There’s nothing like the smell of shrimp hitting a hot grill grate. It cooks in minutes, soaks up marinade like a sponge, and gives you that smoky char you just can’t get from a skillet. Whether you’re feeding a backyard crowd or just want a fast weeknight dinner, grilled shrimp recipes are some of the most forgiving and flavorful things you can throw on the fire.
This roundup pulls together 19+ best grilled shrimp recipes that cover every craving, from garlicky classics to spicy jerk shrimp and bright, herby chimichurri. Each one is built for the grill and ready for your next cookout.
Quick picks:
- Best for beginners: Grilled Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers, simple and crowd-pleasing
- Best for spice lovers: Jerk Grilled Shrimp, bold Caribbean heat
- Best for a full meal: Grilled Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
- Best for tacos night: Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
1. Grilled Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers
Garlic butter shrimp skewers are the recipe to start with if you’re new to grilling shrimp. The butter bastes the shrimp as it cooks, keeping every bite juicy and rich.
Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 6 min
- 1.5 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Thread shrimp onto skewers, brush with garlic butter, and grill over medium-high heat (400°F) for 2-3 minutes per side.
2. Chili-Lime Grilled Shrimp
Chili-lime shrimp brings a punch of citrus and heat in one quick marinade. The lime juice brightens the shrimp while chili powder gives it a smoky kick.
Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 20 min | Cook: 6 min
- 1.5 lbs shrimp, peeled
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
Marinate 15 minutes, then grill at 400°F for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
3. Grilled Garlic and Herb Shrimp
This one leans on fresh herbs, and it earns its reputation as a standout among grilled shrimp recipes. Chopped basil, parsley, oregano, and thyme get ground with garlic and lemon zest into a fragrant paste that coats every shrimp.
Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 20 min | Cook: 6 min
- 1.5 lbs shrimp, peeled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp mixed fresh herbs
- Zest of 1 lemon
Grind paste, toss with shrimp, grill 2-3 minutes per side at 400°F.
4. Grilled Shrimp with Chimichurri
Chimichurri turns simple grilled shrimp into something restaurant-worthy. The tangy, herby sauce made with parsley, garlic, and red wine vinegar cuts through the smokiness beautifully, much like the chimichurri used on grilled chuck steak.
Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 6 min
- 1.5 lbs shrimp, peeled
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Grill shrimp plain at 400°F, 2-3 minutes per side, then spoon sauce over top.
5. Cajun Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Cajun shrimp skewers bring bold, peppery flavor straight from the Louisiana spice cabinet. A dry rub of paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder clings to the shrimp and turns deep red-brown on the grill.
Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 6 min
- 1.5 lbs shrimp, peeled
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
Toss shrimp in oil and seasoning, skewer, and grill at 400°F for 2-3 minutes per side. Pair with more flavors from our best Cajun recipes.
6. Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
Grilled shrimp tacos make an easy, fresh dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. Crisp cabbage slaw with a lime-mayo dressing adds crunch against the warm, smoky shrimp.
Yields: 4 servings (8 tacos) | Prep: 20 min | Cook: 6 min
- 1.5 lbs shrimp, peeled
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup mayo
- Juice of 1 lime
Grill shrimp at 400°F, 2-3 minutes per side, toss slaw, and build tacos. For another take, try these zesty spicy shrimp tacos with avocado.
7. Honey-Garlic Grilled Shrimp
Honey-garlic shrimp balances sweet and savory in a sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully over flame. It’s the kind of marinade that makes people ask for the recipe, similar in spirit to honey garlic chicken thighs.
Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 6 min
- 1.5 lbs shrimp, peeled
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
Marinate 15 minutes, grill at 400°F, 2-3 minutes per side, basting with extra glaze.
8. Grilled Shrimp with Lemon and Oregano
Lemon and oregano keep this shrimp bright and simple, a Mediterranean-style dish that lets the shrimp’s natural sweetness shine. It’s one of the lightest grilled shrimp recipes in this lineup.
Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 6 min
- 1.5 lbs shrimp, peeled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
Toss shrimp in marinade, grill at 400°F for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly charred.
9. Thai Coconut-Curry Grilled Shrimp
Thai coconut-curry shrimp brings creamy, spiced flavor with a hint of sweetness. Red curry paste and coconut milk create a rich marinade that chars nicely without burning.
Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 20 min | Cook: 6 min
- 1.5 lbs shrimp, peeled
- 1/3 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
Marinate 20 minutes, grill at 400°F, 2-3 minutes per side, watching closely since coconut milk can scorch.
10. Jerk Grilled Shrimp
Jerk shrimp delivers serious heat and warm spice from allspice, scotch bonnet, and thyme. It’s smoky, fiery, and one of the boldest grilled shrimp recipes you can make at home.
Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 25 min | Cook: 6 min
- 1.5 lbs shrimp, peeled
- 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Marinate 20 minutes, grill at 400°F for 2-3 minutes per side until edges blacken slightly.
11. Grilled Shrimp with Basil Pesto
Basil pesto adds a garlicky, nutty richness that coats grilled shrimp in green, herby goodness. Pine nuts and parmesan give the sauce body while fresh basil keeps it vibrant.
Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 6 min
- 1.5 lbs shrimp, peeled
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Toss shrimp in oil, grill at 400°F for 2-3 minutes per side, then toss warm shrimp in pesto.
12. Pineapple and Shrimp Skewers
Pineapple and shrimp skewers bring sweet, juicy fruit right next to the briny shrimp on the same stick. The sugars in the pineapple caramelize on the grill, adding a sticky-sweet edge to every bite.
Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 8 min
- 1.5 lbs shrimp, peeled
- 2 cups pineapple chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
Thread shrimp and pineapple alternately, grill at 400°F for 3-4 minutes per side.
13. Harissa Grilled Shrimp
Harissa shrimp packs smoky North African chili paste into a quick, fiery marinade. The deep red color and warm spice make it stand out on any platter.
Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 6 min
- 1.5 lbs shrimp, peeled
- 3 tbsp harissa paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Coat shrimp, grill at 400°F, 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly charred at the edges.
14. Grilled Shrimp Caesar Salad
Grilled shrimp Caesar salad turns a classic side dish into a full meal. Smoky shrimp piled onto crisp romaine with creamy Caesar dressing and shaved parmesan makes a satisfying lunch or light dinner.
Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 6 min
- 1.5 lbs shrimp, peeled
- 2 heads romaine, chopped
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup shaved parmesan
Grill shrimp at 400°F for 2-3 minutes per side, toss salad, top with warm shrimp. Check 15 amazing side dishes for shrimp for more pairing ideas.
15. Grilled Shrimp with Romesco Sauce
Romesco sauce gives grilled shrimp a smoky, nutty depth from roasted red peppers and toasted almonds. It’s a Spanish classic that pairs beautifully with charred seafood.
Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 20 min | Cook: 6 min
- 1.5 lbs shrimp, peeled
- 1 cup roasted red peppers
- 1/4 cup almonds, toasted
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Blend sauce ingredients, grill shrimp plain at 400°F for 2-3 minutes per side, serve with sauce on the side.
16. Grilled Shrimp and Corn Tostadas
Grilled shrimp tostadas pile smoky shrimp and charred corn onto crisp tortilla shells for a crunchy, satisfying bite. Fresh lime and cotija cheese finish it off with tang and salt.
Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 20 min | Cook: 10 min
- 1.5 lbs shrimp, peeled
- 4 tostada shells
- 2 ears corn
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese
- Lime wedges
Grill shrimp and corn at 400°F, assemble on tostada shells, top with cheese and lime.
17. Miso-Ginger Grilled Shrimp
Miso-ginger shrimp brings savory umami depth with a sharp ginger kick. White miso paste caramelizes on the grill, giving the shrimp a deep golden crust.
Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 20 min | Cook: 6 min
- 1.5 lbs shrimp, peeled
- 2 tbsp white miso paste
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
Marinate 15 minutes, grill at 400°F for 2-3 minutes per side, watching for quick caramelization.
18. Grilled Shrimp with Charred Radicchio and Honey-Mustard Dressing
Charred radicchio brings a bitter, smoky contrast to sweet grilled shrimp, finished with a tangy honey-mustard dressing. The bitterness mellows once it hits the grill, turning almost nutty.
Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 8 min
- 1.5 lbs shrimp, peeled
- 1 head radicchio, quartered
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Grill shrimp and radicchio at 400°F, whisk dressing, drizzle over both.
19. Grilled Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Grilled shrimp pasta turns smoky shrimp and sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes into a complete dinner. Toss everything with pasta and a splash of olive oil for a bright, summery plate.
Yields: 4 servings | Prep: 20 min | Cook: 15 min
- 1.5 lbs shrimp, peeled
- 12 oz pasta, cooked
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Grill shrimp and tomatoes at 400°F, toss with cooked pasta, garlic, and olive oil.
How to Keep Shrimp Juicy on the Grill
Shrimp turns rubbery fast when it overcooks, so timing matters more than anything else on the grill. Pull shrimp off the heat the moment it turns opaque and curls into a loose “C” shape.
A few habits make a real difference:
- Grill over medium-high heat (400°F) so the outside chars before the inside overcooks.
- Flip once, after about 2 minutes per side for medium shrimp.
- Avoid pressing shrimp down with a spatula, which squeezes out juices.
- Pull shrimp when it still looks slightly translucent in the thickest part; it keeps cooking off the heat.
Marinating helps too, but keep it short. Acidic marinades with lime or vinegar start to “cook” shrimp if left too long, giving it a mushy texture instead of a firm bite. Fifteen to twenty minutes is plenty for most of the grilled shrimp recipes in this collection.
Oil the grates well before cooking. Shrimp sticks easily, and tearing it off the grate rips away that beautiful char you worked for.
Choosing Shrimp and Preparing Skewers
Large or jumbo shrimp work best for grilling since they hold up to direct heat without drying out. Look for shrimp labeled 16-20 or 21-25 count per pound; smaller shrimp slip through the grates and overcook in seconds.
Peeled and deveined shrimp save time, though leaving the tail on gives you a natural handle for dipping and eating. Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp works well too if thawed properly in the fridge overnight or under cold running water.
For skewers, soak wooden sticks in water for 20 minutes before grilling so they don’t catch fire. Metal skewers skip that step and reheat evenly, which helps shrimp cook at the same pace on both sides.
Thread shrimp through both the head and tail ends so each piece lies flat on the grate. This keeps shrimp from spinning when you flip the skewer, and it gives you even grill marks on both sides. Double-skewering, using two parallel skewers instead of one, keeps shrimp even more secure and makes flipping a whole batch effortless.
If you’re working from the freezer, 15 frozen shrimp recipes has more ideas for turning frozen shrimp into a quick dinner.
