Perfect Grilled Jumbo Shrimp with Marinade
Introduction
Grilled jumbo shrimp marinated in bright, savory flavors are the secret to an unforgettable summer meal. Bursting with vibrant spices and just enough char, these shrimp are quick to prepare and even quicker to vanish from the plate. Whether you’re hosting a cookout, planning a dinner al fresco, or simply need a protein-packed dish in a hurry, this marinade brings out the best in every bite.
Flavorful, Crowd-Pleasing Grilled Jumbo Shrimp
What makes this recipe a standout? The combination of juicy, jumbo-sized shrimp with a zesty marinade guarantees mouthwatering results. The shrimp soak up garlic, citrus, and herbs, then caramelize gently on the grill. They’re succulent and bold in flavor—perfect on their own or as a lively addition to salads and grain bowls. This recipe is a consistent favorite because it’s both elegant and delightfully simple!
The Ultimate Marinade for Jumbo Shrimp
A great marinade infuses the shrimp with layers of flavor without overpowering their natural sweetness. In a few minutes, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh garlic, smoked paprika, and herbs meld together, giving the shrimp a tangy, mildly spicy punch. The marinade doubles as a basting sauce, ensuring moisture and taste in every bite. Let the shrimp soak for at least 15 minutes—just long enough for a drink or prepping the grill—and you’ll be rewarded with spectacularly seasoned seafood.
How to Grill Jumbo Shrimp to Perfection
Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers for easy handling and even grilling. A hot grill adds light charring and smoky nuance in just a few minutes—the key is not to overcook. The shrimp should turn opaque and curl gently, signaling that they are ready. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of the reserved marinade for extra brightness.
Serving Suggestions for a Show-Stopping Grilled Shrimp Meal
Present these grilled shrimp skewers straight from the grill as an impressive appetizer, or serve over a bed of leafy greens and quinoa for a satisfying main course. They also pair beautifully with grilled vegetables or fresh citrus wedges. For an extra burst of color and flavor, sprinkle with parsley and serve with a side of garlicky aioli or yogurt sauce.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields enough for 4 servings, with each portion typically providing about 180 to 220 calories, depending on portion size and extra marinade used. Shrimp are naturally lean and supply plenty of protein, making this a tasty and nutritious choice.
Perfect Grilled Jumbo Shrimp with Marinade (Recap)
Succulent jumbo shrimp are marinated in a lively blend of citrus, herbs, and spices, then grilled until perfectly charred. The prepping is easy, the cooking is fast, and the result is a dinner that’s always a winner—no matter the occasion.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and effortless meal planning.

Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and parsley until well combined.
- Add the cleaned jumbo shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes (but no longer than 1 hour).
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water while the shrimp marinate.
- Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers, allowing a bit of space between each shrimp for even cooking.
- Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Grill the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, turning once, until opaque, pink, and lightly charred.
- Remove shrimp from the grill and transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
- Optional: Drizzle any reserved marinade (that didn’t touch raw shrimp) over the cooked shrimp just before serving for an added burst of flavor.
Weekly Meal Planning
This grilled shrimp recipe is ideal for weekly meal prep and batch cooking. Save and schedule this recipe to your meal plan and generate smart shopping lists that consolidate all your week’s recipe ingredients for maximum time savings.
Planning Benefits:
- Automatically calculates the total ingredients needed across all recipes on your plan
- Organizes your grocery list by store section—no more backtracking or missed items
- Prevents duplicate purchases and reduces food waste
- Makes weekday dinner prep more streamlined and less stressful
Pro tip: When planning several recipes, schedule your meals ahead to see how ingredients (like parsley, olive oil, or lemons) overlap, making shopping and cooking even more efficient.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 15–30 minutes marinating)
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 30–45 minutes