Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp

Bright, zesty, and full of flavor — these Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp are juicy, tender, and ready in just minutes. Perfect for quick dinners, summer cookouts, or as a flavorful appetizer, this recipe delivers a refreshing citrus-garlic punch that pairs beautifully with seafood. Light, simple, and incredibly delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy — ready in under 15 minutes
• Fresh lemon and garlic bring bold, vibrant flavor
• Perfect for grilling, pan-searing, or baking
• Great for weeknight meals, BBQ parties, or seafood lovers
• Pairs well with rice, pasta, salads, or veggies

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or oregano
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1–2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For Serving (Optional)

• Lemon wedges
• Extra parsley
• Grilled veggies, rice, or pasta

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. This helps them develop a better sear or char on the grill.

2. Make the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper

Add shrimp and toss well to coat. Marinate for 10–15 minutes (don’t exceed 20 minutes — the lemon can start to “cook” the shrimp).

3. Grill the Shrimp

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Place shrimp on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink, opaque, and lightly charred.

4. Finish & Serve

Transfer to a plate and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Squeeze extra lemon juice if desired.
Serve hot over rice, salads, or alongside grilled vegetables.

You Must Know

• Don’t marinate shrimp too long — the lemon juice can make them mushy.
• Shrimp cook fast — remove as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
• For indoor cooking, a grill pan or skillet works just as well.

Pro Tips

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
• For smoky flavor, grill shrimp on skewers.
• Swap lemon for lime for a tropical twist.
• Use jumbo shrimp for more impressive presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Olive oil → avocado oil or melted butter
• Italian seasoning → oregano, basil, or parsley
• Lemon → lime or a mix of both
• Fresh garlic → ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over lemon rice or garlic butter pasta
• Pair with grilled asparagus or zucchini
• Add to salads or tacos for a bright, zesty protein
• Drizzle with extra lemon garlic butter for richness

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for 1–2 days
• Reheat gently in a pan for 1–2 minutes to avoid overcooking
• Enjoy chilled as a salad topping

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw completely, pat dry, and proceed with the recipe.

→ Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Absolutely — a hot skillet or grill pan works perfectly.

→ Can I bake the shrimp instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes.

→ Can I make this spicy?
Add chili flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.

Enjoy your juicy, citrusy, and flavorful Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp — a fresh and vibrant seafood dish that’s perfect any night of the week!

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