Description
Succulent grilled shrimp deliver Mediterranean coastal charm with zesty lemon and herb notes. Perfectly charred and seasoned, this simple dish brings seaside flavors directly to your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) raw extra jumbo shrimp (16–20 per pound), peeled and deveined
Herbs and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2 large garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced jalapeño
Liquid and Garnish:
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- Thin slices of fresh lime (if placing shrimp on skewers)
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
- Wedges of fresh lime for squeezing over top of grilled shrimp
Instructions
- Immerse wooden skewers in cold water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- In a mixing vessel, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, minced fresh garlic, grated ginger root, and freshly cracked black pepper until ingredients form a smooth, fragrant marinade.
- Transfer raw shrimp into a non-reactive container, pour marinade over them, and gently massage to ensure complete coating.
- Seal container with lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, carefully turning shrimp midway through marination to distribute flavors evenly.
- While shrimp marinates, prepare grill by heating to medium-high temperature (375-400°F or 190-204°C) and lightly brushing grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Remove shrimp from refrigerator and carefully thread onto pre-soaked wooden or metal skewers, spacing evenly and optionally interspersing with thin lime slices for additional zest.
- Place skewered shrimp on preheated grill, cooking approximately 2-3 minutes per side until edges turn golden brown and centers become opaque white.
- Remove from heat when internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves, and serve immediately with additional lime wedges for squeezing.
Notes
- Wooden skewers need a water bath before grilling to prevent burning and ensure safe cooking.
- Blend olive oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper into a silky marinade that infuses deep flavor into each shrimp.
- Marinating transforms ordinary shrimp into a zesty, aromatic dish by allowing ingredients to penetrate deeply for 2-3 hours.
- Strategic skewering creates beautiful presentation, with optional lime slices adding bright citrus notes between succulent shrimp.
- High-heat grilling develops gorgeous char marks while keeping shrimp tender and perfectly cooked in just minutes.
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges provide a final burst of color and tangy brightness to elevate the entire dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 440 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 200mg