Our Best Grilled Shrimp Recipes

February 6, 2025

Grilled shrimp is a tasty and easy option for summer meals. It’s quick to cook and can be paired with many flavors and ingredients.

From spicy marinades to fruity salsas, there are lots of ways to enjoy grilled shrimp.

You’ll find over 21 grilled shrimp recipes here to try at home. These recipes range from simple garlic and herb shrimp to more unique options like coconut rum glazed shrimp.

Many can be made in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Get ready to fire up your grill and try some new shrimp dishes.

1. Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Garlic butter grilled shrimp skewers are a tasty and easy summer dish. You can make them for a cookout or quick weeknight dinner.

Start by marinating the shrimp in a zesty mix. Thread them onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.

The star of this recipe is the rich garlic butter sauce. Drizzle it over the hot shrimp right before serving. This adds tons of flavor and moisture.

Serve these skewers as an appetizer or main course. They’re sure to be a hit with seafood lovers at your next barbecue.

2. Cajun Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Cajun Grilled Shrimp Tacos bring a spicy kick to your dinner table. These tacos combine juicy grilled shrimp with a zesty Cajun seasoning.

To make them, coat shrimp in a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and cayenne. Grill the seasoned shrimp until they’re pink and slightly charred.

Serve the shrimp in double-layered taco shells. Top with crispy slaw for crunch and a cool contrast to the spicy shrimp.

Add a drizzle of creamy sauce, like remoulade or crema, for extra flavor. Finish with chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and pico de gallo for freshness.

3. Mediterranean Lemon Herb Shrimp

This dish brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your grill. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and garlic powder in a bowl.

Pat the shrimp dry and add them to the mixture.

Let the shrimp soak up the flavors for 15-20 minutes.

Heat your grill to medium-high. Thread the shrimp onto skewers if you like.

Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly charred.

Serve hot with extra lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

This recipe is easy to make and perfect for summer cookouts. You’ll love the bright, zesty taste of the lemon and herbs with the smoky grilled shrimp.

4. Chipotle Lime Grilled Shrimp

Chipotle lime grilled shrimp offers a zesty kick to your summer barbecue. This recipe combines smoky chipotle flavors with tangy lime for a mouthwatering dish.

To make the marinade, mix chipotle powder, cumin, brown sugar, lime zest, and juice in a bowl. Add fresh cilantro for an extra layer of flavor.

Coat your shrimp in the marinade and let it sit for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in.

Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers. Grill them on an oiled rack over medium heat for 6-8 minutes. Turn once during cooking.

Your shrimp are done when they turn pink. Serve hot with extra lime wedges for squeezing.

5. Coconut Curry Grilled Shrimp

Coconut curry grilled shrimp is a tasty mix of sweet and spicy flavors. You can make this dish for your next backyard barbecue.

Start by making a marinade with coconut milk, curry powder, and ginger. Add some sugar for sweetness and fish sauce for depth. Toss in fresh herbs like cilantro or mint.

Marinate peeled and deveined shrimp in half of the sauce for 30 minutes. Keep the other half for dipping later.

Grill the shrimp on high heat for about 1-2 minutes per side. They’re done when they turn pink and curl slightly.

Serve your grilled coconut curry shrimp hot off the grill. Pair them with the leftover sauce for dipping.

6. Honey Garlic Grilled Shrimp

Honey garlic grilled shrimp is a tasty dish that’s quick to make. You’ll love the sweet and savory mix of flavors.

To make it, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for the marinade. Add some lime zest for extra zing. Let the shrimp soak in this mix for about 30 minutes to an hour.

Grill the shrimp for just a few minutes on each side until they turn pink. The honey in the marinade will give them a nice caramelized finish.

You can serve these shrimp in many ways. Try them over rice, in a salad, or as part of a shrimp bowl. They’re good hot or cold, so you can enjoy leftovers too.

7. Chimichurri Grilled Shrimp

Chimichurri grilled shrimp is a tasty dish that combines juicy seafood with a zesty herb sauce. You’ll love the bright flavors of this quick and easy meal.

To make it, marinate large shrimp in a mix of parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. This chimichurri sauce adds a burst of freshness to the seafood.

Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly charred. The high heat brings out their natural sweetness while keeping them tender.

Serve your chimichurri grilled shrimp as an appetizer or main course. They pair well with rice, salad, or crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.

8. Teriyaki Grilled Shrimp Bowls

Teriyaki grilled shrimp bowls offer a tasty mix of flavors and textures. You’ll love the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce coating the shrimp.

Start by marinating your shrimp in a blend of soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and garlic. Grill the shrimp until they’re nicely charred and caramelized.

Serve your teriyaki shrimp over a bed of rice. Add grilled pineapple chunks for a tropical twist. You can even use a hollowed-out pineapple as a fun serving bowl.

This dish brings together the best of grilled seafood and Asian-inspired flavors. It’s perfect for summer cookouts or anytime you want a quick, tasty meal.

9. Spicy Sriracha Grilled Shrimp

Spicy Sriracha grilled shrimp is a tasty dish that packs a flavorful punch. You’ll love the bold, zesty kick from the sriracha sauce.

To make this recipe, marinate large shrimp in a mix of sriracha, butter, garlic, and ginger. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to soak up the flavors.

Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill for 6-8 minutes. The heat caramelizes the sauce, creating a delicious crust.

Serve your spicy sriracha grilled shrimp as a main dish or appetizer. They pair well with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

10. Basil Pesto Grilled Shrimp

Basil pesto grilled shrimp is a tasty and quick dish for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners. You’ll love the bright, fresh flavors of basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese coating the tender shrimp.

To make this dish, mix basil pesto with lemon juice and toss your shrimp in it. Thread the shrimp onto skewers if you like. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly charred.

Serve your pesto shrimp over pasta, on a salad, or as an appetizer. The aromatic pesto adds a zesty kick that pairs perfectly with the smoky grilled taste. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your summer rotation.

11. Thai Peanut Grilled Shrimp

Thai Peanut Grilled Shrimp combines the flavors of Thailand with a classic grilling technique. You’ll love the mix of sweet, savory, and spicy tastes in this dish.

To make it, marinate peeled shrimp in a blend of peanut sauce, coconut milk, lime juice, and spices. Grill the shrimp for just a few minutes on each side until they’re pink and slightly charred.

Serve your Thai Peanut Grilled Shrimp over rice or noodles. You can also pair it with a crisp salad for a complete meal. This recipe is perfect for summer cookouts or quick weeknight dinners.

12. Grilled Shrimp with Mango Salsa

Grilled shrimp with mango salsa is a tasty combo that brings together sweet and savory flavors. You’ll love how the juicy shrimp pairs with the fresh fruit.

To make the salsa, mix chopped mango, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeƱo, and red onion in a bowl. This bright mix adds color and zing to your plate.

For the shrimp, marinate them in soy sauce and orange juice for 10 minutes. Then thread them onto skewers and grill until pink and slightly charred.

Serve the grilled shrimp on a bed of the mango salsa. The mix of textures and flavors will make your taste buds happy. This dish is perfect for summer cookouts or a light dinner.

13. Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp

Garlic Parmesan grilled shrimp is a quick and tasty dish you can make in just 10 minutes. Start by mixing minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano in a bowl.

Add your shrimp to the mixture and coat them well. Grill the shrimp for a few minutes on each side until they turn pink and slightly charred.

Once cooked, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the hot shrimp. The heat will melt the cheese slightly, creating a savory crust.

Serve your garlic Parmesan grilled shrimp right away. They make a great appetizer or main dish when paired with pasta or rice.

14. BBQ Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

BBQ grilled shrimp kabobs are a tasty summer treat. You’ll need jumbo shrimp, your favorite BBQ sauce, and skewers.

Clean and devein the shrimp before threading them onto the skewers. Brush the shrimp with BBQ sauce.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl slightly.

For added flavor, you can add chunks of pineapple or bell peppers to your skewers. Serve your BBQ grilled shrimp kabobs hot off the grill with extra sauce on the side.

15. Lemon Dill Grilled Shrimp

Lemon dill grilled shrimp is a tasty and easy dish to make. You’ll love the bright flavors of lemon and dill paired with juicy grilled shrimp.

To prepare, mix lemon juice, olive oil, dill, and garlic in a bowl. Add the shrimp and let them marinate for 30 minutes in the fridge.

Thread the shrimp onto skewers if you’re using them. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.

Serve your lemon dill grilled shrimp hot off the grill. They’re great on their own or paired with a yogurt herb sauce for dipping.

16. Spicy Orange Grilled Shrimp

Spicy orange grilled shrimp brings zesty citrus flavor to your barbecue. You’ll love this tasty twist on classic grilled shrimp.

To make the sauce, mix orange juice, soy sauce, and chili paste in a small pan. Heat and stir until it thickens. This takes about 3-5 minutes.

Thread 5-6 shrimp onto skewers. Brush them with the spicy orange sauce. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.

For extra flavor, brush more sauce on the shrimp after grilling. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a nice touch. Serve these juicy shrimp as an appetizer or main dish.

17. Garlic Lime Chili Grilled Shrimp

This zesty shrimp dish combines bold flavors for a tasty summer meal. Mix garlic, lime juice, and chili powder to create a flavorful marinade.

Coat the shrimp in the mixture and let it sit for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in.

Grill the shrimp over medium-high heat for a few minutes per side. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque.

The result is juicy shrimp with a perfect balance of garlic, citrus, and spice. Serve them as an appetizer or main dish for your next cookout.

18. Sweet and Spicy Grilled Shrimp

Sweet and spicy grilled shrimp offers a tasty twist on regular grilled shrimp. You’ll love the mix of flavors in this easy dish.

To make it, mix chili garlic sauce and honey for the marinade. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Coat the shrimp in this sauce and let it sit for about 15 minutes.

Grill the shrimp on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side. They’re done when they turn pink.

Brush on any extra marinade as you finish cooking.

Serve these shrimp with pasta or a green salad for a quick summer meal. A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end adds a nice citrus pop.

19. Lemon Basil Grilled Shrimp

This dish combines zesty lemon, aromatic basil, and succulent shrimp for a perfect summer meal. To make it, marinate peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp in fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped basil.

Thread the shrimp onto skewers or use a grill basket for easy cooking. Grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

For added flavor, toss the grilled shrimp with reserved marinade before serving.

You can pair this dish with couscous or your favorite grilled vegetables for a complete meal. The bright, fresh flavors make it a great choice for outdoor gatherings or weeknight dinners.

20. Garlicky Saffron Grilled Shrimp

This recipe combines garlic and saffron for a flavorful grilled shrimp dish. Mix olive oil, saffron threads, lime juice, and minced garlic to create a marinade.

Coat jumbo shrimp in the mixture and let them soak up the flavors for 2 hours in the fridge. This allows the saffron and garlic to infuse the shrimp.

When ready to cook, thread the shrimp onto metal skewers. Grill them over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.

Serve your garlicky saffron grilled shrimp hot off the grill. For extra zest, squeeze grilled lime halves over the top before eating.

21. Sundried Tomato Grilled Shrimp

This recipe combines juicy grilled shrimp with tangy sundried tomatoes. It’s a tasty mix of flavors that’s quick to make.

Start by marinating the shrimp in olive oil, garlic, and salt for about an hour. This helps infuse them with flavor before grilling.

While the shrimp marinates, make a sundried tomato gremolata. Chop sundried tomatoes and mix them with herbs like basil. You can also add capers for extra zing.

Grill the shrimp for about 3 minutes per side until they turn pink. Be careful not to overcook them or they’ll get tough.

Once cooked, toss the shrimp with the sundried tomato mixture. The warm shrimp will soak up all the delicious flavors. Serve right away for the best taste.

Understanding Grilled Shrimp

Grilled shrimp is a tasty and quick meal option. It’s important to pick good shrimp and prepare them well for the best results.

Selecting the Right Shrimp

Choose fresh or frozen shrimp for grilling. Look for firm, plump shrimp with a mild sea smell. Avoid any with black spots or a fishy odor.

Bigger shrimp work best on the grill. Try to get jumbo or extra-large sizes, about 16-20 per pound. These are easier to handle and won’t overcook as fast.

Frozen shrimp can be just as good as fresh. They’re often frozen right after catching, keeping their quality. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before grilling.

Marinating Techniques

Marinating adds flavor to your shrimp. Mix oil, acid (like lemon juice), and spices for a basic marinade. Don’t use salt in the marinade as it can dry out the shrimp.

Marinate shrimp for 15-30 minutes. Any longer and the acid might start to cook them.

For a quick flavor boost, brush on the marinade right before grilling.

Try different marinade flavors:

  • Garlic and herb
  • Coconut rum
  • Pesto
  • Lemon and olive oil

Pat the shrimp dry before grilling to help them get a nice char. This step is key for tasty grilled shrimp.

Health Benefits of Grilled Shrimp

Grilled shrimp offers many health benefits. It’s packed with nutrients and is a great low-calorie protein option for your meals.

Nutritional Profile

Grilled shrimp is rich in nutrients your body needs. It contains high-quality protein, vitamin B12, and selenium. You’ll also get omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart.

Shrimp provides iodine, an important mineral for thyroid function. It’s also a source of zinc, which helps your immune system.

One serving of grilled shrimp gives you about 20 grams of protein. This makes it a filling choice that can help you feel full longer.

Low-Calorie Protein Source

Grilled shrimp is perfect if you’re watching your weight. A 3-ounce serving has only about 84 calories.

This makes it one of the lowest-calorie protein sources you can eat.

Choosing grilled shrimp over fried options cuts down on added fats. It’s a lean protein that can fit into many healthy eating plans.

You can add grilled shrimp to salads, pastas, or eat it on its own. It’s a versatile food that can help you meet your protein needs without extra calories.