Easy Grilled Shrimp Recipe
Okay, get ready for some seriously tasty (and easy!) grilling. This Easy Grilled Shrimp Recipe is all about that sweet and savory combo, with a hint of smokiness from the grill. We’re talking juicy shrimp, pineapple chunks, and a marinade that’ll make you wanna lick the plate. Seriously, it’s summer on a skewer!
My husband, bless his heart, is the PICKIEST eater EVER. Like, pizza and burgers are his love language. But THIS? He devours it. The first time I made it, he ate, no joke, three skewers before I even sat down. Now, every time the weather hits 70, he’s all, “Honey, you know what we need… that SHRIMP!” It’s become a total family staple, and even my toddler will happily munch on the pineapple. WIN!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Grilled Shrimp Recipe
- It’s ridiculously easy. Like, even if you’re grilling-challenged, you can nail this.
- Pineapple + shrimp = a flavor explosion in your mouth. Trust me.
- Ready in minutes! Grilling shrimp is FAST, so you don’t have to slave away.
- It’s kinda healthy? Okay, maybe not health-food healthy, but definitely better than takeout.
- Your grill will love you for it. Grilling shrimp just feels right, ya know?
How to Make It
Okay, so first things first, let’s get that shrimp marinating. Grab a bowl and whisk together some soy sauce (or tamari if you’re gluten-free!), brown sugar (or honey, whatever you’ve got!), sesame oil (don’t skip this, it adds a nutty depth!), garlic (obvs!), and ginger (fresh is best, but the powdered stuff works in a pinch).
Now, throw in your shrimp and pineapple chunks. Make sure that shrimp is peeled and deveined, nobody likes a sandy surprise, yuck! Give it all a good toss and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. If you’re super organized, you can do this ahead of time and let it marinate in the fridge for a few hours, just not longer than overnight or the shrimp will get rubbery!
While that’s happening, fire up the grill. You want it medium-high heat. Thread the shrimp and pineapple onto skewers. I like to alternate them – shrimp, pineapple, shrimp, pineapple – you get the idea.
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Now, place those skewers on the grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp is pink and opaque. Watch them closely! Shrimp cooks FAST, and nobody likes overcooked, rubbery shrimp. Once they’re done, take them off the grill and sprinkle with some chopped green onions and sesame seeds (because they look pretty!). Serve immediately and prepare for deliciousness!
Ingredient Notes
- Shrimp: Okay, listen, size matters…kinda. I usually go for medium or large shrimp because they’re easier to handle on the grill. And please, for the love of all that is holy, devein them! Nobody wants sandy shrimp.
- Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is the BEST. But if you’re in a pinch, canned will work. Just make sure to drain it REALLY well. Nobody likes soggy skewers.
- Soy Sauce: I always use low-sodium soy sauce because I’m a salt fiend already. If you’re gluten-free, tamari is your friend. Or coconut aminos!
- Brown Sugar: This adds that caramel-y sweetness that balances the soy sauce. If you don’t have brown sugar, honey or maple syrup work too!
- Sesame Oil: Don’t skip this! It adds a nutty flavor that’s SO good. I accidentally bought toasted sesame oil once, and it was even BETTER.
- Garlic: Because everything is better with garlic. Enough said. I eyeball this. Usually way more than the recipe says.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger is amazing, but I’ve totally used powdered ginger when I was out of the fresh stuff. It works in a pinch!
Recipe Steps:
- Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
- Add shrimp and pineapple to the marinade, and toss to coat.
- Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread shrimp and pineapple onto skewers.
- Grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, until shrimp is pink and opaque.
- Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately.
What to Serve It With
Okay, so these skewers are amazing on their own, but if you wanna make it a whole meal, here are some ideas:
- Rice: Plain white rice, brown rice, coconut rice – all delicious!
- Quinoa: For a healthier option.
- Salad: A simple green salad or a crunchy slaw.
- Grilled Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, onions – anything you like!
- Tortillas: Turn them into tacos!
Tips & Mistakes
- Don’t overcook the shrimp! Seriously, it’s the easiest way to ruin this recipe. Watch them like a hawk.
- Soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will prevent them from catching fire. I learned this the hard way.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with the marinade! Add some red pepper flakes for a kick, or a squeeze of lime juice for some extra zing.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook these in a skillet on the stovetop. Just make sure to heat the skillet really well before adding the skewers.
- If the shrimp are sticking to the grill, try brushing the grill grates with some oil before grilling.
Storage Tips
Leftover shrimp skewers? Score! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They’re actually pretty good cold straight out of the fridge (don’t judge me!). I’ve even been known to chop them up and throw them into a salad for lunch. Just don’t leave them out at room temperature for too long. Shrimp + warm weather = no bueno.
Variations and Substitutions
- No pineapple? Mango chunks are a great substitute! Or even bell peppers for a less sweet vibe.
- Out of brown sugar? Honey or maple syrup work great!
- Don’t have sesame oil? Olive oil will work in a pinch, but you’ll miss that nutty flavor.
- Want it spicier? Add some red pepper flakes to the marinade or a dash of sriracha. I’ve even thrown in a chopped jalapeno before when I was feeling feisty.
- Vegan? Use tofu or tempeh instead of shrimp! Just press out the excess water first.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Easy Grilled Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 lemon lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the shrimp onto skewers.
- Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until opaque and cooked through.
- Remove from grill and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
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