These grilled garlic lime shrimp are bursting with zesty flavor and are super quick to make! The juicy shrimp are marinated in garlic and lime juice, making every bite refreshing.
They’re perfect for a sunny day or a fun barbecue. I love serving them on skewers with some veggies. They taste amazing, and everyone always asks for more! 🌞🍤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are ideal for grilling, but if you’re allergic to shellfish or can’t find them, you can use firm fish like salmon or chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch. If you’re short on fresh, garlic powder works in a pinch, but use about half the amount since it’s more concentrated.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is fantastic, but you can also use avocado oil or any light oil if preferred. They all help with flavor and keeping the shrimp moist.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a lovely depth. If you don’t have it, regular paprika with a dash of liquid smoke or even cayenne can add that subtle smokiness.
How Do I Marinade Shrimp for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating shrimp is key for flavor. The longer they sit, the more they absorb the marinade. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl until well blended.
- Add shrimp, ensuring each piece is coated. It’ll keep them juicy while cooking.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but an hour is even better.
- Remember to not marinate too long as the lime juice can “cook” the shrimp, making them tough.
How to Make Grilled Garlic Lime Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp Marinade:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for a bit of heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 10 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes of grilling. You’ll want to marinate the shrimp for at least 20-30 minutes to soak in all those amazing flavors. So total time is about 40 minutes including marinating!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, mix together the minced garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, optional chili powder, ground cumin, dried or fresh parsley, lime zest, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a delicious marinade. Next, add the shrimp to the bowl and toss them around to coat every piece evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for at least 20-30 minutes. This helps all those yummy flavors soak into the shrimp.
2. Preheat the Grill:
While the shrimp are marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. To prevent the shrimp from sticking, lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in oil or cooking spray.
3. Prepare for Grilling:
If you like, you can thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers for easy grilling. If not, feel free to place them directly on the grill. They will cook just fine either way!
4. Grill the Shrimp:
Place the shrimp on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque and have nice grill marks. Be careful not to overcook them, or they can become tough.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
Once the shrimp are cooked perfectly, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a serving plate. Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges on the side to add an extra burst of citrus flavor. Enjoy your wonderfully flavorful Grilled Garlic Lime Shrimp!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. Thaw shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a sealed bag under cold running water for quicker thawing.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, feel free to use avocado oil, canola oil, or any light cooking oil you prefer. These will maintain the flavor without overpowering the dish.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! To add more heat, you can increase the amount of chili powder or even add red pepper flakes to the marinade. A splash of hot sauce can also elevate the spiciness just the way you like it!
