1 Easy Grilled Shrimp Recipe with Garlic and Herbs

Grilled Shrimp Recipe and Herb Shrimp

Quick Specs
Prep Time	10 mins
Cook Time	5 mins
Marinating Time	2 hrs
Total Time	2 hrs 15 mins
Yield	4 servings

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Why You’ll Love This Grilled Shrimp

Some recipes ask for a lot of effort and give back very little. This one does the opposite. You stir together a handful of pantry staples, let the shrimp soak up the flavor in the fridge, and finish them over the fire in about five minutes.

The result is a smoky, succulent plate of seafood with a hint of caramelized sweetness from brown sugar. Fragrant basil and Italian seasoning round it out, and the garlic and lemon keep everything bright. It’s the kind of dish that works equally well for a Tuesday night dinner or a backyard cookout with friends.

Looking for more delicious ideas for your next meal? Explore these best grilled cheese recipes for comforting, cheesy meal inspiration. They’re a tasty option to keep in mind when planning your weekly menu.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The shopping list is short, and you probably own most of it already.

For the shrimp:

• 2 pounds large shrimp (21 to 25 per pound), peeled and deveined

For the garlic-herb marinade:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground paprika
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Large shrimp in the 21 to 25 count range are the sweet spot for grilling. They’re meaty enough to stay juicy over high heat, and they’re big enough that they won’t slip through the grates.

Easy Ways to Change It Up

This marinade is forgiving, and fans of the recipe have already tested a couple of smart tweaks:

• Want heat? Swap the Italian seasoning for Cajun seasoning. You get a bolder, spicier flavor with almost no extra work.
• Prefer less sweetness? Cut the brown sugar down to 1 tablespoon. You’ll still get a gentle sweet balance without it leaning dessert-like.

How to Make Grilled Garlic and Herb Shrimp

Step 1: Whisk the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine the paprika, garlic, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper, basil, and brown sugar. Whisk until everything is fully blended and the sugar has mostly dissolved into the oil and lemon juice.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss until every piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, turning the shrimp once partway through.

A quick tip: Citrus changes the texture of seafood the longer it sits. Aim for the 2-hour mark, and try not to leave the shrimp in the marinade much longer than a few hours, or they can turn soft.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Set your outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grate so the shrimp release cleanly, and position it about 4 inches above the heat source.

Step 4: Grill Until Opaque

Lift the shrimp from the bowl, let the extra marinade drain off, and discard what’s left. Grill for 5 to 6 minutes, turning once, until the centers are opaque.

Shrimp go from perfect to rubbery fast, so stay close to the grill. Curled into a loose “C” shape means they’re done. A tight “O” means they’ve gone too far.

No outdoor grill? A grill pan works well indoors, and threading the shrimp onto skewers makes them easier to flip all at once.

What to Serve with Grilled Shrimp

Because the shrimp pack so much flavor, they pair well with sides that are either fresh or comforting. A few favorites:

• Elote (Grilled Corn Salad): Smoky, creamy, and a little tangy, it echoes the char on the shrimp.
• Nutty Asparagus-Cashew Rice Pilaf: A light, textured side that soaks up any juices on the plate.
• Aligot (French Mashed Potatoes): Silky, cheesy, and decadent for a more indulgent dinner.

Storage and Leftovers

If you have shrimp left over, here’s how to keep them at their best:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container, or wrap tightly in plastic, for 3 to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Cold leftovers are great tossed into salads, wraps, or pasta, which saves you from overcooking them with a second round of heat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Each of the 4 servings contains:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	336
Protein	38g
Fat	16g
Carbohydrates	10g
Sugars	7g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Potassium	417mg
Sodium	401mg
Cholesterol	346mg
Calcium	109mg
Vitamin C	10mg
Iron	7mg

With 38 grams of protein and only 10 grams of carbs per serving, this dish is a solid pick for anyone who wants a satisfying, high-protein dinner.

Final Thoughts

Grilled garlic and herb shrimp proves that a great meal doesn’t need a long ingredient list or a complicated technique. A little planning ahead, a short marinade, and a few minutes over the heat are all it takes.

Make it once as written, then play with the Cajun swap or the lighter sugar level to match your taste. Either way, you’ll have a go-to seafood recipe worth bookmarking.

For another take on this flavorful seafood dish, check out the original Grilled Garlic and Herb Shrimp recipe on Allrecipes. It’s a useful reference for exploring the garlic, lemon, and herb flavors that make grilled shrimp so delicious.