There is nothing I love more than firing up the grill for a quick weeknight dinner, and this Grilled Spicy Shrimp is my absolute go-to when I’m craving something zestful but light. It’s incredibly easy to throw together, requiring just a simple marinade and a few minutes over the fire. Whether you are sticking to a low-carb lifestyle or just love fresh seafood, this dish delivers a massive punch of flavor without the heavy cleanup. Let’s get grilling!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 6 minutes Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 large garlic clove, crushed (approx. 0.18 oz / 5g)
- 1 tsp. coarse salt (approx. 0.21 oz / 6g)
- 1 tsp. paprika (approx. 0.08 oz / 2.3g)
- ½ tsp. cayenne pepper (approx. 0.03 oz / 0.9g)
- ¼ cup lemon juice (2 fl oz / 60ml)
- 2 tbsp. olive oil (1 fl oz / 30ml), plus extra for greasing grates
- 2 lbs (32 oz / 907g) large shrimp, deveined and peeled
- 8 lemon wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (approx. 350°F / 175°C) to ensure even cooking without burning the spices.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small mixing bowl, combine the crushed garlic (0.18 oz / 5g), 1 tsp. coarse salt, 1 tsp. paprika, ½ tsp. cayenne pepper, ¼ cup (60ml) lemon juice, and 2 tbsp. (30ml) olive oil. Whisk firmly with a fork until the mixture emulsifies into a consistent paste.
- Coat the Shrimp: Place the 2 lbs (907g) of peeled and deveined shrimp into a large bowl. Pour the marinade paste over the shrimp and toss gently until every piece is evenly coated with the spices.
- Grill the Shrimp: Lightly brush the grill grates with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the shrimp on the grill in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes on the other side, or until the shrimp are opaque and pink.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the shrimp from the grill immediately to prevent overcooking. Squeeze fresh juice from the 8 lemon wedges over the hot shrimp and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 198 kcal
- Total Fat: 5.0g
- Total Carbohydrates: 2.0g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 36.4g
Chef’s Pro Tips for Best Results
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cooks incredibly fast. Keep an eye on the color; the moment they turn opaque and form a “C” shape, pull them off the grill. If they curl into a tight “O”, they are likely overcooked and rubbery.
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If you are using bamboo or wooden skewers to hold the shrimp, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents the wood from catching fire on the open flame.
- High Heat for Sear: Ensure your grill is properly preheated. A sizzling hot grate is the secret to getting those beautiful char marks without drying out the meat inside.
- Fresh vs. Frozen: While fresh shrimp is ideal, frozen shrimp works perfectly for this recipe. Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted completely dry with paper towels before marinating so the lemon garlic shrimp marinade adheres properly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this spicy shrimp recipe in the oven? Yes, absolutely. If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the shrimp in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 6-8 minutes, or until pink and opaque. You can also sear them in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Is this grilled shrimp recipe keto-friendly? Yes, this is a perfect keto grilled shrimp option. With only roughly 2g of carbohydrates per serving and high protein content, it fits perfectly into a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
How long should I marinate the shrimp? Since the marinade contains lemon juice (acid), you should not marinate for too long. 15 to 20 minutes is the sweet spot. If you leave them longer than 30 minutes, the acid will start to “cook” the shrimp (like ceviche) and change the texture.
Conclusion
I hope this easy spicy shrimp recipe becomes a staple in your home just as it is in mine. Whether you are looking for a healthy seafood dinner or just some quick summer grilling ideas, this dish checks all the boxes. It really is the best shrimp seasoning balance of heat and citrus I’ve found. Don’t forget to tag me if you try this low carb shrimp recipe—it’s the perfect solution for busy nights when you need a 20-minute dinner recipe that tastes gourmet!
