Marinated Grilled Shrimp Recipe

Olive oil: This serves as the base of the marinade, adding richness and helping to coat the shrimp evenly.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor that complements the shrimp perfectly.

Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the marinade with a robust, aromatic flavor.

Paprika: This spice adds a mild smokiness and enhances the color of the shrimp.

Salt: Essential for seasoning, it brings out the natural flavors of the shrimp.

Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of heat and complexity.

Shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp are the star of the dish, absorbing the marinade and grilling to perfection.

When marinating the shrimp, make sure to use a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag to ensure even coating. The olive oil in the marinade helps to keep the shrimp moist while grilling, and the lemon juice adds a bright, zesty flavor. For an extra burst of flavor, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. When grilling, thread the shrimp onto skewers to make flipping easier and to prevent them from falling through the grill grates.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar smoke point and neutral flavor, making it a great alternative for grilling.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor, which works well in marinades.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic; use about ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a similar flavor with an extra smoky depth, enhancing the grilled taste.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add both saltiness and umami flavor to the marinade, but reduce the amount to avoid over-salting.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different aroma.

• peeled and deveined shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops have a similar texture and cook quickly, making them a good alternative for grilling.

• Allow the grilled shrimp to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the shrimp soggy.

• Place the cooled shrimp in an airtight container. If you're layering the shrimp, separate each layer with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. The marinated grilled shrimp will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• For longer storage, consider freezing. Lay the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer. Once the shrimp are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

• Label the container with the date. Frozen shrimp can be stored for up to 2 months without losing quality.

• To reheat, thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight. You can also use the defrost setting on your microwave for a quicker option.

• Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid overcooking to maintain their tender texture.

• Serve the reheated shrimp with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of paprika to revive their flavors.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover shrimp.
  4. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are heated through.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the shrimp on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  3. Cover the shrimp with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the shrimp are warm.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
  4. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to avoid overcooking.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a boil.
  2. Place the shrimp in a steamer basket and set it over the boiling water.
  3. Cover and steam for about 2-3 minutes, until the shrimp are heated through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for about 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine and whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

• Whisk: Essential for thoroughly mixing the marinade ingredients to ensure they are well combined.

• Tongs: Handy for tossing the shrimp in the marinade and for flipping the shrimp on the grill.

• Grill: Preheat this to medium-high heat to cook the shrimp evenly and give them a nice char.

• Grill brush: Use this to clean the grill grates before cooking to prevent the shrimp from sticking.

• Skewers: Optional, but useful for threading the shrimp to make them easier to handle on the grill.

• Serving platter: Place the cooked shrimp on this to serve immediately.

• Measuring cups: Use these to measure out the olive oil and lemon juice accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for measuring the paprika, salt, and black pepper precisely.

• Garlic press: Convenient for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.

Prepare the marinade ahead: Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper in advance and store in the fridge.

Use pre-peeled shrimp: Buy peeled and deveined shrimp to save time on preparation.

Quick marination: Marinate the shrimp in a resealable bag for even coating and easy cleanup.

Preheat the grill: Start preheating the grill while the shrimp is marinating to save time.

Grill in batches: If you have a lot of shrimp, grill them in batches to ensure even cooking.