How do I know when shrimp are done cooking?

Perfectly cooked shrimp turn from translucent gray to opaque pink and form a loose "C" shape. If they curl into a tight "O" shape, they're overcooked. Remember, they continue cooking slightly after removal from heat, so take them off just as they turn pink.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or place sealed shrimp in a bowl of cold water for quick thawing. Make sure to pat them completely dry before seasoning to ensure the marinade adheres properly and to prevent steaming instead of grilling.

What's the best way to devein shrimp?

After peeling, make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp with a small paring knife. Look for the dark vein running along the back and gently lift it out. For convenience, many stores sell shrimp that are already peeled and deveined.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Definitely! A stovetop grill pan works beautifully, or you can sauté the seasoned shrimp in a hot skillet with a touch of oil for 2 minutes per side. You can also broil them on high for about 4 minutes total, flipping halfway through.

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 transforms jumbo shrimp into a flavor-packed meal in just 16 minutes. With the perfect blend of herbs and spices, these succulent shrimp develop an irresistible smoky char on the outside while remaining tender and juicy inside. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or need a quick weeknight dinner, this no-fuss recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning-Fast: From prep to plate in under 20 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 a mouthwatering seasoning that infuses every bite with Mediterranean-inspired goodness.
Versatile: These shrimp can star as your main dish, top a salad, fill tacos, or even be served as an impressive appetizer when entertaining.
Healthy Option: High in protein and low in calories, this dish satisfies your seafood cravings without weighing you down.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Jumbo Shrimp: The star of the show—large shrimp cook quickly while remaining juicy and provide the perfect canvas for our seasoning blend.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Creates a moisture barrier and helps the seasonings adhere to the shrimp while adding a subtle richness.
Lemon Juice: Provides brightness and acidity that balances the seasonings and tenderizes the shrimp slightly.
Smoked Paprika: The secret weapon that gives these shrimp their distinctive smoky flavor that complements the grill’s natural char.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Essential flavor builders that add depth without the risk of burning that fresh garlic might have on the grill.
Dried Oregano & Basil: Mediterranean herbs that add complexity and aroma to the seasoning blend.
Salt & Black Pepper: The foundation of any good seasoning—enhances all the other flavors.
Cayenne Pepper: Brings a subtle heat that wakes up your taste buds without overwhelming the delicate shrimp flavor.

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

Different Flavor Profiles

Cajun Style: Swap the herb blend for Cajun seasoning and add a squeeze of lime instead of lemon.
Garlic Butter: After grilling, toss the shrimp in melted butter infused with fresh minced garlic and parsley.
Tropical Twist: Add some grated ginger to the marinade and finish with a sprinkle of toasted coconut.
Mexican-Inspired: Use chili powder, cumin, and lime juice in your marinade, then serve with avocado and cilantro.

Cooking Methods

Stovetop Option: No grill? Use a grill pan or regular skillet over high heat for similar results.
Broiler Method: Place seasoned shrimp on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes per side.

How to Make Easy Grilled Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Grill and Skewers

Preheat your outdoor grill to high heat (around 500°F). If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning. Alternatively, get your metal skewers or grill basket ready.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

Place peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle with all seasonings: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Toss thoroughly until every shrimp is evenly coated with this flavor-packed mixture.

Step 3: Skewer the Shrimp

Thread the seasoned shrimp onto your prepared skewers, leaving small gaps between each piece to ensure even cooking. If using a grill basket, simply transfer the seasoned shrimp to the basket.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Place the shrimp on the preheated grill and cook for just 2-3 minutes per side. Watch carefully—they’re done when they turn pink, become opaque, and start to curl slightly. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can quickly become tough.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Remove from the grill and serve while hot and juicy. The entire cooking process takes just 6 minutes, giving you perfectly succulent shrimp every time.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Preheating: A properly heated grill gives you those beautiful char marks and prevents sticking.
Size Matters: Jumbo shrimp work best for grilling as they’re less likely to overcook before developing that perfect char.
Even Spacing: When threading shrimp on skewers, maintain consistent spacing to ensure even cooking.
Watch Like a Hawk: Shrimp cook incredibly quickly—about 2-3 minutes per side is all you need. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque.
Rest the Shrimp: Let them sit for just a minute after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute before serving.

How to Serve

Main Course Pairings

Serve these flavorful shrimp with grilled vegetables and a side of lemon-herb rice or crusty bread for soaking up any extra juices.

Turn Them Into:

Shrimp Tacos: Slide them off the skewers into warm tortillas with avocado, slaw, and a squeeze of lime.
Pasta Partner: Toss with cooked linguine, a splash of olive oil, and fresh herbs for a quick Mediterranean-inspired pasta.
Salad Topper: Arrange over mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese for a filling protein-packed salad.
Appetizer: Serve on smaller skewers with a zesty dipping sauce when entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors continue to develop, making them delicious even cold.

Freezing

While fresh is best, you can freeze cooked shrimp for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Reheating

To prevent tough, rubbery shrimp, reheat gently. Either:

Warm briefly in a skillet with a splash of water
Microwave at 50% power in short intervals
Enjoy cold in salads or wraps to avoid reheating altogether

FAQs

How do I know when shrimp are done cooking?

Perfectly cooked shrimp turn from translucent gray to opaque pink and form a loose “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked. Remember, they continue cooking slightly after removal from heat, so take them off just as they turn pink.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or place sealed shrimp in a bowl of cold water for quick thawing. Make sure to pat them completely dry before seasoning to ensure the marinade adheres properly and to prevent steaming instead of grilling.
What’s the best way to devein shrimp?

After peeling, make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp with a small paring knife. Look for the dark vein running along the back and gently lift it out. For convenience, many stores sell shrimp that are already peeled and deveined.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Definitely! A stovetop grill pan works beautifully, or you can sauté the seasoned shrimp in a hot skillet with a touch of oil for 2 minutes per side. You can also broil them on high for about 4 minutes total, flipping halfway through.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Grilled Shrimp recipe proves that spectacular meals don’t require complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. With just minutes of prep and cooking time, you’ll have a protein-packed dish that’s versatile enough for any occasion. The smoky-sweet flavor profile and perfect texture make these shrimp irresistible, whether served as a speedy weeknight dinner or dressed up for entertaining. Give this recipe a try tonight—I guarantee it will become a regular in your meal rotation!