Spicy Grilled Shrimp

If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful seafood recipe that delivers a little heat, these Spicy Grilled Shrimp are the perfect choice.

A simple blend of garlic, lemon juice, paprika, and cayenne pepper creates a bold seasoning paste that coats every shrimp with smoky, zesty flavor.

The result is a juicy, tender shrimp dish that’s ideal for backyard cookouts, summer gatherings, or easy weeknight dinners.

One of the best things about this recipe is how fast it comes together.

With only a handful of ingredients and just a few minutes on the grill, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course ready in no time.

Serve these shrimp with grilled vegetables, rice, fresh salads, or simply enjoy them straight off the platter with extra lemon wedges for squeezing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 large garlic clove
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 lemon wedges, for garnish

Directions

  1. Preheat an outdoor grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  2. In a small bowl, mash the garlic and coarse salt together with the back of a fork until a smooth paste begins to form.
  3. Add the paprika and cayenne pepper to the garlic mixture and stir to combine.
  4. Pour in the olive oil and lemon juice, mixing until a thick, flavorful paste develops.
  5. Place the peeled and deveined shrimp into a large mixing bowl. Add the seasoning paste and toss thoroughly until every shrimp is evenly coated.
  6. Arrange the shrimp on the preheated grill. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and develop light grill marks.
  7. Remove the shrimp from the grill and transfer to a serving platter.
  8. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and serve immediately.

Chefs Notes

  • For even more flavor, allow the shrimp to marinate in the seasoning paste for 15 to 30 minutes before grilling.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your preferred spice level.
  • Metal skewers or soaked wooden skewers can make grilling and turning the shrimp easier.
  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the brightest flavor.
  • These shrimp are excellent served over rice, tucked into tacos, or tossed into a fresh summer salad.
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