Grilled whole shrimp on a skewer with lemon wedges

Quick & Easy Grilled Whole Shrimp - Perfectly Juicy & Flavorful

Name: Quick & Easy Grilled Whole Shrimp - Perfectly Juicy & Flavorful
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 500 g Whole raw shrimp, deveined with shell on; 2 tbsp Olive oil; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 tbsp Lemon juice, freshly squeezed; 1 tsp Paprika; 0.5 tsp Salt; 0.25 tsp Ground black pepper; 1 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

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easy

10 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories200kcal

Carbs2gram

Fat3gram

Protein25gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Whole raw shrimp, deveined with shell on500 g
Olive oil2 tbsp
Garlic, minced2 cloves
Lemon juice, freshly squeezed1 tbsp
Paprika1 tsp
Salt0.5 tsp
Ground black pepper0.25 tsp
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)1 tbsp

This recipe guides you through grilling whole shrimp quickly and easily, preserving their juicy flavor and natural sweetness. Whole shrimp, with the shell and tail on, help lock in moisture, making them tender and delicious. The prep is straightforward — with a simple marinade and quick grilling, you get a tasty dish in minutes. Total ingredient cost is approximately $8 USD (€7, £6, ₹660) and provides about 4 servings. The dish contains roughly 200 kcal per serving, making it a light and healthy option, suitable for pescatarian diets. Difficulty level is easy, with a total cooking time of about 15 minutes.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the marinade

1In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This marinade imparts a zesty and savory flavor to the shrimp.

Marinate the shrimp

2Rinse the whole shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place the shrimp in a bowl or resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Toss gently to coat all shrimp evenly. Marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to penetrate.

Preheat the grill

3Preheat your outdoor grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat (about 200-230°C or 400-450°F). This ensures a good sear and quick cooking.

Skewer the shrimp

4Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers lengthwise. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning. Skewering helps turn the shrimp easily on the grill.

Grill the shrimp

5Place the shrimp skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side. Shrimp are cooked when the flesh is opaque, firm, and reaches an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F). Avoid overcooking, or shrimp will become tough.

Serve and garnish

6Remove shrimp from the grill and transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips

-To avoid cross-contamination, always use separate utensils and plates for raw and cooked shrimp.

-If you don’t have skewers, you can grill shrimp directly on a grill basket to prevent them from falling through the grates.

-Use fresh shrimp if possible for best flavor; if using frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator before marinating.

-Brush the grill grates with oil before cooking to prevent shrimp from sticking.

-For a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder to the marinade.

Equipment Needed

Grill or grill pan
Skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers)
Small mixing bowl
Tongs or spatula
Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)

Shopping List

[ ] Whole raw shrimp (500g) — fresh or frozen, look for firm, translucent shrimp with a mild sea smell. Avoid shrimp with black spots or an ammonia smell.
[ ] Olive oil (2 tablespoons) — choose extra virgin for better flavor.
[ ] Garlic (2 cloves) — fresh garlic cloves provide best aroma.
[ ] Lemon (1, for juice) — pick a juicy lemon with thin skin.
[ ] Paprika (1 tsp) — smoked or sweet paprika based on preference.
[ ] Salt (0.5 tsp) — regular table salt or sea salt.
[ ] Ground black pepper (0.25 tsp) — freshly ground preferred.
[ ] Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, optional) — bright green and fresh for garnish.

Approximate total cost: $8 USD.

FAQ

How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are cooked when their flesh turns opaque, pinkish, and firm to the touch, and an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) is reached. Overcooking causes them to become rubbery.