Sizzling Grilled Shrimp Recipes You'll Love This Summer

Why Grilled Shrimp is a Summer Delight

As the sun graces us with its presence, it’s time to turn to outdoor cooking, and what could be better than grilling? Grilled shrimp, with its smoky flavor and versatility, can elevate any summer dining experience. This blog post will delve into the world of grilled shrimp recipes, providing tips, tricks, and diverse ideas to make your summer BBQs memorable.

The Basics of Grilling Shrimp

Choosing the Right Shrimp

• Size: Opt for larger shrimp, known as jumbo or colossal, for easier grilling.
• Freshness: Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp are both acceptable, but ensure they are de-veined.
• Type: Wild-caught shrimp tend to have a richer flavor, but farm-raised can be equally delicious if properly sourced.

Preparation Tips

• Marinate: Give your shrimp a burst of flavor by marinating them for at least 30 minutes to absorb spices and herbs.
• Skewers: Using skewers can make grilling and serving easier. Soak wooden ones to prevent burning.
• Seasoning: A simple mix of garlic, lemon, and olive oil works wonders.
• Pat Dry: Before grilling, pat the shrimp dry to ensure they char nicely instead of steaming.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lemon Butter

Ingredients

• 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Skewers

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine melted butter, lemon juice, zest, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss the shrimp in the mixture to coat evenly.
3. Thread shrimp onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes.
4. Grill on medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are pink and slightly charred.
5. Serve hot with a drizzle of the remaining lemon butter.

🔥 Note: Grill shrimp just until they turn pink; overcooking will make them tough.

Grilled Shrimp with Mango Salsa

Ingredients

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 ripe mango, diced
• ¹⁄₄ red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• Juice of 1 lime
• ¹⁄₄ cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the salsa by combining mango, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro, honey, and salt. Mix well.
2. Season shrimp with salt and skewer them.
3. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until fully cooked.
4. Serve grilled shrimp with mango salsa on top or as a side.

Spicy Cajun Grilled Shrimp

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ¹⁄₂ tsp cayenne pepper
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix Cajun seasoning, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice.
2. Toss the shrimp in this mixture and marinate for 15 minutes.
3. Grill on medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Wrapping Up the Summer Grilling

Grilled shrimp brings an irresistible touch of summer to any dining table. Whether you prefer a zesty lemon butter, a sweet and spicy mango salsa, or a kick of Cajun heat, there’s a recipe here to satisfy every palate. Remember to keep your shrimp moist with marinades and your grill at the perfect temperature for that perfect char. Experiment with different flavors, and let these recipes be your starting point to creating your own grilled shrimp masterpieces. So, fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and let’s make this summer a season to remember with the succulent flavors of grilled shrimp!

How do you keep shrimp from drying out on the grill?

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To prevent shrimp from drying out, ensure they are well-marinated, don’t overcook them (they only need a few minutes per side), and keep the grill temperature moderate to avoid flare-ups that could burn the shrimp.

What can I serve with grilled shrimp?

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Grilled shrimp pairs wonderfully with sides like:

• Corn on the cob
• Grilled vegetables
• Salad
• Rice or quinoa

Can you grill frozen shrimp?

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Yes, you can grill frozen shrimp, but they should be thawed first to ensure even cooking. Thaw them in the refrigerator or under cold running water.