If you are craving a dish that is bright, flavorful, and comes together quickly, this Grilled Shrimp with Lemon and Garlic Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a perfect balance of smoky char from the grill, vibrant citrus zing, and rich buttery garlic that will make every bite sing. Whether you’re firing up the barbecue for a casual weekend dinner or impressing guests with your culinary skills, this recipe brings simple ingredients to life in the most delicious way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential for building layers of flavor and texture in your grilled shrimp. Each one plays a specific role, from seasoning to aroma, creating a perfectly balanced dish.
- 1 pound large shrimp (tails on and deveined): The star of the dish, providing a succulent and juicy seafood base.
- 4 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the marinade cling to the shrimp and adds a subtle fruitiness.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: Adds earthy, herbaceous notes to complement the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: A tiny kick of tanginess that elevates the marinade.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
- 1 lemon (cut into wedges): Provides fresh acidity to brighten every bite and garnish.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick): Creates a luscious garlic butter sauce for brushing.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Infuses savory depth and aroma.
- 2 (2-inch) strips lemon zest: Harnesses the oils of the lemon peel for extra citrus fragrance.
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal finish.
How to Make Grilled Shrimp with Lemon and Garlic Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by combining your shrimp with olive oil, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss everything together really well so each shrimp is coated in that flavorful marinade. This step is crucial because it ensures the shrimp soak up all the herbs and spices before hitting the grill.
Step 2: Grill the Shrimp
Next, heat your grill to high and place the shrimp directly on the grates. Grill them just until they’re opaque and slightly charred, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. The key here is to keep an eye on them since shrimp cooks quickly—overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery, and we want tender, juicy bites.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter
While the shrimp cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and lemon zest strips, stirring until you get that irresistible fragrant aroma—this takes just a minute or two. Then stir in the fresh parsley for a hint of herbal brightness. Once ready, brush this warm butter over your grilled shrimp for a decadent finishing touch.
How to Serve Grilled Shrimp with Lemon and Garlic Recipe
Garnishes
Serve your shrimp with fresh lemon wedges on the side. A quick squeeze of lemon just before eating intensifies the vibrant flavors and adds a wonderfully zesty punch. You can also sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley on top for a fresh, inviting look and taste.
Side Dishes
This Grilled Shrimp with Lemon and Garlic Recipe pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides like a crisp garden salad, herbed quinoa, or grilled vegetables. For a more indulgent meal, creamy risotto or buttery garlic bread are fantastic companions that soak up all the luscious garlic butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow guests? Skewer the shrimp for an easy-to-eat appetizer or serve over a bed of fluffy couscous with a drizzle of extra lemon garlic butter. You can even toss the grilled shrimp into a vibrant pasta salad for a fresh summer meal that’s bursting with flavor in every forkful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though they rarely last long), place the shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to two days, making them perfect for quick lunches or adding to salads.
Freezing
To freeze grilled shrimp, spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This helps prevent clumping, and the shrimp can be stored for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover grilled shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of olive oil or butter. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp tough. Adding a little lemon juice during reheating brings back that fresh, vibrant flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this grilled shrimp with lemon and garlic recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating to ensure they grill up nicely and absorb the flavors.
What type of grill works best for grilling shrimp?
A gas or charcoal grill both work wonderfully. Just be sure it’s properly preheated and well oiled to prevent the shrimp from sticking and to achieve that perfect char.
Can I substitute the butter in this recipe?
You can substitute with olive oil for a lighter version, though the rich, buttery garlic sauce is truly what makes the dish outstanding. For a dairy-free option, use a good-quality plant-based butter.
How long can I marinate the shrimp?
Since shrimp is delicate, it’s best to marinate for no longer than 30 minutes to avoid a mushy texture. Even just 10-15 minutes will infuse great flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all! The seasoning is herbaceous and bright with lemon and garlic, but if you like a kick, you can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Shrimp with Lemon and Garlic Recipe is a shining example of how a handful of simple ingredients can create a dish bursting with bold, fresh flavors. It’s quick to prepare, beautifully versatile, and guaranteed to become a quick favorite in your cooking rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy all those bright, garlicky, lemony bites as much as I do!
Print
Grilled Shrimp with Lemon and Garlic Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A quick and flavorful grilled shrimp recipe marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, Italian seasoning, and Dijon mustard, then finished with a garlic lemon butter sauce. Perfect for a light, delicious meal ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 pound large shrimp (tails on and deveined)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 (2-inch) strips lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 lemon (cut into wedges, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp marinade: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Toss everything well to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated with the marinade.
- Grill the shrimp: Heat your grill to a high temperature. Place the marinated shrimp directly onto the hot grill grates. Grill each side for about 1-2 minutes until the shrimp turn opaque and have grill marks. Remove the shrimp from the grill and arrange them on your serving platter.
- Make the garlic lemon butter sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and lemon zest strips. Stir and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, taking care not to burn the garlic. Remove from heat and stir in the finely chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve: Brush the warm garlic lemon butter sauce generously over the grilled shrimp. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.
Notes
- Ensure the grill is preheated to high to achieve good searing marks and prevent sticking.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp—grilling for about 1-2 minutes per side results in tender, juicy shrimp.
- You can use wooden or metal skewers to make grilling easier and to avoid shrimp falling through the grill grates.
- For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp for 15-30 minutes before grilling, but avoid marinating for too long to prevent mushy texture.
- Serve with crusty bread or over a bed of rice or salad for a complete meal.
