Description
This Zesty Old Bay Grilled Shrimp is the ultimate summer dish—quick, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or backyard party. Juicy shrimp are marinated in a citrusy, garlicky, smoky Old Bay mix and cooked to perfection in just minutes. Serve them on rice, in tacos, or on their own for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
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2 lbs jumbo shrimp (21–25 count), peeled and deveined, tails on
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4 tbsp olive oil
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4 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
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6 garlic cloves, minced
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4 tsp Old Bay seasoning
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2 tsp granulated sugar
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp kosher salt
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½ tsp ground black pepper
Optional Twists:
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Zest of 1 lemon for extra brightness
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1 tbsp hot sauce for heat
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1 tsp Dijon mustard for tang
Instructions
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Marinate the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Old Bay, sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Chill 30–60 minutes. -
Prep the Grill or Skillet:
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Grill: Preheat to medium-high. Soak wooden skewers 20 minutes if using. Thread shrimp onto skewers.
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Skillet: Heat a large cast-iron or heavy pan over medium-high and drizzle with olive oil.
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Cook the Shrimp:
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Grill: Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and curled into a “C.”
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Skillet: Cook in a single layer, 2–3 minutes per side. Avoid crowding.
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Finish & Serve:
Squeeze fresh lemon over the shrimp and serve immediately. Great with rice, tacos, salads, or as an appetizer.
Notes
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Don’t overcook shrimp: They cook quickly. Perfectly cooked shrimp are opaque and form a loose “C” shape.
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Marinating time: 30–60 minutes is ideal; longer can make shrimp mushy.
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Non-stick grill: Clean, preheated grates and a little oil prevent sticking.
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Alternative cooking: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes on a parchment-lined sheet if you don’t want to grill.
Nutrition
- Calories: 220 Cal Per Serving
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g