If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful seafood dinner, this Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe is the perfect choice. Juicy shrimp are marinated in a bright blend of fresh lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, parsley, and a touch of red pepper flakes before being grilled to perfection. It’s an easy meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights, summer cookouts, or healthy family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in less than 30 minutes.
- Bright, fresh lemon and garlic flavor.
- Perfect for grilling season.
- Naturally low in carbohydrates.
- Family-friendly and easy to customize.
- Great for meal prep or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked shrimp
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 1½ hours before grilling.
- Peel the shrimp if the shells are still attached. Rinse under cold water and pat completely dry.
- Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red pepper flakes, and parsley.
- Transfer the marinade to a large freezer bag or shallow dish and add the shrimp.
- Marinate for 20–30 minutes. Do not marinate longer than 30 minutes because the lemon juice can begin to break down the shrimp.
- Preheat your grill to high heat.
- Thread the shrimp onto skewers if desired.
- Grill the Lemon Garlic Shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and cooked through.
- Remove from the grill and serve immediately with extra parsley and fresh lemon wedges.
Tips & Tricks
- Use large or jumbo shrimp for the juiciest results.
- Pat the shrimp dry before marinating for better flavor absorption.
- Avoid overcooking, as shrimp become rubbery quickly.
- Fresh garlic and freshly squeezed lemon juice provide the best flavor.
- Add a little smoked paprika for a subtle smoky taste.
- This recipe also works well in a grill pan or air fryer.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Low-Carb
Notes
- Serve with grilled vegetables, rice, quinoa, couscous, or a fresh garden salad.
- Leftover shrimp can be added to pasta, tacos, wraps, or Caesar salad.
- For extra citrus flavor, garnish with lemon zest before serving.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 690mg
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.
Can I cook these in the oven?
Yes. Broil for about 2–3 minutes per side until fully cooked.
Can I make Lemon Garlic Shrimp ahead of time?
You can prepare the marinade in advance, but marinate the shrimp for no longer than 30 minutes before cooking.
How do I know when shrimp are done?
They should turn pink with white, opaque flesh and curl into a loose “C” shape.
Can I cook this without skewers?
Absolutely. Grill the shrimp directly on a grill pan or use a grill basket.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked shrimp for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in short intervals to avoid overcooking.
Similar Recipes
Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked shrimp
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 1½ hours before grilling.
- Peel the shrimp if the shells are still attached. Rinse under cold water and pat completely dry.
- Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red pepper flakes, and parsley.
- Transfer the marinade to a large freezer bag or shallow dish and add the shrimp.
- Marinate for 20–30 minutes. Do not marinate longer than 30 minutes because the lemon juice can begin to break down the shrimp.
- Preheat your grill to high heat.
- Thread the shrimp onto skewers if desired.
- Grill the Lemon Garlic Shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and cooked through.
- Remove from the grill and serve immediately with extra parsley and fresh lemon wedges.
Notes
- Serve with grilled vegetables, rice, quinoa, couscous, or a fresh garden salad.
- Leftover shrimp can be added to pasta, tacos, wraps, or Caesar salad.
- For extra citrus flavor, garnish with lemon zest before serving.
Conclusion
This Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe delivers fresh citrus flavor, savory garlic, and perfectly grilled shrimp in every bite. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a backyard barbecue, this simple recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite thanks to its easy preparation and delicious results.