Grilled Marinated Shrimp is a classic American backyard barbecue recipe that showcases the natural sweetness of fresh shrimp with a simple, herb-filled marinade. Popular during the rise of outdoor charcoal grilling in the mid-20th century, recipes like this focused on fresh ingredients, minimal preparation, and bold flavors. Garlic, onion, lemon juice, herbs, and oil create a bright marinade that enhances the shrimp without overpowering it. The recipe also includes helpful instructions for boiling shrimp when serving them chilled in salads or as appetizers, making it especially versatile for summer gatherings, cookouts, and seafood feasts. It's a timeless recipe that's easy to prepare while delivering restaurant-quality flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 lb jumbo shrimp (shell-on)
- 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 1 onion (medium, finely chopped)
- ¼ cup parsley (chopped, optional)
- 1 tsp dried basil (optional)
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup olive oil ( or peanut oil)
- 1 lemon (juice of)
Optional Boiling Method (for chilled shrimp):
- 1 tbsp pickling spices (or 1 tbsp salt)
- 1 qt water
- 1 lb shrimp
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Split the shrimp through the shell using a sharp knife.
- Remove the black vein while leaving the shell intact.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
- Combine the garlic, onion, parsley, basil, dry mustard, salt, olive oil, and lemon juice in a large bowl or jar.
Step 3: Marinate
- Add the shrimp to the marinade.
- Turn to coat well.
- Cover and refrigerate for several hours.
Step 4: Grill
- Preheat a charcoal grill to high heat.
- Place the shrimp on the grill.
- Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp, turning once until opaque.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve immediately while hot.
Optional: Boil for Cold Shrimp
- Bring 1 quart of water with the pickling spices or salt to a boil.
- Add 1 pound of shrimp.
- Return to a boil.
- Reduce the heat until the water just simmers.
- Cover and cook for 2 to 5 minutes.
- Drain and chill before serving in salads or appetizers.
Tips
- Marinate overnight for even deeper flavor.
- Substitute fresh basil for dried basil.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use fresh thyme or oregano for extra herb flavor.
- Grill on skewers to make turning easier.
- Finish with melted butter before serving.
- Serve alongside grilled vegetables or rice.
- Replace lemon with lime for a brighter citrus flavor.
- Use the boiled shrimp method for shrimp cocktails or salads.
Nutrition
Calories: 335kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 33gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 285mgSodium: 510mgPotassium: 340mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 220IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 125mgIron: 3.2mg