This Mediterranean inspired Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Marinade is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet lovely enough to serve when you’re entertaining. A quick marinade of olive oil, garlic, herbs, and fresh lemon zest gives the shrimp bright, fresh flavor while letting their natural sweetness shine.
Serve these Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp as an appetizer, make them the centerpiece of dinner, or alongside a grilled steak for special occasion surf & turf. This recipe feels a little extra special and yet it comes together in minutes. The key is fresh shrimp.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Marinade
- Ready in minutes
- Bright Mediterranean flavors that let the shrimp shine
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining
- Delicious served on its own as an appetizer or as a main
- Naturally gluten-free and low carb
How to make a lemon garlic shrimp marinade
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound large fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Pat the fresh shrimp completely dry with paper towels before marinating. This helps the marinade cling to the shrimp instead of sliding off, and allows them to develop better color on the grill.
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp until evenly coated and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes and up to a few hours.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp for about 2–3 minutes per side, just until they’re opaque and lightly charred. Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
Why This Shrimp Marinade Uses Lemon Zest Instead of Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice is wonderful squeezed over grilled shrimp or any seafood just before serving, but using it in the marinade will alter the texture of the shrimp before they ever reach the grill. Lemon zest, on the other hand, keeps the shrimp tender while still providing that fresh, vibrant flavor that pairs beautifully with garlic and herbs.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Shrimp
- Choose fresh shrimp whenever possible for the sweetest flavor and best texture.
- Pat the shrimp dry before marinating to prevent excess moisture and help them grill beautifully.
- Don’t marinate longer than about 30 minutes. Shrimp only need a short time to absorb flavor.
- Avoid overcooking. Shrimp cook quickly and are done as soon as they turn opaque and curl into a loose “C.”
- Finish with fresh lemon wedges for a burst of brightness just before serving.
What to Serve with Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp
This grilled shrimp pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables, rice, roasted potatoes, fresh corn, or a crisp green salad. It’s also a great twist on surf & turf!
Can I use frozen shrimp?
You can use frozen shrimp but the texture will always be different than using fresh shrimp and they are treated with preservatives that do impact the salinity. Use fresh when you can. If you can’t, be sure to thaw the shrimp slowly and pat dry very well.
How long should I marinate shrimp?
About 15 to 30 minutes is ideal. Shrimp absorb flavor quickly, so a long marinade isn’t necessary. In fact, if you don’t have time to marinate them, thats ok too. They are just as good and will sear better if you just toss and then grill immediately.
How do I know when grilled shrimp are done?
Shrimp are finished cooking when they turn opaque and curl into a loose “C.” Overcooked shrimp become tight, rubbery, and curl into a small “O.” They will continue cooking even when off the grill.
Can I make grilled shrimp ahead of time?
You can mix the marinade several days in advance, but wait to add the shrimp until about 30 minutes before grilling for the best texture.
Can I cook shrimp without a grill?
Absolutely. This recipe works beautifully on a grill pan or in a hot cast iron skillet.
Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 large garlic cloves minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound large fresh shrimp peeled and deveined
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels before marinating. (This helps the marinade cling to the shrimp instead of sliding off and allows them to develop better color on the grill.)
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp until evenly coated and cook immediately or refrigerate up to 30 minutes.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp for about 2–3 minutes per side, just until they’re opaque and lightly charred. Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
