Savory Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp

Name: Savory Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Lemon wedges for serving

Highlighted under: Light & Fresh Meals

I absolutely love grilling shrimp, and this Savory Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp recipe is one of my favorites. The combination of fresh lemon and fragrant herbs creates a bright and zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with juicy shrimp. We’ve enjoyed this dish on summer evenings and during family gatherings, as it’s both quick to prepare and incredibly delicious. In just a few simple steps, you can have a mouthwatering meal that will impress your guests and delight your taste buds. Let's fire up the grill and get cooking!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-18T14:10:28.100Z

When I first made these Savory Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp, I was amazed at how quickly they came together. Marinating the shrimp in a mix of fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs not only flavors them beautifully but also keeps them juicy on the grill. I found that letting them soak for even twenty minutes made a remarkable difference in taste.

One of the best parts about this recipe is how adaptable it is. I’ve swapped in different herbs based on what I had available, and each time it’s turned out delicious. The key is to use fresh ingredients—trust me, it makes all the difference for a vibrant dish!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Bright and zesty flavors that dance on your palate
Quick and simple preparation for busy weeknights
Perfectly grilled shrimp that's tender and juicy

      

Mastering the Marinade

The marinade for this Savory Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp is not just a flavor booster; it also acts to tenderize the shrimp. The acidity from the lemon juice breaks down the proteins in the shrimp, making them more succulent. Don't skip the marinating step! If you're short on time, even a quick 15-minute soak will impart wonderful flavors. For more depth, you can let the shrimp marinate for up to an hour in the refrigerator, but avoid marinating too long, as the acid can make the shrimp mushy.

Balancing the flavors in your marinade is crucial. The olive oil contributes richness and helps carry the herbaceous and citrus notes, while garlic adds a delightful aroma and depth. If you're curious about substitutions, you can swap the dried oregano and thyme for fresh herbs—just use three times the amount, as fresh herbs are less concentrated. This can also add a lively freshness that complements the dish beautifully.

Grilling Techniques

When it comes to grilling shrimp, the key is not to overcook them. Watch for color change—shrimp transitions from gray to a beautiful pink and opaque white when done. Depending on the size of your shrimp and the heat of your grill, you should aim for 2-3 minutes per side. To prevent them from sticking, you may want to lightly oil the grill grates or use a grill basket designed for smaller items. This also helps in ensuring even cooking and makes flipping them easier.

If you're using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to skewering the shrimp. This prevents them from catching fire on the grill. An alternative is to use metal skewers, which heat quickly and help cook the shrimp evenly. If you prefer a more smoky flavor, consider adding wood chips to your grill for a flavor boost that pairs wonderfully with the fresh herbs.

Serving Suggestions

Serving these grilled shrimp with lemon wedges not only enhances the dish visually but also encourages your guests to squeeze fresh juice over the shrimp right before eating, amplifying the bright flavors. Pair this dish with a side of herbed quinoa or a light summer salad for a well-rounded meal that balances the richness of the shrimp with freshness from seasonal vegetables.

For a delightful twist, consider creating shrimp tacos. Simply chop up some grilled shrimp, toss them in a warm corn tortilla, and top with avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. This change not only offers variety but also transforms the dish into a fun and interactive dining experience that is sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.

Marinate the Shrimp

Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.

Preheat the Grill

While the shrimp is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Grill the Shrimp

Skewer the shrimp (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand). Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove the shrimp from the grill and serve with lemon wedges.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. Additionally, these shrimp are great over a salad or served with a side of grilled vegetables.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you plan to enjoy this dish during a busy weeknight or have guests over, you can prepare the marinade in advance. Mix the marinade ingredients and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to cook, simply add the shrimp right before grilling. This makes it easy to have a quick weeknight dinner ready without the hassle of starting from scratch.

For storing cooked shrimp, make sure to cool them to room temperature before sealing them in an airtight container. They can last in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, I recommend doing so in a skillet over medium heat to prevent them from becoming rubbery in the microwave.

Common Troubleshooting

If your shrimp are sticking to the grill, it’s likely that the grill wasn’t hot enough, or the shrimp weren’t oiled properly. Always preheat your grill for at least 10-15 minutes to achieve high heat, which helps with browning and creates a non-stick surface. If you’re using a grilling basket, make sure it’s well-oiled to keep your shrimp from sticking.

Another common issue is overcooking the shrimp, which makes them tough and chewy. Keep a close eye on the shrimp as they grill, and remember they’ll continue to cook a little after being removed from the grill due to residual heat. A good visual cue is to see them curl into a C shape; that's a good indicator they are cooked just right.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating.

→ What herbs can I substitute in the marinade?

Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro work well, or you can use other dried herbs you have on hand.

→ How do I know when the shrimp are done?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them tough, so watch them closely.

→ Can I grill these shrimp on a stovetop grill pan?

Absolutely! Just make sure to preheat the pan properly and grease it lightly to prevent sticking.