Mastering the Art: Juicy Grilled Shrimp Recipe for Beginners

Sizzling summer nights call for succulent shrimp on the grill that burst with incredible flavor.

These marinated, perfectly seasoned shrimp will electrify your taste buds with every single bite.

No more dry, rubbery seafood that disappoints at backyard cookouts.

The secret to these mouthwatering grilled shrimp lies in a simple yet bold marinade that infuses each morsel with zesty goodness.

Quick to prepare and even faster to cook, this recipe turns ordinary shrimp into a restaurant-worthy feast.

The grill high heat caramelizes the exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

You’ll become the neighborhood grilling champion with this foolproof technique that guarantees delicious results every single time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 4 minutes

Total Time: 44 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 5

Shrimp Grilling Essentials You Shouldn’t Skip

• Plain Full-Fat Yogurt: Creamy foundation that tenderizes shrimp and adds rich, tangy undertones for a silky texture.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that helps break down proteins and introduces zesty freshness to the marinade.

• Garlic, Mint Leaves: Powerful flavor boosters that infuse the shrimp with deep, herbaceous and pungent notes, creating a complex taste profile.

• Large Uncooked Shrimp: Ocean-fresh seafood that delivers succulent, delicate protein perfect for grilling; choose plump, firm shrimp with a clean, mild sea scent and no discoloration for optimal quality.

Tools That Bring Out the Best in Grilled Shrimp

• Large bowl: For mixing marinade and coating shrimp.
• Wooden skewers: For threading and grilling shrimp evenly.
• Gas or charcoal grill: Essential for cooking shrimp with direct heat.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping shrimp on the grill safely.
• Plate or baking sheet: To hold skewered shrimp before grilling.
• Measuring cups/spoons: For accurate marinade ingredient proportions.
• Knife: To help prepare ingredients like garlic and lemon.

Your Method for Juicy Grilled Shrimp Every Time

• Skewer Preparation

Grab wooden skewers and give them a quick water bath while you get everything else ready.

• Flavor Foundation

Whip up a zesty marinade mixing tangy yogurt, bright lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and fresh mint in a spacious bowl.

• Shrimp Soak

Lovingly coat the shrimp in the creamy marinade, ensuring every piece gets some attention. Chill in the refrigerator for half an hour to let the flavors mingle.

• Grill Setup

Fire up your grill, getting it scorching hot. Clean the grates thoroughly to prevent any unwanted sticking or funky flavors.

• Skewering Magic

Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, keeping those delicious yogurt remnants clinging to each piece. Aim for 6-8 shrimp per skewer, piercing through the meatiest part.

• Grilling Perfection

Place skewers on the hot grill, cooking for about 2 minutes per side. Watch for that beautiful pink edge and slight char that signals they’re ready to devour.

Tricks to Switch Up Grilled Shrimp Styles

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Marinade Magic: Swap yogurt with coconut milk for a tropical twist that adds extra creaminess and subtle sweetness to your shrimp.
• Herb Explosion: Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or dill to create unique flavor profiles that complement the shrimp's natural taste.
• Spice Level Control: Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes, cayenne, or sriracha to the marinade for those who love a spicy kick.
• Serving Suggestions: Transform these grilled shrimp into a complete meal by serving over rice, in tacos, or atop a fresh summer salad for maximum versatility.

Plating Ideas for Grilled Shrimp Dinners

• Tasty Pairing Perfection: Serve these zesty grilled shrimp over a bed of fluffy saffron rice for a Mediterranean-inspired feast that bursts with flavor.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh mint and parsley over the shrimp just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch that complements the yogurt marinade.
• Dipping Delight: Whip up a quick tzatziki sauce or lemon-garlic aioli on the side for guests to dip their succulent grilled shrimp, enhancing the overall eating experience.
• Party Platter Magic: Arrange the skewered shrimp on a large wooden board with olives, cucumber slices, and warm pita bread for a stunning appetizer that'll impress everyone at your gathering.

Keep Grilled Shrimp Fresh and Flavorful Later

• Smart Portioning: Prepare extra shrimp to enjoy multiple meals throughout the week. These grilled delights work perfectly in salads, wraps, or as quick protein additions to lunch bowls.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked shrimp in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Always keep refrigerated at 40°F or below to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezing Technique: Freeze cooled shrimp in single layers within sealed freezer bags. Label with the date and consume within 2-3 months for best quality and taste.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm leftover shrimp in a skillet with a splash of olive oil to prevent drying. Alternatively, use low microwave settings for 30-second intervals, checking to avoid overcooking.

Succulent Shrimp Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 44 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Grilled garlic and herb shrimp bring Mediterranean coastal flavors to backyard barbecues with zesty seasoning. Succulent shellfish emerge perfectly charred and delicious, inviting friends and family to savor each tender, smoky bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) shrimp, large, uncooked, thawed if frozen, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup (240 ml) yogurt, plain, full-fat
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 large mint leaves, fresh, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Skewer Preparation: Soak wooden skewers in cold water to prevent charring during grilling, allowing them to absorb moisture for at least 15 minutes.
2. Marinade Creation: Whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped mint, salt, and pepper in a generous mixing bowl, creating a zesty and aromatic coating.
3. Shrimp Marination: Thoroughly coat shrimp in the yogurt mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop.
4. Grill Setup: Preheat grill to high heat, cleaning grates thoroughly. For gas grills, ignite half the burners; for charcoal, prepare a chimney of lump charcoal until glowing red.
5. Skewering and Grilling: Thread shrimp onto prepared skewers, positioning 6-8 per stick. Place skewers directly over high heat, grilling 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn opaque with light charred edges.
6. Serving: Remove skewers from heat when shrimp are perfectly cooked – pink, slightly curled, and exhibiting a delicate char. Rest for a moment before plating to preserve juiciness and maximize flavor intensity.

Notes

• Soak Skewers: Submerge wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning and potential fire hazards during grilling.
• Marinade Mastery: Whisk yogurt marinade ingredients thoroughly to create a balanced, flavorful coating that tenderizes and enhances shrimp’s natural sweetness.
• Marination Magic: Allow shrimp to rest in yogurt mixture for 30 minutes, enabling deep flavor penetration and ensuring maximum tenderness.
• Grill Precision: Preheat grill to high heat, clean grates completely, and watch shrimp closely to achieve perfect char without overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 250 mg