Name: Grilled Shrimp Marinade
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: ¼ cup Olive oil (4 tablespoons); ¼ cup Lemon juice (4 tablespoons); 2 teaspoons Salt; 1 teaspoon Black pepper; 2 teaspoons Dried oregano; 2 teaspoons Paprika; 8 peeled and slightly crushed garlic cloves; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; Onion and red bell pepper chunks; Lemon slices; 1 pound shrimp

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Last Updated on February 27, 2025 by Toya

Want to enjoy some juicy grilled shrimp? Then you must try my simple grilled shrimp marinade. It will add the most amazing flavors to your shrimp and you only need a handful of simple ingredients to make it!

When it comes to making easy recipes for lunch or dinner, I tend to love grabbing a packet of shrimp since it so easy to cook. I usually go ahead and add in a bunch of my favorite seasoning to make a simple seasoning mix to add flavor to my shrimp. However, sometimes something a bit more interesting and flavorful is in order and today I want to share my favorite grilled shrimp marinade with you.

It can easily take your shrimp from ordinary to extraordinary with just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of marinating.

So, whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply looking for a quick weeknight dinner, these easy marinated shrimp made with my handy marinade for grilled shrimp is exactly what you’re looking for!

Why Use a Grilled Shrimp Marinade?

You do not have to marinate you shrimp. But, if you want amazing flavors, it is important to marinate shrimp before grilling so that the marinade infuses them with flavor while keeping them tender and juicy. The combination of olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings not only enhances the taste of the shrimp, but also helps retain moisture, so every bite is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Shrimp Marinade

This marinade is a game changer because it’s:

Quick & Easy – You can whip this up in just a few minutes.
Flavor-Packed – With a balance of tangy and savory flavors, this marinade will take your shrimp to the next level.
Versatile – Perfect for grilling, but you can also used it for sautéing, broiling, or even baking.
Fresh & Clean – You control the ingredients. Therefore, you can easily ensure your shrimp marinade is full of fresh, natural flavors.

What To Serve With Grilled Shrimp

Grilled Vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus are perfect for grilling alongside shrimp.
Corn on the cob is another great choice that adds a sweet element to your overall meal.
Rice dishes like coconut rice or lemon rice add a zesty and flavorful base for your shrimp.
Salads – A fresh green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette works well with this flavorful marinated grilled shrimp.
Pastas like linguine or spaghetti tossed with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs are a great pairing for this type of shrimp. Also, garlic butter pasta is another great complement to my marinated grilled shrimp.

Ready to give it a try? Continue reading for the full recipe and tips!

Ingredients

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Black pepper
2 teaspoon Dried oregano
2 teaspoon Paprika
6 – 8 peeled and slightly crushed garlic cloves
2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Onion and red bell pepper chunks
Lemon slices
1 lb Shrimp

How to Make Grilled Shrimp Marinade

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, oregano, paprika, crushed garlic cloves, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
Then add the shrimp to the marinade, tossing them gently to coat the shrimp thoroughly.
Lastly cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15 – 30 minutes. This will allow the shrimp to absorb all the wonderful flavors from the marinade.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the shrimp onto skewers, or place them directly on the grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long should I marinate shrimp for the best flavor?

For the best results, marinate shrimp for 15 to 30 minutes. This allows enough time for the shrimp to absorb the flavors without becoming mushy from the acid in the marinade.

2. Can I marinate shrimp overnight?

It’s not recommended to marinate shrimp overnight, as the acid used (like lemon juice or vinegar) can break down the shrimp’s texture, making them mushy. Stick to marinating for 15 -30 minutes at most.

3. Can I freeze shrimp after marinating them?

Yes! You can freeze marinated shrimp. Simply place them in a resealable bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

4. What type of shrimp is best for grilling?

Large or jumbo shrimp are ideal for grilling as they hold up well on the grill and offer great texture.

5. Do I need to peel the shrimp before marinating?

It’s optional. However, peeling the shrimp before marinating makes for a cleaner eating experience, but leaving the shells on can add flavor and moisture during grilling. Just make sure to remove the shells before serving.

6. Can I use this marinade for other seafood?

Absolutely! This marinade works well with other seafood like scallops, lobster, or fish fillets. You should adjust the marinating times for each type of seafood.

7. Can I cook the shrimp on the stove instead of grilling them?

Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can sauté or broil the shrimp instead. Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are opaque.

9. Can I adjust the spiciness of the marinade?

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding some red pepper flakes or some cayenne pepper. Feel free to adjust based on your own needs.

10. How can I make the marinade ahead of time?

You can make the marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients may separate.