Description
This Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp recipe combines succulent shrimp marinated in a flavorful blend of garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs, grilled to perfection and served with a refreshing lemon-herb aioli. It’s a quick and vibrant dish ideal for a light dinner or appetizer, delivering a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savory notes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Shrimp Marinade
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For the Lemon-Herb Aioli
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and lemon juice to create a flavorful marinade.
- Coat the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade and toss well to ensure each shrimp is fully coated. Allow to marinate for 15 to 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Aioli: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, finely chopped parsley, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, aiming for a temperature around 400°F (200°C), ensuring it’s hot enough for quick, even cooking.
- Skewer the Shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp onto the soaked wooden skewers or metal ones, spaced evenly but snug for easy grilling.
- Grill the Shrimp: Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp turn opaque and develop a slight char.
- Serve: Remove the shrimp from the grill immediately and serve hot with the chilled lemon-herb aioli as a perfect dipping sauce for a burst of fresh flavor.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Adjust spice levels by modifying the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to your preference.
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor, but frozen shrimp can be used if thawed properly.
- For indoor cooking, shrimp can be grilled on a grill pan or broiled as an alternative.
- Leftover aioli can be refrigerated up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
