This Grilled Shrimp with Garlic and Lemon recipe is the perfect combination of smoky, juicy shrimp and bright citrus flavor. Marinated with fresh garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, and parsley before being grilled over high heat, these shrimp are tender, flavorful, and ready in minutes. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, this easy seafood recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 30 minutes of active cooking.
- Perfectly juicy shrimp with smoky grilled flavor.
- Bright lemon and fresh garlic enhance every bite.
- Great for cookouts, family dinners, and meal prep.
- Naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein.
- Easy enough for beginners yet impressive for guests.
- Pairs well with rice, salads, pasta, or grilled vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2½ pounds (1 kg) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 4 medium garlic cloves, minced and divided
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Additional salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with baking soda, kosher salt, and sugar. Toss well until evenly coated.
Thread the shrimp onto two parallel skewers, alternating the direction of each shrimp so they sit closely together. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Mixtures
In a small bowl, combine half of the minced garlic with half of the olive oil.
In another larger bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Set aside for serving.
Step 3: Prepare the Grill
Preheat a charcoal or gas grill over high heat.
Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill the Shrimp
Brush both sides of the shrimp with the garlic-oil mixture.
Place the skewers directly over the hottest part of the grill.
Cook for about 2 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the shrimp are pink, lightly charred, and just cooked through. Total cooking time should be about 4 to 5 minutes.
Avoid overcooking to keep the shrimp tender and juicy.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Carefully remove the shrimp from the skewers.
Transfer them immediately to the bowl containing the lemon-garlic-parsley mixture and gently toss until evenly coated.
Season with freshly ground black pepper and additional salt if needed.
Serve the Grilled Shrimp with Garlic and Lemon immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
Tips & Tricks
- Use large shrimp for the juiciest texture.
- Double skewers prevent the shrimp from spinning while grilling.
- Don’t skip the baking soda—it helps the shrimp stay plump and tender.
- Fresh garlic and freshly squeezed lemon juice produce the best flavor.
- Cook shrimp just until opaque to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Garnish with extra parsley and lemon zest before serving.
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Gluten-Free, Low Carb, High Protein
Notes
- Metal skewers work best for grilling, but soaked wooden skewers can also be used.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat.
- Pair with grilled asparagus, corn on the cob, roasted potatoes, or a fresh garden salad.
- This recipe also works well on an indoor grill pan.
Nutrition (Approximate)
Per Serving
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 34 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 285 mg
- Sodium: 620 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and grilling.
How do I know when shrimp are done?
Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn pink, opaque, and form a loose “C” shape.
Can I make this recipe ahead?
Yes. Prepare and skewer the shrimp several hours in advance, then grill just before serving.
Can I cook these without a grill?
Absolutely. Use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
What should I serve with grilled shrimp?
Rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, Caesar salad, pasta, couscous, or grilled bread all make excellent side dishes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked shrimp for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or enjoy chilled in salads or wraps.
Similar Recipes
Grilled Shrimp with Garlic and Lemon
Ingredients
- 2½ pounds 1 kg large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 4 medium garlic cloves minced and divided
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil divided
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Additional salt to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the Shrimp
- In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with baking soda, kosher salt, and sugar. Toss well until evenly coated.
- Thread the shrimp onto two parallel skewers, alternating the direction of each shrimp so they sit closely together. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Mixtures
- In a small bowl, combine half of the minced garlic with half of the olive oil.
- In another larger bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Set aside for serving.
- Step 3: Prepare the Grill
- Preheat a charcoal or gas grill over high heat.
- Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Grill the Shrimp
- Brush both sides of the shrimp with the garlic-oil mixture.
- Place the skewers directly over the hottest part of the grill.
- Cook for about 2 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the shrimp are pink, lightly charred, and just cooked through. Total cooking time should be about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Avoid overcooking to keep the shrimp tender and juicy.
- Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Carefully remove the shrimp from the skewers.
- Transfer them immediately to the bowl containing the lemon-garlic-parsley mixture and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Season with freshly ground black pepper and additional salt if needed.
- Serve the Grilled Shrimp with Garlic and Lemon immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
Notes
- Metal skewers work best for grilling, but soaked wooden skewers can also be used.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat.
- Pair with grilled asparagus, corn on the cob, roasted potatoes, or a fresh garden salad.
- This recipe also works well on an indoor grill pan.
Conclusion
This Grilled Shrimp with Garlic and Lemon recipe is a simple yet elegant seafood dish that’s bursting with fresh citrus, garlic, and smoky grilled flavor. Quick to prepare and incredibly versatile, it’s ideal for summer cookouts, healthy dinners, or entertaining guests. Once you try these juicy grilled shrimp, they’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes.