If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive dish that bursts with fresh flavors and requires minimal time, look no further than this Grilled Herb and Garlic Shrimp recipe. Featuring large, juicy shrimp marinated in a vibrant mixture of garlic, fresh herbs, olive oil, and lemon, this dish is perfect for outdoor grilling or indoor alternatives like a grill pan or broiler. It’s ideal for quick weeknight dinners, weekend cookouts, or any time you want a light, healthy, and flavorful seafood option.
The best part? It takes just 10 minutes to prepare, with a quick 5-minute cook time on the grill. You’ll get tender, juicy shrimp infused with garlic and herbs, finished with a bright squeeze of fresh lemon — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Herb and Garlic Shrimp
This recipe stands out not just for its taste, but also for its simplicity and versatility. Here’s why it’s become a favorite:
- Minimal prep time: The marinade comes together in minutes, and the shrimp cooks in less than 5 minutes. Perfect for busy schedules.
- Fresh, simple ingredients: You only need common pantry staples and fresh herbs, nothing fancy or hard to find.
- Flexible cooking methods: While designed for outdoor grills, it adapts beautifully to indoor grill pans or broilers.
- Balanced flavors: Garlic’s pungency pairs wonderfully with fresh parsley and oregano, while lemon juice brightens the entire dish.
- Healthy and light: Shrimp is high in protein and low in fat, making this a guilt-free indulgence.
- Impressive presentation: Skewering the shrimp creates an eye-catching meal perfect for serving guests.
Ingredients You Will Need
To prepare this grilled shrimp, gather these fresh and flavorful ingredients:
- 1 pound large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined): Choose fresh or properly thawed shrimp, ensuring they are large enough to stay juicy when grilled.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a bold aromatic punch to the marinade. Fresh garlic works best here.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped): Parsley brings a fresh, bright herbal flavor and lovely color.
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (finely chopped): Adds a slightly peppery, earthy note that complements the shrimp well.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Acts as a flavorful base for the marinade and keeps the shrimp moist during grilling.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Provides acidity to balance the richness of the oil and herbs.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors without overwhelming.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): For an extra fresh burst of citrus just before eating.
Detailed Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Step 1: Pat Shrimp Dry
Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels. This step ensures the marinade clings properly and the shrimp sears nicely instead of steaming. Dry shrimp also helps prevent sticking during grilling.
Step 2: Prepare the Herb and Garlic Marinade
In a medium-sized bowl, combine minced garlic, finely chopped parsley and oregano, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended. The olive oil emulsifies with the lemon juice, carrying the herb flavors evenly onto each shrimp.
Step 3: Marinate the Shrimp
Add the dried shrimp to the marinade bowl and toss thoroughly to coat each piece. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, then refrigerate for about 15 minutes. This short marination time is perfect to infuse the shrimp without compromising their tender texture. Avoid marinating too long (over 30 minutes), as the acid in lemon juice can start to “cook” the shrimp and make them mushy.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat — roughly 400°F (204°C). If using wooden skewers to thread the shrimp, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes before cooking to prevent burning. For metal skewers, no soaking is needed.
Step 5: Thread the Shrimp onto Skewers
Carefully thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers. Space them evenly to ensure even heat distribution. Threading the shrimp makes them easier to handle on the grill and ensures they cook uniformly.
Step 6: Grill the Shrimp
Place the shrimp skewers directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 2 minutes or until the shrimp are opaque, pink, and slightly curled into a “C” shape. Avoid overcooking as shrimp become tough and rubbery quickly. You’re looking for just cooked and tender shrimp.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter and garnish with fresh lemon wedges. Serve immediately while hot, allowing guests to squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp for added brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried herbs if fresh aren’t available?
Fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor and aroma, but you can substitute dried herbs at about one-third the amount. For example, use 1 teaspoon dried parsley instead of 3 teaspoons fresh.
How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?
Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before cooking. Preheat the grill thoroughly and use tongs to turn the shrimp gently.
Can I cook this indoors?
Yes! Use a grill pan on the stovetop or your oven’s broiler set to high. Watch the shrimp closely to prevent burning.
How can I tell when shrimp are done?
Shrimp turn from translucent gray to opaque pink and curl slightly. They should form a loose “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp curl tightly into an “O” and become rubbery.
Helpful Tips for Best Results
- Always dry shrimp thoroughly before marinating and cooking for better texture.
- Use fresh garlic for a bright pungency that dried garlic powder cannot match.
- Don’t overmarinate; 15-30 minutes is sufficient to impart flavor without compromising texture.
- Thread shrimp on skewers for easy handling, especially when grilling.
- Serve grilled shrimp right away for best taste and texture; reheating shrimp can lead to toughness.
Storage and Leftover Handling
Cooked shrimp are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid freezing cooked shrimp as the texture degrades significantly. If you marinate raw shrimp, cook them immediately after marinating and avoid prolonged refrigeration to maintain safety and quality.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Grilled Herb and Garlic Shrimp pairs wonderfully with:
- Light, crisp salads such as arugula with lemon vinaigrette
- Grilled or steamed vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers
- Fluffy rice pilaf or garlic butter couscous
- Fresh crusty bread or warm tortillas for shrimp tacos
- A chilled white wine or crisp rosé to complement the bright herbal notes
Variations to Explore
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- Substitute oregano with basil or cilantro for different herb profiles.
- Incorporate a splash of white wine or soy sauce in the marinade for added complexity.
- For a smoky flavor, grill shrimp over wood chips or add smoked paprika to the marinade.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Herb and Garlic Shrimp is an effortless recipe that delivers fresh, bold flavors and tender, juicy seafood in minutes. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or using a stovetop grill pan, this recipe brings an elegant yet simple dish to your table that’s sure to impress family and guests alike. Perfect for summer barbecues, quick dinners, or elegant appetizers, it’s a versatile recipe worth keeping in your repertoire.
Try this recipe today and enjoy the bright, garlicky, herby goodness of perfectly grilled shrimp!