Grilled Herb and Garlic Shrimp

 This recipe delivers perfectly tender, smoky shrimp bursting with the fresh, bright flavors of garlic, citrus, and herbs. Ready in under 20 minutes, it's an elegant yet effortless dish that works as a stunning appetizer or a light main course.

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 15-30 minutes marinating) | Cook Time: 5-6 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp (16/20 or 21/25 count), peeled and deveined

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh basil or cilantro, chopped

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Marinate the Shrimp:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.

• Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated in the marinade.

• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes. Tip: Marinating for longer than 1 hour can break down the shrimp's texture, making them mushy.

2. Prepare the Grill:

• While the shrimp marinates, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

• Lightly oil the grates with a high-heat oil (like canola or avocado) to prevent sticking.

3. Grill the Shrimp:

• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 10 minutes to prevent burning.

• Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, if desired. This makes them easier to flip. Alternatively, you can grill them directly on the grates using a grill basket.

• Place the shrimp on the hot grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are opaque, firm to the touch, and have light grill marks.

4. Serve:

• Transfer the grilled shrimp to a serving platter. Drizzle with a little extra fresh lemon juice and garnish with additional chopped herbs.

• Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Serving Suggestions

• As an Appetizer: Serve on their own or with a creamy dipping sauce like garlic aioli.

• As a Main Course: Serve over:

  • Cilantro-Lime Rice or Quinoa

  • Pasta with a light olive oil toss

  • A fresh green salad

  • Grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini

Pro Tips

• Pat Dry: Before marinating, pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to help the marinade adhere better and promote better searing.

• Don't Overcook: Shrimp cook very quickly. They are done as soon as they form a tight "C" shape and turn opaque. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.

• Fresh is Best: For the brightest flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh herbs whenever possible.