This is my favorite weeknight recipe for super succulent grilled shrimp with rave-worthy flavor. Simply toss the jumbo shrimp (this size keeps them from overcooking!) with a mix of Old Bay Seasoning and pantry ingredients, then char on a sizzling hot grill for just 5 minutes. Enjoy as an easy appetizer, the star of your dinner, or a salad topper – it’s ALL good!
I CreateD this Recipe for Easy Weeknights, But It’s so Much More than That!
We make this juicy grilled shrimp a LOT (even when the snow is flying here in Minnesota)! It’s my go-to shrimp recipe when I want to spend minimal time in the kitchen, using plump, jumbo shrimp and a smoky, garlicky spice mix made from ingredients I always have on hand.
Through lots of testing, I landed on good ol’ reliable Old Bay seasoning, plus fresh garlic and smoked paprika to coax out the bold flavor that sets this recipe apart. I also use just a touch of sugar to help the shrimp caramelize beautifully on the hot grill grates. The result is juicy, lightly charred shrimp in just 5 minutes (!) with deliciousness in every bite.
I often serve this grilled shrimp for dinner, over fluffy cilantro lime rice or alongside crisp, lightly creamy jalapeno coleslaw. And a favorite little treat for me is to enjoy it outside on the back patio with Blake, for a little stay-at-home date night – along with creamy dipping sauce and a chilled bottle of rosé.
If we’re lucky enough to have leftovers, I’m tucking them into warm tortillas with our house guacamole and restaurant style salsa for shrimp tacos the next day!
“This was the best grilled shrimp I’ve made. Super-simple recipe and the taste was fantastic. My entire family was raving about the flavor!”
SeanW
My Best Grilling Advice Is To Not Overcook The Shrimp.
I use jumbo-sized shrimp because they can sit on the grill a bit longer, to achieve that perfect exterior char while keeping the interior moist and decadent. And the larger the shrimp, the easier they are to flip on the grill and the harder they are to overcook.
I pull my shrimp off the grates when they are lightly charred on the outside, completely opaque (not translucent) on the inside, and just firm to the touch. Overcooking results in tough, dry, rubbery shrimp, which nobody wants. Remember my goal >>> tender, succulent shrimp ALWAYS!
Here’s My Simple Method
Bold & Juicy Grilled Shrimp
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 large garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon Morton kosher salt (Old Bay is quite salty, so omit additional salt if desired.)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pound jumbo (21-25 count) shrimp, tails on, deveined (Because we live in Minnesota, I usually use frozen shrimp – just be sure to fully thaw them first.)
Instructions
- Heat grill to medium-high/high. Clean grates and then rub oil on grates.
- In a low, wide medium-sized bowl, combine the oil, lemon juice, garlic, Old Bay, sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the bowl and fold gently to coat the shrimp evenly in the seasoned oil.
- Place shrimp on the hot grill grates and cook for 3 minutes, or until they have some char. Flip shrimp and cook for another 2 minutes, or just until shrimp are no longer translucent. Take care to not overcook. Smaller shrimp will take less time.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor, with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the top. Awesome with my shrimp dipping sauce!
Notes
- Microwave: Place leftover shrimp on a plate, lay a paper towel over the top, and microwave in 10-15 second increments until heated to your liking.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F. Place the shrimp in a single, even layer in a baking dish, and cover them with aluminum foil. Heat in the oven for a few minutes, or until warmed to your liking.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil or butter if you like. Then add shrimp and cook, flipping after a minute or two, until shrimp are warmed throughout.
We loved this recipe, thanks for sharing it!
So happy to hear this, RC! Thank you so much for coming back here to rate the recipe and let me know! :)
This recipe is perfect just as it is. It is now my go to recipe for grilled shrimp. Leftover shrimp make great shrimp tacos. Fabulous
So happy to hear this, Luann! Thank you so much for coming back here to rate the recipe and let me know! :)
This was so easy to make and delicious! The best part was how quick it was to prepare and use.
I LOVE to hear this, Wanda – thank you!!
Delicious but too much salt. I think the Old Bay has enough salt in it but if you are going to add salt, I’d cut it in half (and FYI, I typically love salty).
I rarely write reviews for recipes, but this one is fantastic. The flavor is perfect. This recipe is going to get repeated many times. Thank you very much, the entire family enjoyed them which rarely happens.
I’m SO HAPPY to hear this, Bryan – thank you for coming back to let me know + rate the recipe!
I followed the recipe as presented. I thought it was good. My husband thought it was too spicey and salty. I am guessing that Old Bay seasoning has salt so I could have omitted the extra salt. If I make it again, I will only use one teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning as that might make it a little less spicey.
Absolutely fabulous marinade I will use over and over again. Only slight change was subbing 1 tsp of honey for the sugar and omitting the 1/4 tsp of salt. The smoked paprika adds a perfect touch of smokiness. Shrimp was so flavorful and tender.
I’m SO HAPPY to hear this, Ann – thank you for coming back to let me know and share your changes + rate the recipe!
This was Amazing!!! The only change I made was substitute Monkfruit Sweetener for the granulated sugar and it was sooooo delicious! We used super colossal shrimp! Best recipe! We give it 10/10
YAY!! So awesome to hear this – thank you for coming back here to let me know + rate the recipe!
Seriously, the best grilled shrimp we have made. Flavor is fantastic, even the kids liked them. Have made them several times already!!!
I LOVE to hear this, Chris! Thank you for coming back here to let me know + rate the recipe! ENJOY!!! :)
SO glad I found this recipe, we’re making making it for the second time tonight. Shrimp had fantastic flavor and tenderness…by following the simple instructions, grilling shrimp isn’t intimidating anymore!
SO HAPPY to hear this! ENJOY!!!
Hi
Could you please tell me if you took the shell off before you cooked?
I bought the jumbo shrimp that has been deveined but shells still on
Hi Linda – definitely remove the shells. Add the seasoning to the bare shrimp, for the most/best flavor!
Made it for a gathering 6 lbs and there were no left overs. Super easy an so delicious
I LOVE to hear this, Sally – thank you so much for coming back here to let me know + rate the recipe! :)
10 out of 10. Why this recipe doesn’t have 10,000 reviews is beyond me. So delicious my world traveler wife almost cried when she tasted them
Just did this recipe and cooked it on a charcoal grill, turned out amazing!!
How long should I marinate shrimp? Thanks!
Hi Tracy – I just season the shrimp and go straight to the grill!
Absolutely delicious – restaurant quality!
This is a FANTASTIC, easy, quick and healthy recipe! We are making it for the second time tonight and the whole house is asking for it. We used fresh colossal raw shrimp from Sam’s Club, but are trying it with Aldi’s frozen raw shrimp tonight. It really marinades as quickly as it states, with tons of flavor. We made two small alterations (switched white to brown sugar, and added 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar because I tend to prefer some acid in my marinades) but I’m certain this only accented an already-fabulous recipe! We will definitely check out Some other Farmgirl recipes after this success!
SO HAPPY you liked this recipe, Danielle! Thanks a bunch for coming back to leave a comment and rating!
This was the best grilled shrimp I’ve made. Super-simple recipe and the taste was fantastic. My entire family was raving about the flavor!
So glad you liked this, Sean! Thanks for coming back here to let me know. :)
I love this recipe! It’s delicious but I don’t like Jumbo size shrimp so I use the smaller one and just cook them on a skewer.
So glad you liked this recipe, Tricia! Thanks for coming back to leave a comment and rating! Enjoy!!
Good recipe, but leave out the additional salt. The Old Bay has plenty
I love this recipe! It’s delicious but I don’t like Jumbo size shrimp so I use the smaller one and just cook them on a skewer.
How long should you marinade the shrimp?
Hi Amber – I just combine the shrimp with the flavorings, then proceed with the recipe.