Light Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp (Printable)

Tender shrimp in a bright lemon-herb marinade, grilled for smoky summer flavor

# Components:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on

→ Marinade

02 - 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
03 - 2 tbsp olive oil
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
06 - 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
07 - 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
08 - ½ tsp salt
09 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
10 - ½ tsp red pepper flakes
11 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ For Serving

12 - Lemon wedges
13 - Fresh chopped herbs for garnish

# Method:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest until well combined.
02 - Add shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes. Do not exceed marinating time as the acid will affect the shrimp texture.
03 - If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
04 - Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F.
05 - Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers, piercing each shrimp twice through the head and tail to ensure they remain secure during cooking.
06 - Place skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and lightly charred.
07 - Transfer grilled skewers to a serving platter and serve immediately with lemon wedges and fresh herb garnish.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under 25 minutes, which means you can actually grill on a weeknight without stress.
  • The shrimp stays tender and juicy because the marinade respects timing—no over-cooking the seafood with acid.
  • It's a protein-packed dish that feels indulgent but keeps you satisfied without heaviness.
02 -
  • Do not marinate shrimp for longer than 15 minutes—the acid in the lemon juice will actually cook the seafood and turn it rubbery, which defeats the entire purpose.
  • Pierce each shrimp twice on the skewer instead of once, otherwise they'll just spin around on the heat and cook unevenly.
03 -
  • Pat your shrimp completely dry before marinading—moisture is the enemy of that beautiful char on the grill.
  • If you want to add another layer of flavor, mix a pinch of smoked paprika into your marinade for subtle depth that won't overshadow the lemon and herbs.
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