **Mixing Bowl:** For marinating the shrimp
* **Tongs:** For flipping the shrimp
* **Small Bowl:** For serving the melted butter (optional)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1. Prepare the Shrimp

* If using frozen shrimp, thaw it completely under cold running water. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help them sear properly on the grill.
* Peel and devein the shrimp. You can leave the tails on for presentation, if desired. Removing the vein is important as it can be gritty and detract from the overall enjoyment. To devein, make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp with a small knife, then lift out the dark vein with the tip of the knife or your fingers.

### 2. Make the Marinade

* In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. The marinade is crucial for adding flavor and keeping the shrimp moist during grilling. Adjust the seasonings to your liking.
* **Alternative Marinade Ideas:**
* **Spicy:** Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
* **Sweet:** Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the marinade.
* **Asian-Inspired:** Use soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil in the marinade.

### 3. Marinate the Shrimp

* Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Ensure that all the shrimp are well coated with the flavorful mixture. Marinate the shrimp in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. Longer marinating times can make the shrimp too soft. Avoid marinating for more than 30 minutes, especially with acidic marinades like lemon juice, as it can start to “cook” the shrimp.

### 4. Prepare the Grill

* Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-450°F or 190-230°C). If using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly distributed and have a light coating of ash. Clean the grill grates thoroughly with a grill brush to prevent the shrimp from sticking.
* If using a grill basket, lightly oil it to further prevent sticking. Alternatively, thread the shrimp onto skewers. This is particularly helpful for smaller shrimp or if you want to create a visually appealing presentation. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.

### 5. Grill the Shrimp

* Place the shrimp (either in the grill basket or on the skewers) on the preheated grill. Ensure that the shrimp are arranged in a single layer and are not overcrowded. Overcrowding can lower the grill temperature and result in unevenly cooked shrimp.
* Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the shrimp and the heat of your grill. Watch them closely, as shrimp can overcook quickly and become rubbery.
* Use tongs to flip the shrimp carefully to ensure even cooking on both sides. The shrimp are done when they are pink and opaque throughout, with a slight char on the outside. An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is recommended.

### 6. Serve and Enjoy

* Remove the grilled shrimp from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with extra fresh herbs, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if desired).
* Serve the grilled shrimp immediately while they are hot and juicy. You can serve them as an appetizer with dipping sauces, or as a main course with a side of rice, quinoa, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
* **Optional: Garlic Butter Sauce:** Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the grilled shrimp before serving.

## Tips for Perfectly Grilled Shrimp

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Grill:** Grill the shrimp in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. This ensures even cooking and prevents the grill temperature from dropping.
* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
* **Use a Grill Basket or Skewers:** This prevents the shrimp from falling through the grates and makes them easier to handle.
* **Marinate for Flavor:** Marinating the shrimp infuses them with flavor and helps keep them moist during grilling.
* **Preheat the Grill:** A hot grill is essential for achieving a good sear on the shrimp.
* **Pat the Shrimp Dry:** Drying the shrimp before grilling helps them to brown properly.
* **Use Fresh Herbs:** Fresh herbs add a bright and vibrant flavor to the grilled shrimp.
* **Serve Immediately:** Grilled shrimp are best served immediately while they are hot and juicy.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Appetizer:** Serve the grilled shrimp with cocktail sauce, remoulade sauce, or a spicy aioli.
* **Main Course:** Serve the grilled shrimp with a side of rice, quinoa, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
* **Tacos:** Add the grilled shrimp to tacos with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and avocado.
* **Salads:** Top a salad with grilled shrimp for a protein-packed and flavorful meal.
* **Pasta:** Add the grilled shrimp to pasta dishes with pesto, marinara sauce, or a creamy Alfredo sauce.
* **Skewers:** Serve the grilled shrimp on skewers with grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.

## Variations and Additions

* **Grilled Shrimp Scampi:** Marinate the shrimp in a scampi-inspired sauce with garlic, butter, white wine, and parsley. Serve over pasta or with crusty bread.
* **Grilled Coconut Shrimp:** Coat the shrimp in shredded coconut before grilling for a tropical twist. Serve with a sweet chili dipping sauce.
* **Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp:** Use a lemon herb marinade with fresh herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil. Serve with a side of roasted asparagus.
* **Grilled Cajun Shrimp:** Marinate the shrimp in a Cajun spice blend for a spicy and flavorful dish. Serve with rice and beans.
* **Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers:** Thread the shrimp onto skewers with chunks of pineapple, bell peppers, and onions. Marinate in a teriyaki sauce for a sweet and savory flavor.
* **Grilled Shrimp with Mango Salsa:** Serve the grilled shrimp with a fresh mango salsa for a tropical and refreshing dish.

## Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

* Calories: 150
* Protein: 25g
* Fat: 5g
* Carbohydrates: 2g

(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the size of the shrimp and the ingredients used in the marinade.)

## Conclusion

Grilled shrimp is a simple, healthy, and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With this easy recipe and helpful tips, you can create perfectly grilled shrimp every time. Experiment with different marinades and serving suggestions to create your own signature dish. So fire up the grill and enjoy the taste of summer!