These Grilled Spicy Shrimp are bursting with flavor! Marinated in zesty spices and grilled to perfection, they are juicy, smoky, and oh-so-delicious.
I love how quick they are to make. Serve them with rice or toss them in a salad for a fun meal. Trust me, your taste buds will dance! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large shrimp for the best results. If you’re short on shrimp, consider using chicken or tofu as a protein alternative. Both can be marinated and grilled, though cooking times will vary.
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. You could substitute with avocado oil for a different flavor and higher smoke point, or any neutral oil you prefer.
Spices: Smoked paprika is key for that smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or chili powder can work. For a milder option, skip the cayenne or reduce the amount. I prefer to add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. Use about 1/4 teaspoon for every clove of minced garlic.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Grilled Shrimp?
Grilling shrimp is quick and easy but requires attention to detail. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Make sure your grill is hot—around 400°F (200°C)—to get that nice char quickly.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; give shrimp some space to cook evenly and avoid steaming.
- Keep an eye on the shrimp; they only need about 2-3 minutes on each side. Once they turn opaque, they’re done!
- If using wooden skewers, soaking ensures they won’t burn on the grill. Aim for at least 30 minutes for best results.
Enjoy grilling and savor each bite of that perfectly smoky, spicy shrimp! They make a fabulous dish for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners.
Grilled Spicy Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water 30 minutes before grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare the marinade, plus 20-30 minutes of marinating time. Cooking on the grill will take around 6-8 minutes. So, you’re looking at a total of about 40-50 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Whisk everything together until well combined. This will be your flavorful marinade for the shrimp.
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, tossing them gently to coat each shrimp evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, then place it in the refrigerator. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 20-30 minutes (or up to 1 hour) to soak up all those delicious flavors!
3. Preheat Your Grill:
While the shrimp are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). If using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water during this time to prevent burning.
4. Skewer the Shrimp:
Once the shrimp have marinated, carefully thread them onto the skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer. Make sure to leave a bit of space between each shrimp so they cook evenly.
5. Grill the Shrimp:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning them once until they are opaque and have beautiful grill marks. Be attentive, as shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the shrimp from the grill and place them on a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing squeeze right before you eat!
Enjoy your flavorful, smoky, and spicy grilled shrimp—perfect for a light meal or appetizer!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. The best way to thaw frozen shrimp is to place them in the refrigerator overnight or you can place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
What If I Don’t Have Smoked Paprika?
If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can substitute it with regular paprika and add a dash of liquid smoke or a bit of cayenne pepper to maintain that smoky flavor. Alternatively, just use chili powder for a different but still delicious taste!
How Long Can I Marinate the Shrimp?
For the best flavor, marinate your shrimp for at least 20-30 minutes. However, you shouldn’t marinate them for more than 1 hour, as the acid from the lemon juice can start to break down the shrimp and affect their texture.
Can I Cook the Shrimp on a Stovetop Grill Pan?
Yes! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can definitely use a stovetop grill pan. Just preheat it over medium-high heat and follow the same cooking instructions. Make sure to keep an eye on the shrimp, as they may cook a bit faster than on a traditional grill.