Grilled spicy shrimp is a tasty dish that brings the heat! Juicy shrimp are marinated in a zesty mix of spices and then cooked on the grill until perfectly charred. Yummy!
These little shrimp pack a punch! I love serving them with a fresh salad or on skewers at BBQs. Trust me, they’ll disappear fast — just like my willpower around snacks! 😂
Making this dish is super easy too! Just marinate, grill, and enjoy. It’s a quick meal that feels special every time. Perfect for those sunny days when you want to impress!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for grilling because they stay juicy. If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use scallops or even firm fish like salmon. Just adjust cooking times accordingly!
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. If you’re out, you can swap it with avocado oil or melted butter for a different flavor experience.
Spices: Smoked paprika and cayenne pepper give a great kick. If you prefer milder flavors, use regular paprika instead of smoked. For more heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Brown Sugar: This balances the spice. You can substitute honey or agave syrup if you want a different sweetness level. Just remember to adjust quantities to taste!
Lime Juice: This adds brightness to the dish. If you don’t have lime, lemon juice works well too. It’s important for cutting through the heat!
How Do I Ensure My Shrimp Don’t Stick to the Grill?
Grilling shrimp can be tricky since they can stick to the grill grates. Here are some tips to keep them from getting stuck:
- Preheat the grill: Make sure it’s hot enough before placing the shrimp on.
- Oil the grates: Use a paper towel coated in oil and wipe the grates before grilling.
- Use skewers: Threading shrimp onto skewers can make it easier to flip them without sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd: Give each shrimp space to cook evenly, so they don’t stick to each other.
With these tips, your grilled spicy shrimp will turn out deliciously! Enjoy your grilling!
How to Make Grilled Spicy Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to grill, plus 20-30 minutes for marinating. So, in total, expect to spend about 40-50 minutes to enjoy these delicious shrimp!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, ground cumin, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Whisk everything together until it forms a well-blended marinade. It should smell amazing!
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, making sure they are all coated evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. This allows the shrimp to soak up all those delicious flavors!
3. Prepare the Grill:
While the shrimp are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the shrimp from sticking. A paper towel dipped in a little oil works great for this.
4. Grill the Shrimp:
After marinating, thread the shrimp onto skewers if you like (this makes for easy flipping!). If you don’t have skewers, you can lay them directly on the grill. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They are done when they turn pink and have lovely grill marks. Watch closely so you don’t overcook them!
5. Serve & Enjoy:
Once grilled, remove the shrimp from the grill and arrange them on a serving plate. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot, alongside lime wedges or your favorite sides. Enjoy your flavorful, charred, and spicy grilled shrimp!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. The best way to thaw shrimp is to place them in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also seal them in a bag and submerge them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you’re out of olive oil, you can use avocado oil or canola oil instead. Both options will work well and keep the marinade flavorful. If you want a richer taste, melted butter is also a good alternative!
How Do I Know When the Shrimp Are Cooked?
Cooked shrimp will turn pink and opaque. They typically take about 2-3 minutes on each side on the grill. Watch for the color change, and be careful not to overcook them to ensure they stay tender.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid overcooking the shrimp again.
