If you are craving a bright, flavorful dish that comes together in a flash, this Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need. The tangy lemon juice and fragrant herbs mingle perfectly with tender, juicy shrimp grilled to smoky perfection. It’s a simple yet dazzling meal that bursts with freshness and invites you to enjoy every bite, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a festive summer cookout.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a large clear glass bowl filled with raw peeled shrimp, pale pink and white with their tails on, arranged loosely inside. To the left of the bowl are three smaller clear glass dishes: one contains several mixed spices including black pepper, salt, green herbs, red chili powder, and garlic powder arranged in small piles; another holds a whole bright yellow lemon; and the third is a small clear glass container with golden olive oil. All items sit on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Recipe lies in its uncomplicated but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building that vibrant, balanced flavor profile while keeping the shrimp juicy and delightfully charred.

1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star of the show, providing that tender, succulent seafood base.
3 tablespoons olive oil: Helps carry the marinade flavors and keeps the shrimp moist on the grill.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Adds a fresh, zesty brightness that wakes up every bite.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness and balances the citrus.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle hint of spice to complement the herbs.
1 teaspoon oregano: Offers an earthy, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with lemon.
½ teaspoon paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a touch of warmth to the shrimp.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a gentle garlicky depth without overpowering the delicate seafood.
Chopped parsley (for serving): A fresh, colorful garnish that adds a pop of green and herbal brightness.
Lemon slices (for serving): Perfect for an extra squeeze of citrus right before eating.

How to Make Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by combining the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, oregano, paprika, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Whisking these together creates a fragrant marinade that will soak into the shrimp, layering on those signature herb and citrus notes. This simple blend is essential for infusing flavor and tenderizing the shrimp just enough.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Add your peeled and deveined shrimp into the marinade, tossing gently to coat each piece evenly. Letting the shrimp bathe in this mixture for at least 15 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You can keep them marinating for up to two hours if you want to prep ahead, but don’t go much longer — shrimp can become mushy if left too long in acidic marinades.

Step 3: Skewer the Shrimp

Before grilling, thread 4 to 6 shrimp onto soaked wooden skewers. Soaking prevents the skewers from catching fire. Skewering them not only makes grilling easier but also helps the shrimp cook evenly and makes for a fun presentation.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and carefully place the shrimp skewers down. Grill them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a pretty pink color and become opaque throughout. Be watchful here — shrimp cook quickly and can turn rubbery if overdone. Those lovely grill marks and smoky hints truly elevate this simple dish.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Fresh

Once grilled, transfer the shrimp to a plate and garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices. These finishing touches add a fresh crunch and an extra citrus burst, making the dish irresistibly inviting right off the grill.

How to Serve Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Recipe

The image shows a white oval plate with four wooden skewers of grilled shrimp, arranged side by side, each skewer holding around 6 to 7 shrimp that are pink with light charring and black grill marks, giving them a slightly crisp look. The shrimp are garnished with small green parsley bits scattered over them. Around the skewers, there are five lemon wedges placed in the corners and the sides of the plate, adding bright yellow accents. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a blue and white striped cloth partially visible at the bottom left. In the top right corner, there is a small white bowl filled with chopped green herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro brighten the dish visually and in flavor, offering a clean contrast to the grilled, smoky shrimp. A few lemon wedges on the side invite everyone to add a squeeze of their own favorite level of acidity—the perfect final tweak to personalize each bite.

Side Dishes

Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp pairs wonderfully with a host of sides. Think fluffy rice pilaf, a crisp garden salad, or grilled vegetables for a colorful, balanced meal. Light and fresh sides keep the spotlight on the shrimp while rounding out your plate with interesting textures and complementary flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a twist, serve the shrimp over a bed of garlic butter pasta or loaded into soft taco shells with avocado, cabbage slaw, and a zingy sauce for handheld delight. You can even thread the shrimp atop skewers as part of a bruschetta style appetizer—there are so many fun ways to enjoy this recipe all year round!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover grilled shrimp can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two days. Keeping it chilled preserves the texture and freshness so you can easily enjoy this dish again without losing that bright lemon-herb flavor.

Freezing

If you want to save grilled shrimp for longer, freezing is a great option. Place cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months. When thawed properly, they retain much of their original flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm shrimp on the stovetop in a skillet over low heat or briefly in the microwave. Avoid high heat, which can make the shrimp rubbery. Adding a splash of fresh lemon juice when reheating brings that bright, fresh taste back to life.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before marinating, so they absorb the flavors well and cook evenly on the grill.

What if I don’t have a grill or grill pan?

No worries! You can cook the shrimp under a broiler or in a hot skillet on the stove. The key is to get a bit of char and cook quickly at a high temperature.

How long should I marinate the shrimp?

Marinating for 15 to 30 minutes is ideal. Longer than two hours isn’t recommended because the lemon juice can start to “cook” the shrimp and affect its texture.

Can I use wooden skewers without soaking them?

It’s best to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill and to help keep the shrimp secure while cooking.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep since the shrimp cooks quickly and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Just store shrimp and sides separately until ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Recipe is genuinely one of those dishes that feels special yet comes together without fuss. Its vibrant flavors and quick cooking make it a dependable favorite when you want something fresh, healthy, and impressively tasty. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll find yourself reaching for those skewers again and again.

Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Recipe