Best Grilled Shrimp Recipe delivers juicy, charred shrimp bathed in bright lemon-parsley butter—elevated, yet approachable. With a simple marinade, quick grill time, and tips for perfect seasoning, this dish transforms raw shrimp into a restaurant-quality entrée. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard cookouts, or easy entertaining.
Loaded with zesty brightness, smoky char, and buttery richness, this grilled shrimp recipe will become your go-to seafood favorite.
Why This Should Be Your Go-To Best Grilled Shrimp Recipe
- Lightning-fast prep: Only 15–30 minutes marinating time and just 4 minutes on the grill. ([turn0search0])
- Bursting with bold flavor: Spiced olive oil marinade meets a rich lemon-parsley butter for finishing flair. ([turn0search0])
- Tender, smoky, perfectly cooked shrimp: Achieve a satisfying char without overcooking. ([turn0search0])
- Extremely versatile: Great as a stand-alone meal, on skewers, tossed into salads, tacos, bowls, or pasta. ([turn0search0])
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs large shrimp (21‑25 count), peeled, deveined, and patted dry
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1½ tsp onion powder
- 1½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1⁄4–½ tsp cayenne (optional, for heat)
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional Lemon-Parsley Butter: 4 Tbsp melted butter, 1½ Tbsp lemon juice, 1½ Tbsp chopped parsley ([turn0search0])
🔪 Step-by-Step: How to Make the Best Grilled Shrimp Recipe
Marinate Shrimp (15–30 minutes)
Whisk marinade ingredients together in a bowl, toss shrimp to coat evenly, and let rest at room temperature for 15–30 minutes—no longer, to prevent drying. ([turn0search0])
Prep Your Grill
Preheat grill to medium-high (400–450°F), clean grates, and oil them using oiled paper towels held with tongs for nonstick grilling. ([turn0search0])
Skewer the Shrimp
Thread shrimp onto skewers by piercing above tail and below head for stability. This keeps shrimp from rotating and ensures even grilling. ([turn0search3], [turn0search0])
Grill Shrimp (2 minutes per side)
Place skewers on the grill. Cook 2 minutes on each side or until pink and opaque. Remove promptly to prevent overcooking. ([turn0search3], [turn0search0])
Brush with Lemon Parsley Butter
Brush shrimp with lemon-parsley butter if using—or drizzle melted butter mixed with herbs and lemon juice after grilling. Serve immediately with lemon wedges. ([turn0search0])
🍤 Tips for Perfect Grilled Shrimp Every Time
- Pat shrimp dry before marinating for better marinade adhesion and charred flavor. ([turn0search0])
- Don’t over-marinate or shrimp become mushy.
- Don’t overcook—shrimp are done when opaque and slightly curled into a “C”.
- Use skewers—metal or soaked wood—to make flipping easy and even.
Variations to Try
- Cilantro Lime Butter Shrimp: Swap parsley for cilantro, add lime juice, and grill with the same process. ([turn0search3])
- Sweet Chili Glazed Shrimp: Marinate in tangy sweet chili sauce; grill or sauté and serve with sticky glaze. ([turn0search2])
- Old Bay Style Shrimp: Stir-fry shrimp in garlic butter with Old Bay seasoning and serve with homemade cocktail sauce. ([turn0search9])
- Jerk Shrimp: Use an island-inspired marinade of lime, honey, soy sauce, chili powder, all-spice, garlic, and ginger. Serve over rice or in wraps. ([turn0search10])
🥗 What to Serve With Grilled Shrimp
These shrimp are incredibly flexible—here’s how to build the perfect plate:
- Simple sides: Grilled corn, coleslaw, watermelon salad, or garlic bread.
- Over grains: Serve on rice pilaf, quinoa, or creamy polenta.
- In wraps/tacos: Load into tortillas with slaw, avocado, pico de gallo.
- Salad topper: Add to greens with citrus vinaigrette, feta, and cucumbers.
- Pasta or bowls: Toss into angel hair pasta, grain bowls, or risotto.
📦 Storage & Meal Prep
- Make ahead: Marinate shrimp and store covered in the fridge for a few hours. Grill when ready. ([turn0search0])
- Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat gently in skillet or microwave—avoid overcooking. Best eaten fresh.
- Freeze cooked shrimp for 1–2 months; thaw overnight and reheat carefully.
✅ Nutritional Snapshot (per serving ≈ 6 oz shrimp)
- Calories: ~200–220 kcal
- Protein: ~25 g
- Fat: ~10–12 g (mostly healthy fats)
- Carbs: 1–2 g
- High in selenium, B12, and iodine—nutritious and lean.
🍽 Final Thoughts
This Best Grilled Shrimp Recipe checks every box—effortless prep, bold flavor, and restaurant-quality results on your backyard grill. With tender shrimp, smoky grilling, and bright butter sauce, this dish elevates any meal from ordinary to unforgettable.
Whether you’re grilling for one or a crowd, you can’t go wrong with this recipe. Want to try the cilantro-lime, sweet-chili, Old Bay, or jerk versions next? The possibilities are endless.