EASY Grilled Pesto Shrimp Recipe
Grilled Pesto Shrimp is an easy seafood recipe featuring juicy shrimp marinated in homemade basil pesto.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds extra-large 26/30 or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 large garlic cloves roughly chopped
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- ¼ cup walnuts
- 1 lemon cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Thread the shrimp onto skewers if desired. Larger shrimp can be placed directly on the grill.
- Add the olive oil, basil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and walnuts to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth.
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of pesto in a large serving bowl.
- Coat the shrimp with the remaining pesto and marinate at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Lightly oil the grill grates using paper towels and tongs.
- Grill the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until they become pink, firm, and lightly charred. Avoid overcooking.
- Transfer the grilled shrimp to the reserved pesto and gently toss to coat. This final layer of pesto gives the Grilled Pesto Shrimp Recipe even more fresh basil flavor.
- Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
Notes
Serve with grilled vegetables, rice pilaf, pasta, couscous, or a crisp green salad. Leftover shrimp also makes an excellent filling for wraps, tacos, and grain bowls.