These grilled spicy shrimp are full of flavor and super easy to make! Just toss the shrimp in a zesty marinade and grill them to perfection. Perfect for sunny days!
Honestly, these little guys are like party rock stars! I love serving them with a squeeze of lime for that extra zing. Get ready for some happy taste buds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are the star here! If fresh shrimp isn’t available, frozen shrimp works great—just thaw them first. If you’re vegetarian, swap shrimp for some marinated tofu or grilled veggies for a similar flavor profile.
Olive Oil: A must for the marinade! You can replace it with avocado oil or even melted coconut oil for a different twist. It’s all about taste preferences.
Spices: I love using smoked paprika for that rich flavor. If it’s unavailable, regular paprika will do. Feel free to adjust cayenne depending on how spicy you like things—it can turn up the heat!
Lime Juice: This adds freshness! If lime isn’t on hand, lemon juice serves as a good substitute. It still brings that nice acidity to balance the spices.
How Do I Grill Shrimp Perfectly Without Overcooking?
Grilling shrimp can be a bit tricky since they cook quickly. Here’s a simple way to ensure they come out perfectly!
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. It’s essential to have a hot grill for great sear marks.
- Marinate shrimp for at least 15-20 minutes, but not more than an hour. This keeps them flavorful without getting mushy.
- Cook shrimp for just 2-3 minutes on each side. Once they are pink and opaque, they’re done!
- Keep an eye on them—they cook fast! Remove from heat to prevent overcooking.
Following these steps helps you achieve juicy, tender shrimp each time.
Grilled Spicy Shrimp
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to preference for spiciness)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for prep, plus at least 15-20 minutes for marinating the shrimp. In total, you should set aside around 35-40 minutes to have these grilled spicy shrimp ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. This is where all the flavor comes together!
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the bowl with the marinade and toss to make sure all the shrimp are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes, or up to 1 hour if you’d like a stronger flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the shrimp are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, now’s the time to soak them in water for about 15 minutes to avoid burning on the grill.
4. Prepare the Skewers:
If you prefer using skewers, carefully thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers. This makes grilling easier and more fun!
5. Grill the Shrimp:
Place the shrimp on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Watch closely—they’ll turn pink and develop lovely char marks when they’re done. Be careful not to overcook them!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the grill and transfer them to a serving plate. Garnish with the chopped fresh cilantro for a pop of color. Serve immediately, with lime wedges on the side for an added burst of flavor!
These grilled spicy shrimp are perfect to serve alongside a fresh side salad, over rice, or wrapped in tortillas as amazing shrimp tacos. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before marinating. The best way to do this is to leave them in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a sealed bag and submerge them in cold water for about 20-30 minutes.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Of course! If you prefer less heat, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it entirely. You can also add more chili powder for flavor without too much spiciness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop, but be careful not to overcook them again!
What Can I Serve with Grilled Spicy Shrimp?
These shrimp are delicious with various sides! Try serving them with a fresh salad, over rice or quinoa, or in tacos with your favorite toppings. Lime wedges and cilantro add a lovely touch to any dish!