With only four ingredients and oodles of flavor, this Grilled Shrimp Seasoning is the ultimate kitchen secret weapon! It uses simple, everyday pantry ingredients to create restaurant-worthy flavor.
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Why You’ll Love This Easy Seasoning
- Simple. Not much beats Grilled Shrimp in the summer. This grilled shrimp seasoning only uses four ingredients, three if you discount the salt. I bet you have all of them in your pantry right now. Unlike Shrimp Kabobs with Pineapple, it doesn’t require you to marinate the shrimp either (but I know you’ll love my Grilled Shrimp Marinade too!). You can have this grilled shrimp on your table in no time!
- Delicious. Despite its modest ingredients list, this seasoning makes some seriously juicy, fabulously flavored grilled garlic shrimp (it even works wonderfully on a grilled Shrimp Burger). It’s the perfect blend of savory, spicy, and herby flavors!
- Versatile. As with my Air Fryer Shrimp, this simple grilled shrimp will pair nicely with just about any side dish. You can even toss it into salads (like Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad), pastas, rice dishes (like Turmeric Rice), and more!
5 Star Review
“Absolutely the best shrimp I’ve ever made, even better than shrimp that I’ve ordered at restaurants. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!”
— Terry —
How to Make Grilled Shrimp Seasoning
The Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- Shrimp. Protein-rich, quick-cooking, and neutral in flavor, shrimp is a true crowd-pleaser. It tastes ultra delicious when grilled with this simple seasoning.
- Olive Oil. Helps the seasoning mixture stick to the shrimp.
- Lemon Juice. Adds brightness and acidity.
For the Seasoning
- Garlic. Garlic and shrimp are flavor besties. We’ve been here before (ahem, Garlic Shrimp Pasta; Garlic Shrimp with Quinoa; Garlic Butter Shrimp), and we are going back again.
- Kosher Salt. A seasoning essential.
- Italian Seasoning. Surprising and delightful with grilled garlic shrimp. I love Italian seasoning because it gives you a mix of herbs and spices in every spoonful.
- Cayenne. The subtle heat (or not so subtle heat depending upon your preference) comes at the end and will have you reaching for a second helping.
The Directions
- Preheat. Preheat the appliance you’re using.
- Prepare the Seasoning. Stir until it becomes a paste.
- Season the Shrimp. Grill about 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once halfway through. ENJOY!
Storage Tips
- To Store. Grilled shrimp is best enjoyed the day it is made but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To Reheat. Very gently rewarm shrimp in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave.
- To Freeze. Freeze shrimp in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Meal Prep Tip
Like my perfect Salmon Seasoning, you can mix this grilled shrimp seasoning blend up in advance and store it in an airtight container if you like. Then, when it’s time to grill, mix it with a fresh squeeze of lemon, drizzle of olive oil, and your shrimp are ready for the barbie.
Leftover Ideas
Leftover shrimp makes a scrumptious addition to Zucchini Pasta or Homemade Fried Rice.
What to Serve with Grilled Shrimp
- Vegetables. This shrimp would be tasty with Grilled Cauliflower Steaks, Air Fryer Asparagus, or Roasted Brussels Sprouts.
- Pasta. From Lemon Pasta to Pesto Pasta, grilled shrimp is the perfect addition to a pasta dish.
- Salad. Pair grilled shrimp with Italian Farro Salad, Moroccan Chickpea Salad, or Watermelon Feta Salad.
- Rice. Mushroom Risotto, Lemon Rice, or stovetop brown rice would be delicious.
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
- Skewers. Either double prong grill skewers or simple wood skewers would work well.
- Mixing Bowls. A set of mixing bowls is essential in every kitchen.
- Measuring Spoons. These are magnetic for easy storage.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- No Grill? No Problem. Don’t let the lack of a grill (or poor grilling weather) hold you back! You can make this recipe without a grill. Use the seasoning to make delicious baked shrimp instead.
- Know When It’s Done. We want to avoid overcooking our shrimp at all costs. Aside from following the cook time listed in the recipe, you can visually assess your shrimp to make sure you know when it’s done. The shrimp is done when it is lightly pink on the outside and white on the inside.
- Make Extra. I have the best news ever! You can multiply this seasoning blend by as many times as you like, then store it in a jar. For each pound of shrimp, use 1 tablespoon, plus 1/2 teaspoon. Future you will be so glad you made extra!
Grilled Shrimp Seasoning
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 people
4-Ingredient Grilled Shrimp Seasoning. Perfect blend of spices for making the best easy grilled shrimp! Use this recipe for grilled shrimp skewers or bake the shrimp in the oven. Great for simple, healthy dinners and party appetizers.
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Ingredients
For the Shrimp Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper use 1/4 if sensitive to spice
For Grilling:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly-squeezed lemon juice from about 1/2 small lemon
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined (use jumbo, 15-18 count shrimp to cook directly on the grill without skewers; if using smaller shrimp, skewer then cook for less time)
- Canola or vegetable oil for the grill
Instructions
- Preheat an indoor grill pan or outdoor grill to high. To cook the shrimp in the oven, preheat the broiler. If broiling, line a sheet pan with foil and coat with nonstick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the seasoning ingredients: garlic powder, salt, Italian seasoning, and cayenne. Drizzle in the olive oil and lemon juice and stir into a paste.
- Add the shrimp and toss to coat. If using smaller shrimp, thread them on metal skewers or wooden skewers that have been soaked in water for at least 1 hour. Brush the grill or grill pan with canola oil. Grill or broil the shrimp, just until pink and opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once half way through (discard the extra liquid/spices that is left at the bottom of the bowl). Serve immediately.
Notes
- TO STORE: Grilled shrimp is best enjoyed the day it is made but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I like to use the leftovers on top of salad or tossed with pasta.
- TO MAKE AHEAD: You can multiply this seasoning blend by as many times as you like, then store it in a jar. For each pound of shrimp, use 1 tablespoon, plus 1/2 teaspoon.
- Nutritional information is an estimate and had been calculated using half the amount of the spices and marinade to account for the portion that is left in the bottom of the bowl.
Nutrition
Serving: 1(of 4)Calories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 23gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 183mgPotassium: 330mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 73IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 94mgIron: 1mg
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp to make this recipe. Just make sure that the shrimp is fully thawed and patted dry before using it.
How Long Does It Take to Grill Shrimp?
For jumbo shrimp (which is what this recipe calls for), it will take about 4 to 6 minutes to grill shrimp. However, every grill is different, so I strongly recommend checking your shrimp early and often. Shrimp will overcook quickly!
Why Is My Shrimp Tough and Chewy?
If your shrimp has become tough and chewy, it was likely overcooked. It’s important that you follow the cook time listed and remove your shrimp early if needed. While the texture may be off, the flavor should still be delicious!
Good recipe! Nice seasoning combo. My only recommendation would be to cut the salt in half.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Minih! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
I agree about the salt. Maybe even cut it down 3/4. Otherwise, very good.
enjoyed and learned from your site
I’m so happy to hear that, Dave!
Delicious recipe, it was a hit with my family. I will definitely use this recipe again. Thanks for posting.
Hi Mary! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I don’t have a grill yet I moved recently
And I don’t want to use the oven necessarily
Can I cook these on the stove top in skillet?
Hi Carrey, I haven’t tried using this recipe for skillet shrimp, so you would be experimenting. Have you seen this https://www.wellplated.com/garlic-butter-shrimp/ It’s made in the skillet! Hope this helps!
Very good and very easy to make definitely would recommend and definitely will make this again 👍👍
Hi Hossam! So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for this kind review!
So like… Are these shrimp pre cooked? I’m so confused.
Hi Jon, you will use 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined. This is raw shrimp because you will be cooking them on the grill. Hope you enjoy the recipe if you decide to try it out!
Really good! I deceased the salt by half and every one loved it. Will make again. Thank you for the recipe
Hi Michael! So glad you enjoyed them! Thank you for this kind review!
The seasoning recommended here was absolutely terrific. I just polished off a pound of grilled shrimp all by myself. This is now my go to for grilled shrimp.
Hi John! So glad you enjoyed the shrimp! Thank you for this kind review!
I have made shrimp a variety of ways and am usually disappointed. After using this simple recipe and being careful about the time I grilled the shrimp I was blown away!! Absolutely the best shrimp I’ve ever made, even better than shrimp that I’ve ordered at restaurants. I’m so relieved and won’t be shying away from preparing shrimp in the future. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!
Terry L
Hi Terry! So glad you enjoyed the shrimp! Thank you for this kind review!
First time making it and we were all delighted!
Hi KD! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
The best shrimp I’ve ever made at home. I could have eaten the entire pound of shrimp, but unfortunately, had to share it with my family. This will become a regular rotation in our household. I followed the recipe exactly as written, and it turned out perfect.
Hi Becca! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
This was very Flavorful!! Love this!!
Hi Leslie! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
So simple and soooo good. This is my go to for shrimp seasoning.
Hi Pam! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I liked the simplicity of the recipe. I had all the ingredients on hand and didn’t need to wait to grill. My only note is the salt content was a bit high for me. Next time I’ll choose 1/4 tsp instead a a whole tsp. Otherwise it was great!
Hi Andrea! Great to hear! Just by chance, did you use kosher salt or table salt?
Followed exactly well except I used 1/2 tsp salt. We all loved it. Just the perfect seasoning. Not too spicy. Just right. Thank you!
Hi Judy! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
This is exactly the kind of flavor I was craving. This seasoning recipe is so delicious, my whole family loved it. We like to dip the grilled shrimp in butter spread and it was just a tad bit too salty but not overpowering. I would cut down on the salt by 1/4.
Hi Angelo! Did you make sure to use kosher salt? Any other kind will result in a saltier flavor than intended. Glad you enjoyed the flavor!
Amazing
Thank you!
Too salty
I’m sorry to hear that, Frank. Just checking that you used kosher salt? Also you can definitely adjust the seasonings based on your preferences. Hope this helps!