Garlic Grilled Shrimp

One of my all-time favorite summer grilling recipes is this Garlic Grilled Shrimp. It transforms basic shrimp into a juicy, smoky base that's perfect for snacking on or adding to your favorite recipes. Use them as a protein source for salads, stuffed into healthy shrimp tacos, as an appetizer, or as a main course alongside grilled vegetables.

And if you don't have a grill, no worries! You can easily cook these in a cast iron skillet on the stove. But if you do grill them, the light char and smoky flavor really take them to the next level. Serve this dish at your next family dinner or backyard barbecue with the sides of your choice, and enjoy!

Simple Swaps and Notes

To make this flavorful grilled shrimp recipe, you will need the following key ingredients:

• Large shrimp: To make things easier, make sure you get the kind that comes peeled and deveined. Medium-sized shrimp work as well; just be careful since they cook very quickly.
• Olive oil: Melted butter or avocado oil will also work.

Should grilled shrimp be on skewers?

This is entirely up to you. I've found that shrimp are easier to grill when they're on skewers because this makes it easier to turn them and also prevents the possibility of losing any between the grates. Keep in mind that if you're using wood skewers, you will need to soak them in cold water for about 15 minutes first so they don't burn.

Ideas for Grilled Shrimp

There are quite a few ways to switch up this recipe if you're in the mood for something a little different. Here are some of my favorite variations of this recipe:

• Try a different protein: Not in the mood for shrimp? Serving someone with a shellfish allergy? This delicious marinade can also be used for chicken or fish.
• Swap out the spices: For a different flavor profile, try using a different spice blend in the marinade. Italian and Cajun seasonings would both work great. I like to add cayenne pepper for a little kick, but that's totally optional.
• Add fresh herbs: Try adding a fresh herb like chopped parsley or cilantro for some extra flavor and brightness.
• Make it spicy: If you're a spicy food lover, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper to the marinade.
• Add Dijon mustard: If you like tangy flavors, this adds a really nice creamy component and a ton of flavor to the marinade.
• Use fresh garlic: Fresh minced garlic works great in this recipe. Just swap in 1-2 cloves of fresh garlic for the garlic powder. However, please note that fresh garlic can burn on the grill and become bitter. If using fresh, try to remove most of it from the shrimp so it doesn't burn.

What to Serve with Shrimp

These Garlic Grilled Shrimp can be served in a ton of different ways. You can serve them as a taco filling, over a bed of rice, atop a salad, or alongside grilled veggies.

The options are pretty much endless, so feel free to get creative and pair them with your favorite summer dishes. Want a little help? Here are some of my favorite side dishes to pair with grilled shrimp:

• Grilled Vegetable Skewers
• Cilantro Lime Rice
• Mexican Cauliflower Rice
• Easy Vegetable Pasta Salad
• Grilled Romaine
• Healthy Kale Caesar Salad

How to Store Cooked Shrimp

Cooked shrimp keeps really well, so don't be scared to make a big batch of this dish. You might need to anyway, as it tends to disappear quicker than you think! I don't fire up the grill every day, so when I do, I like to make a lot of whatever I'm preparing.

When I make this Garlic Grilled Shrimp, I typically toss the leftovers into salads and rice bowls over the next few days. To store this dish, transfer it into an airtight bag or container and store it in one of two ways:

• In the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• In the freezer for up to 3-4 months, as long as it's stored in an airtight storage bag or container. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply let them defrost in the fridge overnight.
• Reheat: Warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes until just heated through.
• Leftovers: Leftovers make a delicious shrimp sushi bowl!