Smoky Spicy Grilled Shrimp Recipe

Sizzling Spicy Grilled Shrimp Recipe: Fiery & Flavorful Fun

Sizzling summer nights call for a mouthwatering spicy grilled shrimp recipe that brings the heat to your plate.

Tender, succulent shrimp dance with fiery seasonings, promising an explosion of flavor in every bite.

The marinade infuses each morsel with a tantalizing blend of spices that awaken your taste buds.

Zesty and bold, these grilled gems turn an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.

The charred edges and juicy interior create a perfect balance of textures that seafood lovers adore.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, this dish guarantees to impress anyone seeking a spicy seafood sensation.

Dive into this sizzling recipe and let your grill become the star of your next outdoor feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 35 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 41 minutes

Calories: 233 kcal

Servings: 5

Spicy Grilled Shrimp: Ingredient Essentials

For Skewers and Preparation:
  • Wooden Skewers: Soak to prevent burning and ensure safe grilling.
  • Metal Skewers: Durable alternative for easier handling and repeated use.
For Marinade Base:
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and prevents sticking on grill.
  • Chili Sauce: Adds vibrant heat and rich depth to the shrimp.
  • Lemon Juice: Provides bright, tangy acidity and helps tenderize seafood.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes complex umami and savory undertones.
For Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Brings intense, aromatic punch and classic savory notes.
  • Ground Red Pepper: Delivers spicy kick and subtle warmth to the dish.
  • Shrimp: Fresh, sweet protein that absorbs marinade beautifully.

Grill Tools and Accessories You’ll Need

  • Wooden or metal skewers: Essential for threading and grilling shrimp evenly.
  • Gallon-size zip lock bag: Perfect for marinating shrimp without mess.
  • Mixing bowl: Used for combining marinade ingredients.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate marinade proportions.
  • Grill: Provides high heat for cooking shrimp quickly.
  • Basting brush: Helps spread reserved marinade onto shrimp during grilling.
  • Tongs: Allows safe and easy flipping of shrimp on the grill.

Directions for Grilling Shrimp with Spice

  • Skewer Prep

Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning during grilling. Metal skewers work great too.

  • Flavor Fusion

Mix zesty marinade with olive oil, chili sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire, garlic, and red pepper. Set aside some sauce for basting.

  • Marinating Magic

Bathe shrimp in the tangy marinade, letting flavors mingle in the refrigerator for a quick 20-minute flavor boost.

  • Grill Setup

Fire up the grill to a sizzling medium-high temperature, creating the perfect cooking environment.

  • Skewering Technique

Thread shrimp onto prepared skewers, leaving behind the used marinade.

  • Grilling Perfection

Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, generously basting with reserved sauce. The goal is a charred exterior and succulent interior that bursts with flavor.

How to Boost Flavor in Spicy Shrimp

  • Adjust the ground red pepper amount to make the shrimp milder or more fiery depending on your spice tolerance.
  • Replace shrimp with chicken, scallops, or firm white fish for an equally delicious grilled protein alternative.
  • Sprinkle chopped cilantro, parsley, or green onions over the grilled shrimp to add bright, fresh flavor and extra visual appeal.
  • For deeper flavor, extend marinating time to 30-45 minutes, but avoid going longer than an hour to prevent the acid from breaking down the shrimp's delicate texture.
  • Pair these spicy grilled shrimp with cooling sides like cucumber salad, coconut rice, or a creamy avocado slaw to balance the heat and create a complete meal.

Tips on Serving Spicy Grilled Shrimp

  • Beachside Dinner Party: Host a tropical-themed gathering where these spicy shrimp take center stage, complemented by colorful cocktails and island music.
  • Salad Companion: Serve the grilled shrimp atop a crisp mixed green salad with a light citrus vinaigrette, creating a refreshing and protein-packed meal.
  • Tapas Style Spread: Arrange skewers on a large wooden board with small dishes of chimichurri sauce, garlic aioli, and fresh lemon wedges for an interactive dining experience.
  • Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Pair the shrimp with hummus, olives, feta cheese, and warm pita bread for a delightful Mediterranean-inspired sharing plate.

How to Store Grilled Shrimp Safely

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Smart Cooling Technique: Allow shrimp to cool completely before refrigerating, which helps maintain texture and prevents moisture buildup inside the storage container.
  • Extended Enjoyment Window: Refrigerated grilled shrimp stays delicious for 2-3 days when sealed tightly, making it perfect for quick lunches or next-day meals.
  • Temperature-Safe Handling: Keep refrigerated shrimp at or below 40°F to ensure food safety and prevent potential foodborne illnesses during storage.
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Smoky Spicy Grilled Shrimp Recipe

Smoky Spicy Grilled Shrimp Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 41 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Spicy Brazilian churrasco shrimp brings sizzling flavors from Rio’s street cuisine onto home grills. Marinated prawns deliver bold pepper and citrus notes that transport diners to South American culinary landscapes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ¼ tsp ground red pepper
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) chili sauce
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) lemon juice
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Prep Work: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes or select metal skewers to prevent burning during grilling.
  2. Marinade Creation: Whisk olive oil, chili sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and ground red pepper into a vibrant flavor blend, setting aside 1/4 cup for basting.
  3. Marination Process: Immerse raw shrimp in the remaining marinade within a sealed bag, refrigerate for 20 minutes to allow deep flavor infusion.
  4. Grill Preparation: Ignite grill to medium-high heat between 350° and 400° F, creating an ideal cooking environment.
  5. Skewering and Grilling: Carefully arrange marinated shrimp on pre-soaked skewers, positioning them uniformly. Place skewers on hot grill, cooking 2-3 minutes per side while generously basting with reserved marinade until shrimp transform to a pink hue with subtle charred edges.
  6. Serving: Transfer immediately from grill to serving plate, ensuring maximum temperature and flavor intensity.

Notes

  • Prevent Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to avoid charring and potential flame flare-ups during grilling.
  • Maximize Flavor Absorption: Marinate shrimp for exactly 20 minutes to ensure optimal taste penetration without making the seafood tough.
  • Manage Grill Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat between 350-400°F for perfect shrimp texture and beautiful caramelization without overcooking.
  • Basting Technique: Use reserved marinade sparingly during grilling to enhance flavor and create a delicious glaze without making the shrimp soggy.
  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 233
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 570 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 200 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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