Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! A grill pan on the stove works beautifully, or broil them in the oven on high for about 2 minutes per side. You can even quickly sauté them in a hot skillet—you'll miss some of the char flavor but they'll still be delicious.

What size shrimp is best for grilling?

Jumbo shrimp (16-20 per pound) or extra-large (21-25 per pound) work best for grilling. They're easier to handle, less likely to overcook, and won't fall through the grill grates. If using smaller shrimp, definitely use skewers.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or in a colander under cold running water for about 5-7 minutes. Pat them thoroughly dry before marinating for the best flavor absorption and browning.

How can I tell when shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Perfectly cooked shrimp form a "C" shape, are opaque throughout with no gray bits, and have a slight firmness when touched. They should have just lost their translucency—if they're curled into a tight "O" shape, they're overcooked.

Easy Grilled Shrimp Recipe

Name: Easy Grilled Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 16 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

This Easy Grilled Shrimp recipe is a game-changer for your dinner routine! Succulent jumbo shrimp coated in a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, then quickly grilled to perfection in just minutes. The smoky char from the grill combined with the bright lemon and aromatic herbs creates an irresistible dish that’s impressive enough for guests but simple enough for weeknight dinners. Best of all, it’s ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From prep to plate in just 16 minutes—perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of smoked paprika, herbs, and lemon creates an incredible depth of flavor that will make your taste buds dance.
Versatile: These shrimp work as an appetizer, main dish, or topping for salads and pasta—the possibilities are endless!
Healthy Option: High in protein and low in calories, this dish satisfies your cravings without weighing you down.
Impressive Results: Even kitchen novices can nail this recipe and look like a seasoned chef to their dinner guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Jumbo Shrimp: The star of the show! Using jumbo shrimp gives you more surface area for that delicious marinade and makes them easier to handle on the grill. Always go for peeled and deveined to save prep time.
Olive Oil: Creates a base for the marinade and helps prevent sticking to the grill. The fruity notes complement the seafood beautifully.
Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and acidity that balances the richness of the shrimp and helps tenderize them slightly before cooking.
Smoked Paprika: This is non-negotiable! Provides that distinctive smoky flavor that makes these shrimp irresistible, even before they hit the grill.
Garlic & Onion Powder: Delivers all the aromatic flavor without the risk of burning that fresh garlic pieces would have on a hot grill.
Dried Herbs: Oregano and basil add Mediterranean flair that pairs wonderfully with seafood. They infuse the shrimp with flavor in even the shortest marinating time.
Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and cayenne create the perfect balance of flavor and heat. Adjust the cayenne to suit your spice preference.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Herb Lovers’ Version

Swap the dried herbs for fresh ones (double the amount) and add some chopped cilantro or parsley to brighten things up even more.

Asian-Inspired Twist

Replace the Mediterranean herbs with some grated ginger, soy sauce instead of salt, and a splash of sesame oil. Finish with sliced green onions.

Butter Garlic Upgrade

After grilling, toss the hot shrimp in a couple tablespoons of melted butter with minced fresh garlic for an indulgent finish.

Tropical Flair

Add some zest and juice from an orange or lime instead of lemon, and include a tablespoon of honey for a sweet-tangy glaze.

How to Make Easy Grilled Shrimp

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Place the jumbo shrimp in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle with all the seasonings—smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Toss everything thoroughly until each shrimp is well coated in that gorgeous red-orange marinade. Cover and refrigerate while your grill preheats.

Step 2: Prepare for Grilling

Preheat your outdoor grill to high heat, around 500°F. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t skip soaking them in water for 10 minutes—this prevents them from burning on the grill and potentially ruining your perfect shrimp.

Step 3: Get Grilling

You have two options here: either thread the shrimp onto your prepared skewers (which makes flipping easier) or place them directly on the grill if they’re large enough not to fall through the grates. The direct approach gives you more surface area in contact with the grill for extra char marks.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Grill the shrimp for just 2 to 3 minutes per side. They cook incredibly quickly, so stay vigilant! You’ll know they’re done when they turn from translucent to opaque pink with beautiful grill marks. Serve them immediately while they’re hot and at their juiciest.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook: Shrimp go from perfect to rubbery in seconds. When they form a “C” shape, they’re done—if they curl into an “O” shape, they’ve gone too far.
Prep Ahead: Mix the spices in advance and store in a jar to make weeknight grilling even faster.
Even Sizing: Try to use shrimp that are all similar in size so they cook at the same rate.
Pat Dry: Before marinating, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels so the seasonings stick better.
Watch the Heat: If your grill runs hot, reduce the temperature slightly—burned spices can taste bitter rather than smoky.
Double Skewer: For easy flipping, use two parallel skewers per row of shrimp to prevent them from spinning when you turn them.

How to Serve

Main Dish Pairings

Serve these succulent grilled shrimp alongside a bright lemon rice pilaf or garlic butter pasta. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes the perfect accompaniment without overshadowing the star of the meal.

Appetizer Style

Arrange on a platter with lemon wedges and a small bowl of melted butter or garlicky aioli for dipping. Add some cocktail sauce on the side for those who prefer a classic approach.

Build-Your-Own Meal

Set up a DIY taco or bowl station with these shrimp as the protein option. Include warm tortillas, sliced avocado, mango salsa, shredded cabbage, and lime crema for a festive meal that lets everyone customize.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They’re delicious cold in salads or sandwiches the next day.

Freezing

While fresh is best for shrimp, you can freeze the cooked shrimp for up to a month. Wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Reheating

To reheat without overcooking, warm gently in a skillet with a touch of butter over medium-low heat just until warmed through (about 30 seconds per side). Alternatively, bring to room temperature and enjoy in a cold preparation.

Make-Ahead Prep

You can mix the marinade and store it separately up to 3 days in advance. The shrimp can marinate for up to 1 hour before cooking—any longer and the acid in the lemon juice will start to “cook” the shrimp.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! A grill pan on the stove works beautifully, or broil them in the oven on high for about 2 minutes per side. You can even quickly sauté them in a hot skillet—you’ll miss some of the char flavor but they’ll still be delicious.
What size shrimp is best for grilling?

Jumbo shrimp (16-20 per pound) or extra-large (21-25 per pound) work best for grilling. They’re easier to handle, less likely to overcook, and won’t fall through the grill grates. If using smaller shrimp, definitely use skewers.
Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or in a colander under cold running water for about 5-7 minutes. Pat them thoroughly dry before marinating for the best flavor absorption and browning.
How can I tell when shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Perfectly cooked shrimp form a “C” shape, are opaque throughout with no gray bits, and have a slight firmness when touched. They should have just lost their translucency—if they’re curled into a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Grilled Shrimp recipe proves that extraordinary flavor doesn’t require extraordinary effort. In just minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a meal that feels special enough for celebrations yet easy enough for Monday night dinner. The blend of smoky, herbaceous flavors with that unmistakable char from the grill creates shrimp that are impossible to resist. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this foolproof recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every time. Fire up the grill and get ready to add this to your regular rotation!