A simple Marinated Grilled Shrimp recipe is the perfect easy and healthy dinner for warm weather months! With just 10 minutes of prep and 5 minutes on the grill, this fresh dish comes together quickly and makes family meals relaxing, delicious, and nutritious!
In your mind, what qualifies something as a "feel good" food? Is it the combination of fresh ingredients, the memories associated with a certain meal, or the friends that joined you around the table?
So often we are told that we should only nourish our bodies with whole, real, "clean" ingredients. That we should avoid entire food groups like carbs, gluten, dairy, or sugar.
And while it's obviously important to fuel our bodies properly, eliminating entire food groups can mean missing out on a truly beautiful and satisfying experience that does much more than slim a thigh or build a muscle.
Over the years I have come to appreciate the recipes and foods that truly make me feel good. My mom's Spaghetti with Meat Sauce or Beef Stew; Aunt Bee's Swedish Meatballs; or a Snickers ice cream cone from our favorite candy shop on the Vineyard.
These are the dishes that conjure up fond memories, bring joy to the table, and make me feel satisfied in mind, body, and spirit. They're not checking a specific macro nutrient box, but instead nourishing my soul in ways that a kale salad never will.
There are also those "feel good foods" that are a happy combination of comfort, nutrition, and ease. For me, a grilled shrimp kabob immediately takes me back to the summer dinners of my childhood.
My mom regularly served grilled shrimp with a French baguette and a fresh green salad. It's simple food that nourishes our physical bodies, but that also reminds me of warm summer evenings, carefree nights on the deck, and a table full of loved ones.
High-protein, low-carb, and gluten-free stats are irrelevant. The food is so much more powerful than any numbers on a panel or any single stand-alone ingredients!
Grilled shrimp have now become a staple at my own family's dinner table, and regular readers probably know that I'm constantly coming up with new and interesting ways to prepare them.
This marinade was a huge hit with all of my boys, it's made with simple and fresh ingredients, and the end result is a wholesome, feel good meal that you can enjoy sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients - Here's What You Need:
- Shrimp
- Lime Juice
- Garlic
- Olive Oil
- Fresh Parsley
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Honey
- Salt and Pepper
What to serve with Grilled Shrimp:
This recipe pairs nicely with your favorite starch and vegetables. Here are a few easy side dishes that will go well with the shrimp:
- Rice, couscous or quinoa
- Pesto Pasta or a Classic Pasta Salad
- Crusty French bread or dinner rolls
- Crispy Seasoned Oven Roasted Potatoes or Southern Potato Salad
- A fresh, simple green salad
- Roasted Asparagus or Garlic Roasted Broccoli
- Summer Corn Salad or fresh corn on the cob
Cook's Tips and Recipe Variations -- Grilled Shrimp:
- Cooking for just 1 or 2 people? Cut all of the ingredients in half and grill just one pound of shrimp. The rest of the cooking instructions remain the same.
- I recommend marinating the shrimp for at least 15-20 minutes, but not more than 2 hours. The acid (lemon juice) in this marinade will cause the shrimp to become rubbery if they’re left in the marinade for too long.
- If using wooden kabob skewers, it’s important to soak the skewers in water for a couple of hours before threading the shrimp. This will prevent the wood from burning on the grill.
- Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep a close eye on them and remove them from the grill as soon as they’re done. You know that they’re ready when they turn pink and opaque. Overdone shrimp will get tough, so they will likely only require about 3-5 minutes total over high heat.
- Is it better to grill shrimp with the shell on or off? I always grill the shrimp with the shell off! This allows the marinade to directly flavor the shrimp, and it makes it easier to eat the shrimp once they’re cooked — no peeling at the table.
- Can you grill cooked shrimp? I don’t recommend grilling pre-cooked shrimp. This will likely overcook the shrimp, resulting in a rubbery or tough finished product.
- Can you grill frozen shrimp? I almost always use frozen shrimp for this recipe, but I always thaw the shrimp before marinating. Thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight, or for a quick-thaw method, place the frozen shrimp in a colander and run under cold water until thawed (this will only take a few minutes)!
- Leftover cooked shrimp will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To extend the life of the shrimp, you can wrap it tightly and keep it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
No matter how healthy or how indulgent your "feel good foods" may be, I hope that you'll treat yourself to the joy of nourishing all aspects of your mind, body, and spirit with the recipes and memories that are uniquely special to you.
More shrimp recipes that you might enjoy:
- Grilled Honey Lime Shrimp
- 20-Minute Garlic Shrimp Skillet
- Baked Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta
- Sheet Pan Shrimp Tacos
Marinated Grilled Shrimp
Ingredients
FOR THE MARINADE:
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Pinch of pepper
FOR SERVING:
- 2 lbs. raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp
- Optional garnish: fresh lime wedges and additional chopped parsley
Instructions
- In a jar with a lid, combine all of the marinade ingredients. Shake until completely combined.
- Place shrimp in a large zip-top bag. Pour the marinade in the bag with the shrimp. Seal the top of the bag and place shrimp in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 20 minutes (but not more than 2 or 3 hours).
- Remove shrimp from the bag and discard the marinade. Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill over high heat for 4-6 minutes, or until done. If you prefer, you can also broil the shrimp on a sheet pan in the oven for about 7-8 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh lime wedges and additional chopped parsley.
Notes
- Cooking for just 1 or 2 people? Cut all of the ingredients in half and grill just one pound of shrimp. The rest of the cooking instructions remain the same.
- I recommend marinating the shrimp for at least 15-20 minutes, but not more than 2 hours. The acid (lemon juice) in this marinade will cause the shrimp to become rubbery if they’re left in the marinade for too long.
- If using wooden kabob skewers, it’s important to soak the skewers in water for a couple of hours before threading the shrimp. This will prevent the wood from burning on the grill.
- Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep a close eye on them and remove them from the grill as soon as they’re done. You know that they’re ready when they turn pink and opaque. Overdone shrimp will get tough, so they will likely only require about 3-5 minutes total over high heat.
- Is it better to grill shrimp with the shell on or off? I always grill the shrimp with the shell off! This allows the marinade to directly flavor the shrimp, and it makes it easier to eat the shrimp once they’re cooked — no peeling at the table.
- Can you grill cooked shrimp? I don’t recommend grilling pre-cooked shrimp. This will likely overcook the shrimp, resulting in a rubbery or tough finished product.
- Can you grill frozen shrimp? I almost always use frozen shrimp for this recipe, but I always thaw the shrimp before marinating. Thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight, or for a quick-thaw method, place the frozen shrimp in a colander and run under cold water until thawed (this will only take a few minutes)!
- Leftover cooked shrimp will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To extend the life of the shrimp, you can wrap it tightly and keep it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Shrimp is definitely a feel good food for me! It's seafood, which I feel is naturally healthier, and SO delicious! I love grilling shrimp, especially in the summer, and this marinated version looks SO good, Blair! Pinning to try!
Thanks so much, Gayle! Shrimp is such a staple in our house at this time of year. So fast, easy, and healthy! Thanks for the pin!
I've heard one should use only the zest of citrus fruit and never the juice in marinades as after an hour or so the acid in the juice begins to degrade the meat of the shrimp.
I grill 2-3 times a week. These shrimp were a great addition to my repertoire. I held some marinade back in a ramekin (unblended with the shrimp) to use as a dipping sauce for those who want the bigger flavor. Also I highly recommend the lime wedges on the side (as you mention) because a spritz of extra lime juice on the finished shrimp really highlights the overall flavor. Great simple marinade, well laid out, with good attention to detail. Thank you!
Thanks for your thoughtful comment. I'm so glad that you enjoyed the shrimp!
Great recipe! I make shrimp at least once a week and am always coming up with different ways to cook it. I just posted a recipe on my blog for baked garlic shrimp that had this buttery breadcrumb topping on it. Oh My. I could have chowed down on the whole 2 lbs myself. LOL
Sounds delicious! I've got a similar baked, breaded garlic shrimp on my blog and it's amazing! You can't go wrong with that flavor combo! 🙂
Great recipe. We substitute lemon for lime simply because we always have lemons in the house..
My favorite summer food is boiled crabs with hard crusted bread.
Favorite cold weather foods are Portuguese roast and kale soup (not in one meal).
Thanks, Theresa! Yes -- lemons are a great substitute! And you can't go wrong with crabs and crusty bread at this time of year. So, so good! 🙂
This recipe is AWESOME!!! I decided to give it a try couple days ago. I used the largest shrimp I could find, replaced the tomato sauce with chili sauce, upped the cayenne pepper, marinated them for two hours and then grilled. People were raving about them.Thanks so much for this recipe!!!
Excellent! So glad that they were a hit! My 3-year-old son requested them again for dinner last night, so they're definitely a favorite around here, too. Your changes sound delicious as well!
I didn't see tomato sauce in the recipe. Where did that come from? I've got mine marinating right now, sans tomato sauce. Hope it comes out as well as reviewed. 🙂
Hi, Teresa! There's definitely NO tomato sauce in the recipe. No idea where that comment came from! 🙂
looks wonderful however did not give any directions after marinade.....
You're right, Sandy! I have no idea how the second half of the recipe got cut off! Adding it right now. 🙂
Can you make the marinade days before if it is kept refrigerated?
Absolutely, Jim! It's like a vinaigrette salad dressing, so it will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week! Enjoy. 🙂
I found your site & this recipe via Skinny Taste. Even though it is October here in Ohio, the weather is still warm enough that this grilled shrimp recipe can be a last salute to summer. The accompanying photograph is lovely. I am looking forward to checking out more of your recipes!
Hi, Linda! I'm so glad that you found the blog! This grilled shrimp is one of our go-to family favorites (especially in the summer)! I hope that you love it too!
I read that some one changed the tomato sauce for chili sauce and added cayenne pepper but i don't see anything in the recipe with these items.
I don't know, Jessica -- there's definitely no tomato sauce in the recipe. 🙂
Looks really good... My fiance and I love Grilled shrimp and are always looking For new and different recipes... Trying this recipe next weekend... I will let you know what we thought about it...
Awesome, Angela! I hope that you enjoy it!
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Hi, Ann! Yes, you can definitely use frozen shrimp (that's often what I do). Just thaw them before cooking. You can either thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight, or run them under cold water in a colander for about 5-7 minutes if you're pressed for time!
Your marinated grilled shrimp recipe is stored in my memory bank. I have made this easy wholesome recipe many times and it is always a crowd pleaser. I give you Five Large Stars Thank you!
That's wonderful, Albert! It's definitely a staple in our summer meal rotation as well. So glad that you like it!
Made this a couple of months ago and thought it was OK, but then realized in my rush that I neglected to include the garlic and salt and pepper! Finally got around to making it again yesterday, following the ingredient list and only adding a little bit of red pepper flakes. Marinated for about 45 minutes. It was fantastic! Very easy and quick to put together--like most of your recipes. My husband cooked them on the grill top saute pan (the one with the holes in it). We used the lovely U15 easy peel fresh shrimp from Costco, which is a perfect size for this since they stay moist and very flavorful. Thanks for a keeper recipe!
Great recipe my family and guest Absolutely loved these marinated shrimp.
Wonderful! Thank you! 🙂
I love your approach to food. I feel that the restrictive fad diets of cutting entire food groups are myopic in the extreme. My mom also had the same approach to food - good wholesome food that made you happy for that particular occasion, season or reason. Will be trying this soon! And bookmarking your website to come back to!
Thank you, Steve! I hope that you love the shrimp! 🙂
Big hit with the fam and so easy to put together. Thank you for an awesome recipe!!
Thanks, Julie! I'm so happy to hear that!
It would be nice if there was some way to print the recipe.
Hey, Chuck! There's a green button in the box at the very top of the post that says, "PRINT RECIPE." You can also find a "PRINT" button in the recipe box (just below the photo). Hope that helps, and enjoy! 🙂
What would be the downfall to marinating the shrimp for say 10 hours as opposed to the max 2 or 3 you say?
Hey, Tyler! The acid in the marinade from the lime juice starts to break down the delicate shrimp meat and makes it mushy if it sits in the marinade too long. 🙂
This is a keeper excellent!!!!
This is a keeper excellent!!!!
Thank you, Bob!!!
We tried it with the shrimp twice in one week and it was delicious! Have you tried this marinade on another seafood?
So glad you've enjoyed it, Olivia! I haven't tried the marinade with any other seafood, but I'm sure it would be great. Scallops would be delicious, and fish would work well, too -- just be sure that you don't marinate for too long or the acid in the lime juice will make the fish mushy. 🙂
This recipe is delicious as well as quick and easy to prepare. Everyone loved it. Will do again. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Denise!!!
Looks delicious!! Can these be made/any tips for using an indoor grill (like a George Forman grill?) thanks!
Hi, Marisa! I'm not as familiar with a George Foreman grill, but I regularly make these on a cast iron indoor grill pan, which is probably very similar to the Foreman. It works great! The same instructions apply on the indoor pan -- high heat for 4-6 minutes. Enjoy!
Spectacular! I made this for an afternoon wedding reception and the crowd went wild. I did add a bit of ginger just to zip it up a bit. This is definitely going into my crowd pleaser files.
That's wonderful, Lorinda! Thank you for taking the time to leave a note. 🙂
Woooow.....It’s the only thing that taste good! And so easy to do…
I think I will look for these and try your recipe this weekend. Thank you for sharing!
Dang Thai from Embeya !
Made this last night with rice pilaf. Easy to make and delicious.
Thanks, Lee! I'm so glad that you enjoyed it! 🙂
I really love these shrimps. I can't wait to make this one for my family to try.
Tried it, wasn't a fan. Marinade gave the shrimp a more accentuated fishy taste, i'm guessing because of the lime juice.
Out of this world delicious! One of the best marinades I've ever tried. Just the right bit of everything!
Thank you, Pam! So glad that you loved it!
OMG is this fantastic! I am a 5th generation Floridian and I know good seafood when I taste it. Fabulous, love the sweetness of the honey and the savory of the worcestershire sauce with the zing of limes. Total keeper.
Yay! Thank you, Cass!
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