What is your favorite shrimp marinade? I remember the first time I made this recipe. My family was over for a summer BBQ, and I was scrambling for something quick, easy, bursting with flavor. I threw this shrimp marinade together with what I had on hand, and the rest, as they say, is made up. What is your favorite recipe for a BBQ? What’s better than grilled shrimp? If you like grilling shrimp, or even just pan-frying it, you *have* to try this shrimp marinade. Is it a game changer?

What is shrimp marinade?

What is a shrimp marinade? Think of it as giving your shrimp a spa treatment before they hit the grill or pan. It’s essentially a mixture of oils, acids (like lemon juice or vinegar), herbs, and spices that not only taste good, but are also delicious. Not only does it infuse the shrimp with incredible flavor, but also helps to tenderize them. Is it like a flavor hug for shrimp? How can grilled shrimp be blah? What is the best shrimp marinade? Is it just a sauce you slather on after cooking? Isn’t it delicious?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? There are *so* many reasons to adore this recipe. First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world! We’re talking a tantalizing blend of tangy lemon, garlicky goodness, and a hint of smoky paprika. It’s savory, bright, and incredibly addictive. Secondly, it’s unbelievably easy to make. Seriously, you can whip this up in about five minutes flat. This one’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights. I always make extra so I have it for lunch the next day. Plus, it’s surprisingly cost-effective. Shrimp can be a bit pricey, but this marinade uses everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. And the versatility! You can grill the shrimp, pan-fry them, or even bake them. Serve them as appetizers, in tacos, or over pasta. Honestly, the possibilities are endless! I think what I love most is how it elevates simple shrimp into something truly special. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you look like a gourmet chef, even if you’re just throwing dinner together in a hurry. It’s my go-to when I want to impress without stressing!

How do I make Shrimp Marinade?

Quick Overview

How do you make a shrimp marinade? What’s the best way to prepare shrimp? How do you marinate for a bit to soak up all that delicious flavor? What is the beauty of this recipe? If you like spicy, you can add a little more spice if you prefer spicy. You can adjust the ingredients to your liking. a touch more lemon for extra zing. I always do a taste test before adding the shrimp to my recipe. What is the secret to finding the perfect balance of flavors that tickles your taste buds? Is it true that once you try this method, you’ll never go back to boring shrimp again?

Ingredients

What is the recipe for Shrimp Marinade?
* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined. I usually buy mine frozen, but fresh is even better if you can get it!
* 1/4 cup Olive Oil, extra virgin. Don’t skimp on the good stuff here; it makes a difference.
* 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed. Why is lemon juice so bad for you?
* 2 cloves garlic, minced. I use a garlic press to make things easy, but finely chopped works too.
* 1 tablespoon smoked paprika. This adds a wonderful smoky depth to the marinade.
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano. I love the earthy flavor it brings.
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional. For a little kick!
* 1/4 teaspoon salt. Adjust to your liking.
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground. Freshly ground pepper is always the best!

What are the steps to

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

First things first, make sure your shrimp are peeled, deveined and ready to go. If you’re using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely under cold running water. How do you pat dry marinade? I always double-check for any stray shell pieces; nobody wants to crunch on that!

Step 2: Whisk Together the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the Olive Oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add to the bowl and What are the ingredients for this recipe: oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper. Make sure everything is well combined. I like to use a whisk to really emulsify the oil and lemon juice.

Step 3: Marinate the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the bowl with the marinade and toss to coat them evenly. What is the best way to make sure every single shrimp is covered in that delicious mixture? Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Don’t marinate shrimp too long, or the lemon juice will start to break them down. I usually set a timer just to be safe.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

What’s the fun part? If you grill shrimp over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re pink. You can use a non-stick skillet to cook the shrimp. Is it possible to pan fry onions in Olive Oil over medium heat? If you prefer, bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes. What is the key to cooking onions? I always keep a close eye on them and pull them off the heat as soon as they’re done.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the shrimp are cooked, serve them immediately. What are some good appetizers to serve as an appetizer? What is your heart desires? I love to garnish them with a little extra lemon wedge and some fresh parsley for pop of color. Is it true that they never last long at my house?

What should I serve it with?

This shrimp marinade is so versatile, you can serve it with just about anything! For a simple and delicious appetizer, thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers and grill them up. Serve them with a zesty dipping sauce like a homemade aioli or a creamy avocado dip. For a complete meal, toss the grilled shrimp with some pasta and a light lemon sauce. Add some chopped veggies like Bell Peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. They’re also amazing in tacos! Fill tortillas with the grilled shrimp, shredded cabbage, avocado, and a spicy sriracha mayo. And for a healthy and refreshing salad, toss the marinated shrimp with mixed greens, cucumber, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. My family loves when I make a big batch of quinoa and top it with the grilled shrimp and some roasted vegetables. It’s a quick, easy, and healthy dinner option. This shrimp marinade is also perfect for summer barbecues. Serve the grilled shrimp alongside other grilled favorites like burgers, chicken, and corn on the cob. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! My kids ask for this all the time. They love the flavor and I love how easy it is to make!

How do you marinate shrimp?

Okay, let’s talk about some tips and tricks to make sure your shrimp marinade is absolutely perfect every time. First, don’t over-marinate the shrimp! As I mentioned earlier, the lemon juice can start to break down the shrimp and make them mushy if they sit in the marinade for too long. Stick to 30 minutes to 2 hours for the best results. I always use a timer to keep track. Second, use fresh lemon juice! Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the same bright, tangy flavor. It’s worth the extra effort to squeeze your own. I usually buy a few extra lemons just for this recipe. Third, don’t be afraid to experiment with the spices! If you like things spicy, add a little extra red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit them altogether. I sometimes add a pinch of garlic powder for extra garlicky goodness. Fourth, make sure your grill or pan is hot before you start cooking the shrimp. This will help them get a nice sear and prevent them from sticking. I always let my grill preheat for at least 10 minutes before I start cooking. Fifth, don’t overcrowd the grill or pan! Cook the shrimp in batches to ensure they cook evenly. I usually use two skewers for each batch to make things easier. And finally, don’t overcook the shrimp! They’re done when they’re pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp are tough and rubbery. I always keep a close eye on them and pull them off the heat as soon as they’re ready. These are my lessons learned from many, many batches of this shrimp marinade!

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

If you happen to have any leftover marinated shrimp (which is rare at my house!), you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. I usually use a glass container with a tight-fitting lid. You can also freeze the marinated shrimp for up to 2 months. To freeze them, spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. This will prevent them from sticking together. When you’re ready to use them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Don’t thaw them at room temperature, as this can encourage bacteria growth. To reheat the cooked shrimp, you can either pan-fry them in a skillet with a little Olive Oil over medium heat for a few minutes, or microwave them on high for about 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook them when reheating, or they’ll be tough. I usually add a little extra lemon juice to help them stay moist. You can also add them to soups, stews, or salads without reheating them. They’re delicious cold or warm. I’ve even been known to sneak a cold one straight from the fridge!

What are the most frequently asked questions on

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it, friends! What’s your go-to shrimp marinade recipe? What are some quick and easy summer barbecue recipes? What is a great weeknight dinner recipe? What could you ask for in a recipe? If you love this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other seafood recipes, like my Lemon Herb Recipe. What are some good ways to prepare Baked Salmon or Shrimp Pasta? What is your favorite recipe and how it turned out?