Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This spicy grilled shrimp is a game-changer for seafood lovers. The marinade is packed with bold flavors, from the heat of hot sauce and chile paste to the freshness of lemon juice and parsley. The shrimp cook quickly on the grill, making this a fast yet impressive dish. The balance of spicy, savory, and citrusy notes makes each bite perfectly flavorful. Plus, this recipe is super versatile — it can be served on its own, as part of a seafood platter, or as a topping for salads and tacos.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup sesame oil
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Asian chile paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 wooden skewers, soaked in water
Directions
- Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, sesame oil, parsley, hot sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, chile paste, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Set aside about 1/3 of the marinade for later use while grilling.
- Marinate the shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the remaining marinade over the shrimp, seal the bag, and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your outdoor grill to high heat. While the grill is heating up, thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, piercing each shrimp once near the tail and once near the head. Discard the leftover marinade used for marinating.
- Grill the shrimp: Lightly oil the grill grate and cook the shrimp for 2 minutes on each side, or until opaque and cooked through. Baste the shrimp frequently with the reserved marinade during grilling for extra flavor.
- Serve: Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skewers and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Additional Time: 2 hours (for marinating)
- Total Time: 2 hours 44 minutes
Variations
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce and chile paste based on your preference. You can even try a milder sauce if you’re not a fan of intense heat.
- Add Vegetables: Thread vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini onto the skewers along with the shrimp for added color and flavor.
- Coconut Shrimp: For a tropical twist, you can coat the shrimp in shredded coconut before grilling to add crunch and sweetness.
- Grilled Shrimp Salad: Serve these shrimp on top of a fresh salad for a light and flavorful meal.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover grilled shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to prevent overcooking.
- Reheating: If reheating, place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short bursts to avoid toughening the shrimp. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over low heat.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and grilling.
Can I make this recipe without skewers?
If you don’t have skewers, you can simply place the marinated shrimp directly on the grill, or use a grill basket to prevent them from falling through the grate.
Can I use a different type of oil?
While olive oil and sesame oil add great flavor, you can substitute with any neutral oil like vegetable oil or canola oil if needed.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp cook very quickly. They are done when they turn opaque and have a pinkish color. Avoid overcooking as shrimp can become rubbery.
Can I make this recipe without the hot sauce?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of hot sauce or omit it completely. Consider substituting with a mild marinade or a touch of honey for sweetness.
Can I use this marinade for other seafood?
Yes, this marinade works well with other seafood, including scallops and fish fillets. Just adjust the grilling time based on the seafood you’re using.
Can I grill the shrimp indoors?
If you’re grilling indoors, you can use a grill pan or a broiler. Both will give you a similar result with a nice char on the shrimp.
What’s the best way to serve these grilled shrimp?
These spicy grilled shrimp are great served with a side of rice, grilled vegetables, or as part of a seafood platter. You can also toss them in tacos or serve them as an appetizer with a dipping sauce.
Can I marinate the shrimp overnight?
Yes, marinating the shrimp overnight will deepen the flavors, but don’t marinate for more than 24 hours as the shrimp may become too soft.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
If you prefer a less spicy version, reduce the amount of hot sauce and chile paste, or use a milder version of these ingredients.
Conclusion
Amazing Spicy Grilled Shrimp is a quick, flavorful dish that packs a punch with its bold, zesty marinade. Perfect for grilling season or anytime you crave a burst of spicy seafood, this recipe is simple to make and can be customized to fit your taste. Whether served on its own or as part of a larger meal, it’s sure to become a new favorite for you and your family!
Amazing Spicy Grilled Shrimp
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 44 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Amazing Spicy Grilled Shrimp is a flavorful and quick dish featuring shrimp marinated in a bold blend of oils, garlic, hot sauce, and spices, then grilled to perfection.
Ingredients
⅓ cup olive oil
¼ cup sesame oil
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons hot sauce
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon Asian chile paste
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
12 wooden skewers, soaked in water
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, sesame oil, parsley, hot sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, chile paste, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Set aside about 1/3 of the marinade for later use while grilling.
- Place the shrimp in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the remaining marinade over the shrimp, seal the bag, and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Preheat the grill to high heat. While heating, thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, piercing each shrimp near the tail and head. Discard the leftover marinade used for marinating.
- Lightly oil the grill grate and cook the shrimp for 2 minutes on each side, basting frequently with the reserved marinade.
- Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skewers and serve immediately.
Notes
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce and chile paste.
Thread vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini onto skewers for added flavor.
For a tropical twist, coat shrimp in shredded coconut before grilling.
These shrimp can also be served on top of salads or in tacos.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
