If you’re craving flavor-packed seafood that comes together in less time than it takes to heat your grill, this Spicy Grilled Shrimp recipe will be your new summer go-to. Vibrant, juicy shrimp are marinated with garlicky spice and smoky paprika, getting their kick from a dash of cayenne. A quick sizzle on the grill produces plump, flavorful shrimp with just the right amount of char. It’s easy, zesty, and a total crowd-pleaser for weeknights and parties alike—trust me, you’ll return to this dish again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Spicy Grilled Shrimp lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen not just for taste but for how it brings out the very best in the shrimp, delivering bold color, mega flavor, and irresistible texture.
- Garlic: The backbone of the marinade, lending savory depth and aroma that clings to every bite.
- Coarse Salt: Enhances natural sweetness, balances the heat, and brings the whole marinade together.
- Paprika: Provides an earthy smokiness and beautiful reddish color to the finished shrimp.
- Cayenne Pepper: Brings a fiery kick that gives this dish its signature spicy edge—use more or less depending on your heat preference!
- Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings adhere to the shrimp and keeps them juicy during grilling.
- Lemon Juice: Adds tangy brightness, making the shrimp feel light and summery.
- Large Shrimp: The star of the dish! Peeled and deveined for convenience and best texture on the grill.
- Lemon Wedges: Garnish with freshness and a pop of citrus; squeeze over just before eating for extra zing.
How to Make Spicy Grilled Shrimp
Step 1: Prep Your Grill
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This ensures you’ll get a perfect char and prevents the shrimp from sticking. If you’re using charcoal, let the coals burn down until they’re glowing but not flaming. For gas, a steady medium will do the trick. While the grill heats, get your ingredients ready—it all comes together fast.
Step 2: Make the Spicy Marinade
In a small bowl, crush a large clove of garlic with the coarse salt using a fork, working it into a fragrant paste. Add the paprika and cayenne pepper, stirring to combine. Drizzle in the olive oil and lemon juice, whisking until you have a vibrant, aromatic marinade. This punchy paste is what turns ordinary shrimp into memorable Spicy Grilled Shrimp.
Step 3: Toss the Shrimp
Transfer your peeled and deveined shrimp into a large bowl. Pour in all of the spicy marinade, then toss with your hands or a spatula until each shrimp is thoroughly coated. You’ll see the color deepen as the marinade clings to every curve. Let this sit for about 5 minutes—long enough for big flavor but not so long that the acid in the lemon starts to “cook” the shrimp.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Lightly oil your grill grate so the shrimp won’t stick. Place shrimp directly on the grill in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, just until the shrimp are opaque and have gorgeous grill marks. Act fast—they cook quickly and you don’t want to lose their juiciness!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the shrimp to a serving dish straight from the grill. Arrange fresh lemon wedges around the platter for a burst of color and citrus. The moment you bring these Spicy Grilled Shrimp to the table, you’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Spicy Grilled Shrimp
Garnishes
For that finishing touch, scatter fresh parsley or chopped cilantro over your Spicy Grilled Shrimp for a splash of green. A final squeeze of lemon boosts brightness. You could even sprinkle a little extra smoked paprika for dramatic color and aroma just before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish plays well with so many sides! Try serving your Spicy Grilled Shrimp with fluffy rice, grilled corn, or a crisp garden salad. For heartier meals, pile the shrimp into tacos, over pasta, or alongside creamy avocado slices—each option highlights the shrimp’s bold flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful: thread the shrimp onto skewers before grilling for fun party food, or serve atop mini tostadas with a dollop of guacamole. For a stunning platter, alternate shrimp with grilled vegetables on skewers, or offer as a build-your-own shrimp bowl bar for family or guests. However you serve it, Spicy Grilled Shrimp always steals the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Spicy Grilled Shrimp (lucky you!), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. They’ll stay flavorful and safe to enjoy for up to three days. Keep any leftover lemon wedges separate to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
While nothing beats freshly grilled shrimp, you can freeze leftovers. Arrange cooled Spicy Grilled Shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for about two months—perfect for tossing onto salads or pastas in a pinch!
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat just until heated through, or briefly on the grill. Microwaving is quick, but it can make shrimp rubbery, so keep an eye out and heat in short bursts. Add a new squeeze of lemon to reinvigorate the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Spicy Grilled Shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry with paper towels before marinating. Frozen shrimp are a fantastic and convenient option for this dish.
How spicy is this recipe?
Spicy Grilled Shrimp gets its heat from cayenne pepper, but the spiciness is adjustable. Start with half the amount if you prefer milder flavors, or add a pinch more if you love bold heat!
Can I bake instead of grill?
Yes! If you don’t have a grill, lay the marinated shrimp on a baking sheet and broil on high for 2-3 minutes per side, watching closely so they don’t overcook. You’ll get a similar char and perfectly cooked shrimp.
What size shrimp should I buy?
Large shrimp (often labeled 16-20 count per pound) work best for Spicy Grilled Shrimp, as they hold up nicely on the grill and deliver juicy results. Smaller shrimp can be used, but be mindful of shorter cooking times.
Should I leave the tails on or off?
Leaving the tails on makes for a prettier presentation and easy finger food, especially if you’re serving Spicy Grilled Shrimp as an appetizer. For tacos or pasta, tails off is a little less fussy to eat.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Grilled Shrimp recipe is a joyful celebration of bold flavors and easy cooking—perfect for any gathering or just a lively weeknight meal. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your most-requested dish this grilling season. Light up that grill, grab some fresh shrimp, and share the spicy goodness!
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Spicy Grilled Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Spicy Grilled Shrimp are a delicious and fiery dish perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight meal. The shrimp are marinated in a zesty garlic and spice mixture, then grilled to perfection. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of citrus flavor.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1 large clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Shrimp:
- 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 wedges lemon, for garnish
Instructions
- Gather the ingredients. Preheat a grill for medium heat.
- Crush garlic and salt together in a small bowl with a fork.
- Mix in paprika and cayenne. Stir in olive oil and lemon juice to form a paste.
- Combine garlic paste and shrimp in a large bowl and toss until shrimp are evenly coated.
- Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill shrimp until opaque, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
- Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with lemon wedges, and serve.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 270mg
