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Amazing Spicy Grilled Shrimp

Amazing Spicy Grilled Shrimp

Amazing Spicy Grilled Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish featuring perfectly charred shrimp coated in a vibrant spicy marinade with smoky, zesty, and bold notes. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for BBQs, weeknight dinners, and versatile enough as an appetizer, main course, or salad topping.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb peeled and deveined fresh shrimp (medium to large, 1620 count per pound)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ to ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Optional Garnish

  • Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined and smooth.
  2. Marinate the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, tossing until each piece is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to let the flavors penetrate.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high (about 400°F), ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking and achieve perfect grill marks.
  4. Grill the Shrimp: Thread the shrimp onto skewers or place them directly on the grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly charred, turning carefully to avoid overcooking.
  5. Serve Immediately: Remove shrimp from the grill, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, and squeeze fresh lemon juice on top to brighten the bold spicy flavors just before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh shrimp for sweeter flavor and better texture compared to frozen.
  • Do not marinate shrimp for more than 30 minutes to avoid mushiness caused by the citrus juice.
  • Maintain medium-high grill heat to cook shrimp quickly without drying out.
  • Preheat grill thoroughly to achieve signature grill marks and prevent sticking.
  • Oil the grill grates using a paper towel dipped in oil and tongs for safety.
  • If using wooden skewers, soak them in water at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  • Monitor cook time closely; shrimp cooks in about 4-6 minutes total to retain tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy grilled shrimp, BBQ shrimp recipe, quick shrimp marinade, smoky shrimp, healthy seafood recipe