Grill the Juiciest, Most Flavorful Shrimp Recipe Ever

Grilling shrimp revamps these delicate sea gems into spectacular culinary delights that dance with smoky, vibrant flavors.

Small yet mighty, these crustaceans promise an incredible seafood experience when cooked correctly.

Marine enthusiasts and backyard chefs recognize shrimp as quick-cooking protein packed with natural sweetness and tender texture.

Mastering the grilling technique requires understanding delicate heat management and strategic seasoning approaches.

Perfect grilled shrimp demand precise timing, preventing rubbery outcomes that disappoint eager diners.

Marinating techniques can elevate these oceanic morsels from simple to sensational, infusing complex taste profiles.

Professional and amateur cooks alike appreciate how minimal ingredients can produce maximum deliciousness with proper grilling methods.

New Flavor Ideas for Grilled Shrimp

• Mediterranean Herb Shrimp: Replace mint with a blend of fresh oregano, rosemary, and thyme for a robust Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Coconut Marinade: Swap yogurt with coconut milk and add red chili flakes and ginger for a tropical, zesty kick.
• Citrus Pepper Shrimp: Incorporate orange zest and cracked black pepper into the marinade, creating a bright and peppery grilled shrimp experience.
• Smoky Paprika Shrimp: Mix in smoked paprika and a touch of cumin to the marinade, delivering a deep, rich southwestern-inspired taste.

What Sets Grilled Juicy Shrimp Apart

• Burst with Zesty Flavor: The yogurt marinade with lemon, garlic, and mint infuses the shrimp with bright, tangy notes that dance on your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy Grilling: This recipe takes just 30 minutes of marinating and 4 minutes of cooking, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous gatherings.
• Perfectly Tender Texture: Marinating in yogurt helps tenderize the shrimp, ensuring each bite is juicy, succulent, and never rubbery.
• Foolproof Grilling Technique: The simple direct-heat method guarantees beautifully charred shrimp with a delightful slight crispness on the edges, even for novice grillers.

Ingredient List for Grilling Juicy, Flavorful Shrimp

• Plain Full-Fat Yogurt: Creamy base that tenderizes shrimp and adds rich tangy flavor, whole milk yogurt provides best texture.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus acid that helps break down proteins and enhances overall freshness, fresh squeezed recommended.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides deep savory undertones, fresh cloves offer more robust flavor than pre-minced.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Herbaceous element that brings cool, refreshing note to marinade, bright green leaves indicate peak freshness.

• Large Uncooked Shrimp: Main protein star of the recipe, large size ensures juicy texture and ideal grilling performance, thawed and cleaned shrimp recommended for best results.

• Metal Skewers, Wooden Skewers: Essential for holding and turning shrimp during grilling, metal conducts heat better while wooden provides rustic aesthetic.
• Tongs: Crucial tool for safely handling and turning shrimp on hot grill, long-handled version prevents burns.

How to Grill Shrimp That Bursts with Flavor

Step 1: Prepare Wooden Skewers

Submerge wooden skewers completely in cold water to prevent burning during grilling. Let them soak while preparing other ingredients.

Step 2: Create Zesty Marinade

• Plain yogurt
• Fresh lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Chopped mint leaves

Whisk ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Coat Shrimp With Marinade

Add raw shrimp to yogurt mixture, gently tossing to ensure complete coverage. Seal bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.

Step 4: Set Up Grilling Station

• Activate half the burners on high heat
• Clean grates thoroughly
• Preheat for minimum 10 minutes

• Prepare one chimney full of lump charcoal
• Ensure even heat distribution

Step 5: Thread Shrimp On Skewers

Pierce shrimp through thickest section, keeping marinade coating. Arrange 6-8 shrimp per skewer. Place assembled skewers on clean platter.

Step 6: Grill To Perfection

• Grill 2 minutes per side
• Watch for pink edges
• Flip when first side shows color
• Remove when opaque and lightly charred

Helpful Tips for Better Grilled Shrimp

• Choose Fresh Shrimp: Select firm, bright-colored shrimp with a mild ocean scent for the best flavor and texture.
• Prevent Sticking: Brush grill grates with oil before cooking to ensure easy shrimp removal and beautiful grill marks.
• Watch Cooking Time: Grill shrimp quickly- overcooking turns them tough and rubbery, so stay close to the grill.
• Maintain Even Marination: Flip shrimp in marinade occasionally to guarantee consistent coating and maximum flavor absorption.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Look for opaque, slightly curved shrimp with pink edges as the perfect grilling indicator.

Storing and Reheating Grilled Shrimp Without Drying It Out

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover grilled shrimp to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Reheating: Warm the shrimp gently in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Alternatively, quickly reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Best Practices: Avoid reheating shrimp multiple times, as this can make the texture tough and compromise the delicate flavor. For best taste and texture, consume leftover shrimp within 24 hours of initial cooking.

Best Sides and Sauces for Grilled Shrimp

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Grab a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the lemony, minty marinade and cut through the richness of the grilled shrimp.
• Serve with Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Create a cucumber and tomato salad with feta cheese to echo the yogurt marinade's Mediterranean flavors and provide a cool, refreshing side.
• Match with Herbal Tzatziki Dip: Whip up a quick tzatziki sauce using similar ingredients to the marinade, enhancing the shrimp's zesty and creamy profile while adding a delightful dipping option.
• Accompany with Light Grain Side: Prepare a quinoa or couscous salad with fresh herbs to balance the grilled shrimp and soak up the delicious marinade juices.

How To Grill Juicy, Flavorful Shrimp Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 44 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Grilled Mediterranean shrimp delivers a zesty explosion of coastal flavors with perfectly charred, succulent seafood. Garlic, lemon, and herbs infuse each tender morsel, creating an irresistible dish that transports you to sunny Mediterranean shores.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) large uncooked shrimp, thawed if frozen, peeled and deveined

Marinade Base:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) plain full-fat yogurt
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice

Aromatic Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 large fresh mint leaves, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Immerse wooden skewers in water to prevent burning during the grilling process.
2. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking yogurt, zesty lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and fresh mint in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Gently fold shrimp into the yogurt mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal and chill for half an hour while preparing the grilling station.
4. Configure the grill for direct heat by igniting half the burners on a gas grill or preparing a chimney of lump charcoal. Meticulously clean the grates and allow the grill to preheat for a minimum of 10 minutes.
5. Pierce shrimp onto skewers, maintaining the clinging yogurt marinade. Arrange 6-8 shrimp per skewer, inserting through the thickest section. Transfer skewered shrimp to a large plate.
6. Position skewers directly over high heat, grilling approximately 2 minutes per side. Watch for a delicate pink edge transformation and slight charring, indicating perfect doneness.
7. Remove from heat when shrimp appear opaque and exhibit a light char, ensuring succulent and flavorful results.

Notes

• Wooden skewers need a water bath before grilling to prevent burning during high-heat cooking.
• Creating a tangy yogurt marinade with lemon, garlic, and mint transforms ordinary shrimp into a zesty Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Quick grilling technique ensures perfectly cooked shrimp with a delightful char and juicy interior, ready in just 4-5 minutes total.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg