Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp

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Introduction

Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp is a light and flavorful dish that combines the freshness of lemon, the aromatic depth of herbs, and the succulent taste of shrimp. Grilled to perfection, these shrimp are bursting with zesty citrus and fragrant herbs, making them the perfect addition to any summer meal, backyard barbecue, or seafood dinner.

I remember the first time I made these for a casual dinner with friends, and everyone couldn’t stop talking about the bright, refreshing flavors. The combination of lemon zest, garlic, and a mix of fresh herbs like parsley and thyme creates a tantalizing marinade that infuses each shrimp with the perfect balance of zest and savory goodness.

What’s great about this recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you serve them as a main dish, an appetizer, or toss them in a refreshing salad, these shrimp are guaranteed to shine. The grilling adds a smoky char that contrasts beautifully with the light and tangy citrus marinade, making every bite a burst of vibrant flavor.

Perfect for warm weather or any occasion when you want to impress with minimal effort, these Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp are sure to become a favorite on your recipe rotation.

Perfect for:

  • Summer barbecues
  • Seafood lovers
  • Light weeknight dinners
  • Outdoor gatherings
  • Appetizers and tapas

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp

Here’s why Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp will become your new favorite:

  • Fresh and Zesty Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest with herbs like garlic, parsley, and thyme creates a bright, flavorful marinade that infuses the shrimp with irresistible taste.
  • Quick and Easy to Make: The shrimp marinade is simple to prepare, and grilling takes only a few minutes, making this recipe perfect for a fast and delicious meal.
  • Light and Healthy: Shrimp is a lean protein that cooks up quickly, making this dish a low-calorie, high-protein option that pairs well with a variety of sides.
  • Perfectly Grilled Shrimp: The shrimp are grilled to perfection with a slight char, keeping them juicy on the inside while adding a smoky flavor.
  • Versatile: You can serve these shrimp in a variety of ways, whether as a main dish, on top of a salad, in tacos, or as a party appetizer.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 5g, Fat: 7g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional for a slight sweetness)
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Ingredient Highlights

  • Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp work well for this recipe, but make sure they are peeled and deveined for ease of cooking.
  • Lemon: The fresh lemon juice and zest provide an aromatic, tangy brightness that complements the sweetness of the shrimp.
  • Olive Oil: The olive oil helps the marinade cling to the shrimp while adding richness and moisture.
  • Garlic and Herbs: Fresh garlic, parsley, and thyme bring an earthy, savory flavor that balances the citrus notes.
  • Honey (optional): A touch of honey adds a subtle sweetness to balance the acidity of the lemon, though it’s optional depending on your flavor preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp:

Prepare the Marinade:

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them in the refrigerator or under cold running water. Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done.
  2. Mix the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, and honey (if using). This marinade will provide both flavor and moisture to the shrimp.
  3. Marinate the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the bowl with the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes. Be careful not to marinate for too long, as the acid in the lemon juice can start to “cook” the shrimp.

Grill the Shrimp:

  1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high on the stove.
  2. Skewer the Shrimp (Optional): If you’re using skewers, thread the shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each one for even grilling. If using a grill basket or grilling directly on the grates, no skewers are needed.
  3. Grill the Shrimp: Place the shrimp on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are opaque and have a slight char. They should be pink and firm to the touch, but not overcooked.
  4. Remove and Rest: Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp

Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

  • As an Appetizer: Serve the grilled shrimp with a side of dipping sauce like garlic aioli or cocktail sauce.
  • In a Salad: Toss the shrimp with mixed greens, avocado, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing, protein-packed salad.
  • On Tacos: Serve the shrimp in soft corn tortillas with slaw, avocado, and a drizzle of lime crema for delicious shrimp tacos.
  • With Grilled Vegetables: Pair the shrimp with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a complete meal.
  • With Pasta: Toss the grilled shrimp with pasta and a simple lemon garlic butter sauce for a quick and flavorful dish.
  • Over Rice: Serve the shrimp on top of rice or quinoa for a light yet satisfying meal.

Additional Tips for Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp

Here are some tips to ensure your Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp come out perfect every time:

  • Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. Once they turn pink and opaque, they are done.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and thyme add the best flavor, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch.
  • Customize the Heat: If you prefer a bit of spice, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
  • Soak Skewers (if using): If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
  • Grill Basket Option: If you prefer not to skewer the shrimp, use a grill basket for easy handling without the risk of shrimp falling through the grates.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the marinade and marinate the shrimp up to 6 hours in advance for deeper flavor.

Recipe Variations for Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp

Here are 10 variations you can try for Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp:

  • Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp: Brush the shrimp with melted garlic butter after grilling for extra richness.
  • Spicy Lemon Herb Shrimp: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the marinade for a spicy kick.
  • Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp: Replace the parsley and thyme with cilantro and lime zest for a fresh, Mexican-inspired twist.
  • Honey-Sesame Grilled Shrimp: Add a tablespoon of sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a sweet and savory flavor.
  • Lemon Basil Grilled Shrimp: Swap the parsley for fresh basil for a more fragrant, herbal flavor.
  • Tropical Grilled Shrimp: Add a bit of orange juice and pineapple juice to the marinade for a tropical citrus flavor.
  • Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers: Use just garlic, lemon juice, and zest for a more concentrated lemon and garlic flavor.
  • Cajun Grilled Shrimp: Use Cajun seasoning in place of the herbs for a Southern-style, spicy shrimp.
  • Lemon Rosemary Grilled Shrimp: Use rosemary in place of thyme for an aromatic, earthy twist.
  • Lemon Mint Grilled Shrimp: Add fresh mint to the marinade for a refreshing herbaceous note.

Freezing and Storage for Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp

  • Freezing: If you have leftover cooked shrimp, store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Storage: Store leftover cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or enjoy cold in a salad.

Special Equipment for Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp easier:

  • Grill or Grill Pan: A high-quality grill or grill pan ensures that your shrimp gets the perfect char and smoky flavor.
  • Skewers: Wooden or metal skewers are great for threading shrimp and making them easy to handle on the grill.
  • Grill Basket: If you don’t want to use skewers, a grill basket is a great way to cook shrimp without them falling through the grates.
  • Citrus Zester: A zester or microplane will help you get just the right amount of lemon zest.
  • Basting Brush: If you want to brush the shrimp with extra marinade or sauce during grilling, a basting brush is handy.
  • Measuring Spoons and Cups: For precise measurements of the marinade ingredients.
  • Tongs: Use tongs to flip the shrimp gently without piercing them, ensuring they stay juicy.
  • Cooling Rack: If you’re resting the shrimp after grilling, a cooling rack helps them cool evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions for Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp

  1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
    Yes, just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating and grilling them.
  2. Can I grill the shrimp on a stovetop grill pan?
    Yes, a stovetop grill pan works well for grilling shrimp indoors if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.
  3. Can I substitute dried herbs for fresh herbs?
    Yes, you can use dried herbs in place of fresh herbs, but reduce the amount by about half.
  4. Can I make the marinade in advance?
    Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to use.
  5. How do I know when the shrimp are done?
    Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. Be sure to check them closely, as they cook very quickly.

Conclusion

Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp is the perfect balance of fresh, zesty, and savory, making it a standout dish for any occasion. With the bright, tangy lemon and fragrant herbs infusing every shrimp, this recipe delivers vibrant flavors that are sure to impress. The grilling process adds a smoky depth to the shrimp, creating a delightful contrast with the fresh, citrusy marinade.

This dish is as versatile as it is delicious—serve it as an appetizer, toss it on a salad, or pair it with a light side like rice or vegetables. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a simple weeknight meal, Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp is quick, healthy, and packed with flavor.

I’d love to see how your Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Enjoy grilling!