Grilled shrimp is one of the fastest and most flavorful protein options for your next meal. Ready in minutes and adaptable to countless flavor profiles, shrimp transforms beautifully on the grill with just a few simple ingredients.
You’ll find that shrimp cooks quickly while developing a delicious charred exterior and tender interior.
Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or weekend barbecue, these grilled shrimp recipes offer something for everyone. From spicy marinades to citrus-infused options, the versatility of grilled shrimp makes it perfect for tacos, skewers, pasta dishes, or simply enjoyed on its own.
You can easily customize these recipes to match your taste preferences or what you currently have in your pantry.
1. Garlic Grilled Shrimp
Garlic grilled shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts. The key is a simple marinade that combines olive oil, lemon juice, and plenty of fresh garlic.
For the best results, marinate your shrimp for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Most recipes include herbs like basil or Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor profile.
Some variations add melted butter or Dijon mustard to the marinade for extra richness.
You can cook these shrimp directly on the grill or thread them onto skewers for easier handling.
The cooking time is brief – just a few minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. For a finishing touch, drizzle with garlic butter before serving.
2. Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers
These zesty lemon herb grilled shrimp skewers make a perfect summer dish that’s both quick and flavorful. The bright marinade combines olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and herbs that complement the natural sweetness of shrimp.
To prepare, simply coat peeled and deveined shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Italian herb seasoning.
Some recipes add a touch of brown sugar to enhance caramelization on the grill.
Thread your seasoned shrimp onto skewers and grill until they turn pink and slightly charred. This usually takes just 2-3 minutes per side.
For extra flavor, drizzle with a fresh lemon herb sauce right before serving. The combination creates a delicious summer meal that’s impressive yet simple to make.
3. Cajun Spiced Grilled Shrimp
Cajun spiced grilled shrimp offers a bold, spicy kick that’s perfect for your next barbecue. This dish combines paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder to create that authentic Cajun flavor.
To prepare this dish, mix lemon juice, olive oil, and Cajun spices in a bowl. Then toss your shrimp in this mixture until well coated.
Grilling only takes a few minutes, making this a quick and impressive meal option. The high heat of the grill helps lock in flavors while giving the shrimp a delicious char.
Serve your Cajun grilled shrimp with remoulade sauce for an extra layer of flavor. These spicy shrimp are perfect on skewers or as part of a larger meal.
4. Mediterranean Shrimp Kabobs
Mediterranean shrimp kabobs offer a burst of fresh flavors with garlic and herbs. The marinade typically includes lemon, garlic, Italian seasoning, and cumin, giving the shrimp a zesty kick.
To prepare these kabobs, you’ll want to marinate your shrimp for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the seafood for maximum taste.
Thread your marinated shrimp onto skewers and grill for just a few minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook them – shrimp cook quickly!
These kabobs work wonderfully as both an appetizer or main dish. Serve them with a side of rice or a fresh Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
5. Tequila Lime Shrimp
Tequila lime shrimp combines zesty flavors for a mouthwatering grilled dish. The marinade blends tequila, lime juice, garlic, cumin, and black pepper to create a bold flavor profile.
To prepare this dish, mix garlic, olive oil, tequila, salt, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Some recipes add honey for sweetness or fresh cilantro for an herbal note.
The jumbo shrimp only take 2-3 minutes to cook on the grill. Thread them onto skewers for easy handling and even cooking.
This quick and simple recipe makes an impressive dish for summer BBQs and parties. The sizzling, flavorful shrimp will surely be a crowd-pleaser.
6. Spicy Sriracha Grilled Shrimp
Spicy sriracha grilled shrimp offers the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. The marinade typically combines sriracha sauce with honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and olive oil for a flavor-packed experience.
Marinate your shrimp for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate. For extra kick, some recipes include a dry rub coating before grilling.
These juicy shrimp cook quickly, needing just 3-4 minutes per side on high heat. The result is tender, flavorful seafood with a caramelized exterior.
Sriracha grilled shrimp works well as both an appetizer for parties or as a main dish. Their versatility makes them a summer seafood favorite.
7. Chipotle Mango Shrimp
Chipotle mango shrimp combines sweet and spicy flavors for a tropical dish that’s perfect for summer grilling. The natural sweetness of mango balances the smoky heat of chipotle seasoning.
To prepare this dish, marinate your shrimp in olive oil and garlic for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Then remove the shrimp and grill over medium heat until they turn pink and opaque.
You can serve these flavorful shrimp in tacos with a fresh mango salsa or alongside yellow rice. For extra flavor, try making a chipotle crema as a dipping sauce.
This recipe works well on both indoor and outdoor grills, making it versatile for any season or occasion.
8. Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Honey garlic shrimp skewers offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that will impress your dinner guests. The marinade requires just a few simple ingredients: olive oil, honey, garlic, soy sauce, and lime juice.
Thread your shrimp onto skewers, alternating with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. This not only looks beautiful but adds variety to each bite.
Brush the assembled skewers with olive oil and season with salt before grilling. The shrimp cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.
These skewers work great as a main dish served with rice or as an appetizer at your next cookout. The honey garlic flavor will have everyone asking for your recipe.
9. Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Cilantro lime shrimp brings bright, zesty flavors to your grilling repertoire. This dish takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
The marinade combines fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and a touch of honey. These ingredients create a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors that complement the natural sweetness of shrimp.
For best results, marinate your shrimp for about 15-20 minutes before grilling. Thread them onto skewers for easier handling on the grill.
Serve your grilled cilantro lime shrimp over rice or with black beans and avocado for a complete meal. The charred flavor from grilling adds another dimension to this already flavorful dish.
10. Thai Grilled Shrimp with Coconut
Thai Grilled Shrimp with Coconut brings together the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. The dish features large shrimp marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, fish sauce, and lime juice.
For the marinade, you’ll need just a few ingredients: soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, and sometimes red curry paste for extra flavor. This simple combination packs a punch.
Serve your grilled shrimp with coconut sticky rice for an authentic Thai experience. The light coconut milk in the marinade adds a subtle sweetness that complements the grilled flavors perfectly.
This healthy dinner option comes together quickly and offers a taste of Thailand right in your backyard.
11. Rosemary Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Rosemary Garlic Shrimp Skewers combine fresh herbs with savory garlic for a quick summer meal. The marinade takes just minutes to prepare with olive oil, lemon juice, chopped rosemary, and minced garlic.
For best results, marinate your shrimp for 15-30 minutes before threading onto skewers. Don’t marinate longer than 30 minutes as the acid in the lemon juice can start cooking the shrimp.
Grill the skewers over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re done when the shrimp turn pink and opaque. This dish pairs perfectly with a simple salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
12. Sesame Ginger Grilled Shrimp
Sesame Ginger Grilled Shrimp combines Asian-inspired flavors for a quick and delicious meal. The marinade features ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce to create a perfect balance of savory and aromatic elements.
For this recipe, you’ll need about 2 pounds of jumbo shrimp, ginger paste, garlic paste, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Some versions add honey for a sweet, sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
Marinate your shrimp for at least 20 minutes before grilling for the best flavor. Cook them quickly over high heat until pink and slightly charred. The sesame oil provides a subtle nuttiness that complements the ginger perfectly.
13. Teriyaki-Glazed Shrimp
Teriyaki-glazed shrimp brings a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors to your grill. The base of any good teriyaki shrimp is a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice that creates that signature glossy glaze.
For the best results, marinate peeled and deveined shrimp in your teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before grilling. You can thread them onto skewers for easier handling on the grill.
Cook the shrimp over medium-high heat for just 2-3 minutes per side. Baste with additional sauce while grilling to build up that delicious teriyaki coating. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque.
14. Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp
Chili lime grilled shrimp combines zesty, spicy, and sweet flavors for a perfect summer dish. The marinade typically includes chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, and honey.
You can prepare this recipe quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. Simply mix the spices with lime juice and oil in a bag, add the shrimp, and let them marinate.
For best results, marinate your shrimp for just 15 minutes. This is enough time for them to absorb the flavors without becoming mushy.
When grilling, the honey in the mixture creates a delicious caramelization. You can serve these as appetizers or as a main dish with rice or salad.
15. Balsamic Glazed Shrimp
Balsamic glazed shrimp offers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors that caramelize beautifully on the grill. The key ingredient is a simple marinade combining balsamic glaze, olive oil, and a touch of red pepper flakes for heat.
For best results, pat your shrimp dry before tossing them in the marinade. Let them soak for about 45 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Heat your grill to medium-high (around 400°F) before adding your shrimp. Thread them onto skewers for easier handling and to prevent them from falling through the grates.
The shrimp will cook quickly, typically 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque.
16. Pesto Marinated Shrimp
Pesto marinated shrimp offers a vibrant twist to your grilling routine.
Simply combine fresh basil leaves, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and olive oil to create a flavorful pesto marinade.
Coat your shrimp in this mixture and let them absorb the flavors for at least 30 minutes.
Thread them onto skewers for easier handling on the grill.
These shrimp cook quickly, usually just 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
The basil pesto adds a fresh, herbal flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
This dish makes a perfect summer meal and can be served over pasta or alongside grilled vegetables for a complete dinner.
17. Paprika Lemon Grilled Shrimp
Paprika Lemon Grilled Shrimp combines smoky flavor with bright citrus for a perfect summer dish.
You’ll need shrimp, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic, and lemon to create this simple yet delicious recipe.
The marinade takes just minutes to prepare.
Mix the paprika, a touch of cayenne for heat, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice in a bowl.
Add your shrimp and let them soak up the flavors for 15-30 minutes.
Grill the shrimp for just 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
The quick cooking time makes this ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Serve hot with extra lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
The smoky-citrus combination will become one of your go-to grilling recipes.
18. Maple Dijon Grilled Shrimp
Maple Dijon Grilled Shrimp offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. This simple recipe requires just a few ingredients: shrimp, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and garlic-infused oil.
Marinate your shrimp in this delicious mixture for about 30 minutes before threading them onto skewers.
You can add fresh garden vegetables to the skewers for extra color and nutrition.
Grill the skewers for just 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
The maple-dijon glaze caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating a flavorful crust.
This dish comes together in about 10 minutes of cooking time, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
19. Sweet and Spicy Grilled Shrimp
This simple yet flavorful dish combines chili-garlic sauce and honey to create the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. You only need a few ingredients to make this impressive meal.
Start by soaking bamboo skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
Mix chile-garlic sauce with honey, and add salt and pepper if desired.
Coat your peeled and deveined shrimp in the mixture, reserving about a quarter of the sauce for later.
Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill until they’re cooked through.
For extra flavor, brush the reserved sauce on the shrimp after cooking.
Serve with pasta or a green salad for a quick 30-minute meal.
20. Curried Coconut Grilled Shrimp
Curried Coconut Grilled Shrimp combines the smoky char of grilling with the rich flavors of curry and coconut. This dish brings together elements of Thai and Indian cuisine for a truly memorable seafood experience.
The shrimp is marinated in a mixture of yogurt, curry powder, ginger, and coconut milk. This not only infuses the shrimp with flavor but also helps keep them moist during grilling.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers for easy grilling.
Cook them for just 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly charred.
Serve these flavorful skewers over rice or with a side of grilled vegetables.
The combination of curry spices and coconut creates a dish that’s both exotic and approachable.
21. Smoky BBQ Shrimp
Smoky BBQ shrimp brings bold flavors to your grill. You’ll love how the sweet and smoky barbecue sauce caramelizes on the shrimp, creating a delicious char.
To make this dish, start with fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on for easy handling.
Marinate them in your favorite BBQ sauce for about 20 minutes before grilling.
Grill the shrimp for approximately 3 minutes per side.
Make sure to baste them liberally with more BBQ sauce while cooking.
You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and show light char marks.
Serve these smoky treats hot off the grill as an appetizer or main dish with extra sauce for dipping.
The Science of Grilling Shrimp
Grilling shrimp requires understanding both the protein’s delicate nature and how heat transforms it.
Timing and technique are critical factors that determine whether your shrimp turn out perfectly juicy or disappointingly tough.
Understanding Shrimp Varieties
Shrimp size significantly impacts grilling success. Larger shrimp (16-20 count per pound) work best for grilling as they’re less likely to overcook. Shell-on shrimp retain more moisture and flavor during grilling, though they require more eating effort.
White, pink, and brown shrimp varieties each offer different flavor profiles. White shrimp have a sweeter, more delicate taste. Pink shrimp provide a slightly saltier flavor. Brown shrimp deliver a more robust, mineral-like taste that stands up well to bold marinades.
Fresh shrimp should smell like the ocean, not fishy. When buying frozen, look for IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) shrimp without preservatives. For best results, completely thaw and pat dry before grilling to prevent steaming.
The Perfect Marinade Chemistry
Marinades serve two crucial functions for shrimp: flavor enhancement and moisture retention.
Acid-based marinades (lemon juice, vinegar) should be limited to 30-60 minutes, as longer exposure begins cooking the shrimp through acidulation.
Oil components create a barrier that helps prevent moisture loss during cooking. A good ratio is:
- 3 parts oil
- 1 part acid
- Aromatics (garlic, herbs)
Salt triggers a process called protein denaturation that helps shrimp retain moisture when cooked. However, salt for too long can draw out too much moisture, so add it just 15-20 minutes before grilling.
Sugars in marinades caramelize during grilling, creating those desirable char marks. But watch carefully – sugar burns quickly at high temperatures.
Ideal Grilling Techniques
Mastering shrimp on the grill requires attention to heat and timing. These two factors determine whether your shrimp turn out tender and flavorful or tough and overcooked.
Temperature Control for Perfect Texture
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F) for optimal shrimp grilling. This temperature range allows shrimp to cook quickly while developing a nice char without burning.
For gas grills, set burners to medium-high and preheat for 10-15 minutes. Charcoal grill users should spread coals evenly and wait until they’re covered with white-gray ash.
Create a two-zone fire with a hotter section for searing and a cooler section for more delicate cooking. This gives you flexibility if shrimp are cooking too quickly.
Pro tip: Hold your hand about 5 inches above the grates – if you can keep it there for only 3-4 seconds, the temperature is perfect for shrimp.
Maintain consistent heat by minimizing how often you open the grill lid. Each opening can drop the temperature significantly.
Time Management Tips
Shrimp cook extremely quickly – about 2 minutes per side depending on size. Watch for the telltale color change from gray to pink and an opaque appearance.
Size matters:
- Small/medium (41-50 count): 1-2 minutes per side
- Large (31-35 count): 2-3 minutes per side
- Jumbo (16-20 count): 3-4 minutes per side
Thread shrimp on skewers to make flipping easier and prevent them from falling through the grates. Metal skewers conduct heat, cooking shrimp from the inside too.
Arrange skewers perpendicular to grates for even heat distribution. Leave small spaces between each shrimp to ensure they cook evenly.
Don’t walk away from the grill! The difference between perfectly cooked and rubbery shrimp can be just 30 seconds.
Pairing Grilled Shrimp with Sides and Sauces
Grilled shrimp is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with many sides and beverages. The right combinations can elevate your shrimp from a simple protein to the centerpiece of a memorable meal.
Complementary Flavor Profiles
Pasta dishes make excellent companions to grilled shrimp. Angel hair pasta with homemade Alfredo sauce creates a rich, creamy backdrop that complements the smoky flavors of grilled shrimp.
For lighter options, consider grain bowls or fresh salads. The natural sweetness of shrimp works well with citrus-based dressings and vinaigrettes.
Grilled vegetables are perfect side-by-side companions. Try grilling asparagus spears alongside your shrimp, finished with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a simple yet elegant pairing.
For Cajun-style grilled shrimp, consider sides that can stand up to bold flavors:
- Corn on the cob
- Dirty rice
- Coleslaw with a vinegar base
- Grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini
Tacos and wraps offer a casual way to serve grilled shrimp. Add avocado, mango salsa, or lime crema for complementary flavors.
Wine and Beverage Pairings
Crisp white wines provide the perfect counterpoint to grilled shrimp. Sauvignon Blanc, with its bright acidity and citrus notes, cuts through the richness of buttery shrimp preparations.
For herb-infused or garlic shrimp, try Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay. These wines won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the seafood.
If you’ve prepared spicy Cajun shrimp, consider an off-dry Riesling. The slight sweetness helps balance the heat while the acidity refreshes your palate.
Beer lovers might enjoy:
- Wheat beers with herb-seasoned shrimp
- Pilsners with simply grilled preparations
- Belgian whites with garlic shrimp
For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime complements most shrimp dishes beautifully. Iced tea with fresh mint also works well, especially with spicier preparations.
