Spicy grilled shrimp are easy to assemble and cook in about 5 minutes. A simple marinade of cilantro with a kick of cayenne pepper make these a delicious and spicy-as-you-like addition to summer meals. String the shrimp onto two skewers to them very easy to turn on the grill.
When I asked about the recipe for these spicy grilled shrimp, I was certain that Christian had forgotten something. "Just olive oil, cilantro, cayenne, salt and pepper," he assured me. I believed him (mostly), but when it came to making them, I was tempted to tamper with the recipe - add a little garlic or perhaps some lemon juice. I resisted and, if you're similarly inclined, you should too.
These shrimp were piled high on a platter next to grilled artichoke halves with homemade mayonnaise, Mexican corn on the cob, dry rub ribs and pulled pork with all of the trimmings. We were at our friends Christian and Christen's house, there to celebrate their beautiful, sweet daughter Sidney's high school graduation. And let me just say, these people know how to throw a party.
On a recent weeknight, we made these as the main course of a simple dinner - on the table in about 20 minutes - all cooked on the grill: shrimp, Mexican Street Corn, and Grilled Green Beans.
If you're serving people who don't care for shrimp, pair with Carne Asada, Grilled Lamb Chops, Grilled Tuna Steaks, Grilled Swordfish, Grilled Bacon Wrapped Scallops, Chicken Kabobs or Lamb Kabobs, and a hearty side like Grilled Cauliflower Steaks, Grilled Bok Choy, Zucchini Salad, or Tabouli Salad. Or, maybe even better, pile them into Grilled Shrimp Tacos, Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa or on a Mexican Street Corn salad for quintessential summer meals.
If you're making this shrimp recipe in the fall or winter, grill shrimp on a stovetop grill pan instead of your outdoor bbq.
Recipe Video
Spicy Grilled Shrimp
Ingredients
- 10 9-inch bamboo skewers soaked in water 15-30 minutes
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or more
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound medium or large shrimp peeled except for the tail and deveined
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cilantro, salt, pepper, cayenne and olive oil. Add shrimp and gently toss to coat.
- Run one skewer through the fattest part of 7 or 8 shrimp (depending on shrimp size), nesting the shrimp so they are curved in the same direction. Run a second skewer through all of the shrimp near the tail. Adjust shrimp, giving each a little space, to help them cook evenly. Repeat with remaining shrimp and skewers.
- Grill 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until shrimp are pink and just cooked through. Transfer to platter and serve.
Was looking for a flavorful recipe for shrimp after having extra shrimp left from a simple lemon garlic shrimp dinner with the in-laws. Perfect!
That's wonderful, Gail! I'm so glad that you and your family enjoyed this!
I love how simple these shrimp are, but they sound like they're still packed with flavor. YUM! This would be the perfect addition to any summer menu 🙂
Thanks, Kelsie! I love them because they're great on their own, but also good to fill a taco shell or pile on top of a salad!
These look so easy and delicious Marissa. Perfect for summer grilling. Love the video too!
Yes, so easy. I love low-key but delicious recipes in the summer when it's hot and the laziness sets in. 😉
Wow Marissa - these look so good (and easy too). So perfect for summer! Sounds like you had quite the spread at your friend's celebration. Love celebrations that involves a lot of yummy food like that (I'm all about that, lol). I can definitely see me making these soon. Pinning! Awesome video too (as usual 🙂 ) and love your new profile pic!! Have a wonderful weekend, my friend!
You're very sweet, Dawn - thank you!
Don't you just love how quick and easy shrimp is to make...and it gets such an amazing grilled flavor, too! I love spicy food, and I definitely want to give these shrimp a shot sometime. That party must have been something else with piles of shrimp skewers along with Mexican corn and ribs. Sounds like somewhere I need to be! 🙂 I hope you have an awesome weekend, Marissa...and make sure to get the grill out, ok?
I think it's supposed to rain all weekend! But if the sun decides to turn up, we'll definitely be at the grill. You have a wonderful weekend too, David!
Wow it really is so simple!? I'll save this for when I need something delicious and quick! Thanks Marissa 😀
It looks almost too simple, but I promise they're packed with flavor. 🙂
These sound so simple yet so delicious! I can't wait to try them!
Thank you, Sonali! I'd love to grill up a batch for you and your family myself!
I love shrimp (especially grilled), and I believe it's a must during hot summer days (or not really hot summer days). I could easily live on shrimp, brushettas, bread, tomatoes, and olive oil for the whole season (Oh, and ice cream of course). Love these simple yet delicious flavors. Nicely done, Marissa!
Thanks, Ben! And you're speaking my language with your list of summer foods!
Hi Marissa. I love shrimp cooked in any form, but grilled shrimp are high on my list. I have had shrimp on my mind lately and you have just given me an ideal way to cook them. Some corn and a salad and I'm all good.
Hi Dorothy...as usual, we're simpatico. Sounds like the perfect meal to me.