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Get ready to savor a burst of flavor with my Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp recipe. This dish is both simple and delightful, perfect for your next cookout or a quick weeknight meal. I’ll guide you through each step, from creating a zesty marinade to grilling those shrimp to perfection. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a grill master, you’ll impress everyone at the table. Let’s dive into this tasty adventure!

Why I Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Zesty Flavor: This grilled shrimp is packed with bright lemon and fresh herbs, making it a refreshing dish perfect for summer cookouts.
- Quick and Easy: With a simple marinade and quick grilling time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Healthy and Lean Protein: Shrimp is a fantastic source of lean protein, making this dish not only delicious but also a healthy choice.
- Versatile Serving Options: This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from salads to rice, allowing you to customize your meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade Components
To make lemon herb grilled shrimp, you need:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
These ingredients create a tasty marinade. The shrimp soak up all the flavors, making each bite delicious.
Fresh Herbs and Seasonings
You also need fresh herbs and seasonings:
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
The fresh herbs give the shrimp a bright taste. Mixing these with salt and pepper brings out the best flavors.
Optional Accompaniments
For serving, I suggest using:
– Lemon wedges
These lemon wedges add a nice touch when you serve the shrimp. Squeezing fresh lemon on top enhances the flavor. Enjoy your meal with a burst of citrus!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Marinade
To start, gather your ingredients. You need olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and garlic. Grab fresh parsley and basil, too. Don’t forget the dried oregano, salt, and pepper. In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all the flavors blend together. This marinade is key to making your shrimp tasty.
Marinating the Shrimp
Next, add the shrimp to the marinade. Make sure each shrimp is well coated in the mixture. This step is important for flavor. After coating, cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This allows the shrimp to soak up all the good flavors. If you have time, you can let them marinate longer for even more taste.
Grilling Techniques
Now, it’s time to grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes. This helps prevent burning. Thread 4 to 5 shrimp onto each skewer. Once the grill is ready, place the skewers on it. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You want the shrimp to turn opaque and get nice grill marks. After grilling, let the skewers rest for a minute. This helps keep them juicy. Enjoy your delicious lemon herb grilled shrimp with lemon wedges!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfectly Grilled Shrimp
To make your shrimp taste great, start with fresh shrimp. Choose large shrimp for the best bite. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. This helps the marinade soak in. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures even cooking. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for a nice, golden color and grill marks. The shrimp should turn opaque when done.
Marinating Time Recommendations
Marinating shrimp is key to great flavor. I recommend at least 30 minutes in the fridge. This allows the shrimp to soak up all the tasty herbs and lemon juice. If you have more time, marinate for up to 2 hours. Just remember, don’t marinate too long. The acid in the lemon juice can make the shrimp mushy.
Equipment Suggestions
Using the right tools can make grilling easier. A good grill is essential. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water first. This helps prevent burning. A pair of tongs is useful for flipping the shrimp. A grill basket can also work well if you want to cook more shrimp at once. Make sure your grill is clean before cooking to avoid sticking.
Pro Tips
- Marinate for Flavor: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors of the herbs and lemon for a more vibrant taste.
- Shrimp Size Matters: Use large shrimp for this recipe to ensure they stay juicy and don’t overcook on the grill.
- Perfect Grill Marks: Ensure your grill is properly preheated to get those nice grill marks and a delicious char on the shrimp.
- Fresh Herbs Boost: Use freshly chopped herbs instead of dried whenever possible for a brighter and more aromatic dish.

Variations
Flavoring Options
You can change the taste of lemon herb grilled shrimp easily. Try adding chili flakes for heat. You can also swap basil for cilantro for a fresh twist. For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika in the marinade. If you love spice, add a dash of hot sauce. Experiment with different herbs like dill or thyme. Each change gives a new taste experience.
Different Cooking Methods
You can grill shrimp, but there are other ways to cook them too. You can bake the shrimp in the oven. Set the oven to 400°F and bake for 8-10 minutes. Another method is to pan-sear them. Heat oil in a pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. You can also use a broiler. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are cooked. Each method brings out different flavors and textures.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon herb grilled shrimp pairs well with many sides. Serve it on a bed of rice or quinoa. You can also add it to a fresh salad for a light meal. Try it with grilled vegetables for extra flavor. If you want something filling, serve it in tacos with salsa. The options are endless, and you can mix and match to please your taste buds.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your lemon herb grilled shrimp, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the shrimp fresh and tasty. You can keep them in the fridge for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them instead.
Reheating Guidelines
To reheat your shrimp, the stove is best. Heat a pan over medium heat. Add a little olive oil and toss in the shrimp. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until they are warm. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Heat them in short bursts to avoid overcooking.
Freezing Shrimp
If you want to freeze the shrimp, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the shrimp for up to three months. When you’re ready to use them, thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 10 minutes until they are thawed. This helps keep the shrimp fresh and tasty.
What can I serve with lemon herb grilled shrimp?
You can serve lemon herb grilled shrimp with many sides. Here are some great options:
– Rice or quinoa for a hearty base.
– Grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
– A fresh salad with greens and vinaigrette.
– Garlic bread for a crunchy side.
These pairings bring out the shrimp’s flavor.
How do I know when shrimp are done cooking?
Shrimp cook quickly. Look for these signs to know they are done:
– They turn pink and opaque.
– They curl into a C shape.
– They reach an internal temperature of 120°F.
Cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side on the grill. Overcooking makes them tough, so keep an eye on them!
You now have all the tools to make grilled shrimp shine. We covered key ingredients, perfect grilling steps, and smart tips. Remember to pick fresh herbs and get the marinade just right. Try different flavors and serve shrimp with your favorite sides. If you store leftovers well, you can enjoy this dish later. Grilling shrimp is simple and fun, plus it tastes great! Enjoy your cooking, and happy grillin
Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp
A refreshing and flavorful shrimp dish marinated in lemon and herbs, perfect for grilling.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- to taste salt and pepper
- as needed lemon wedges, for serving
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
Add the shrimp to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers (about 4-5 shrimp per skewer).
Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are opaque and have grill marks.
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute before serving. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges.
For best results, marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes.
Keyword grilled, herbs, lemon, seafood, shrimp
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