Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli a juicy, flavorful shrimp coated in a bold garlic parmesan marinade with a spicy kick, then grilled to perfection and served with a zesty lemon-herb aioli. This dish is ideal for a quick appetizer or a light yet satisfying main course.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how quickly this dish comes together while packing so much flavor. The combination of smoky paprika, garlic, and Parmesan makes the shrimp rich and savory, while the heat from the cayenne and red pepper flakes gives it an extra kick. The lemon-herb aioli brings a creamy, tangy contrast that balances everything beautifully. Plus, grilling adds a delicious charred flavor that makes the shrimp irresistible.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Shrimp:
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For the Lemon-Herb Aioli:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
In a large bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and lemon juice. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.
While the shrimp marinates, prepare the aioli by whisking together mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Thread the shrimp onto skewers.
Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are opaque and slightly charred.
Remove from the grill and serve immediately with the lemon-herb aioli for dipping.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 21 minutes
Calories: 280 kcal per serving
Variations
Milder Version: Reduce or omit the cayenne and red pepper flakes for a more subtle heat.
Herb-Infused: Add fresh basil or cilantro to the marinade for a different herbal note.
Citrusy Twist: Use lime juice instead of lemon for a different zesty flavor.
Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle extra Parmesan on the shrimp after grilling for more cheesy goodness.
Oven-Baked Option: If grilling isn’t an option, bake the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the aioli in a separate container.
Reheat: Warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing cooked shrimp, as it can alter the texture, but you can freeze the marinated raw shrimp for up to 2 months.
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FAQs
How can I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?
Brushing the grill grates with oil before cooking helps prevent sticking. Also, make sure the grill is fully preheated before adding the shrimp.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Yes! You can cook the shrimp in a hot skillet for about 2-3 minutes per side or bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes.
What should I serve with grilled shrimp?
I love pairing this dish with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or grilled vegetables. It also works well over rice or pasta.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to fully thaw them before marinating. Pat them dry to help the marinade stick better.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp turn opaque and curl into a C-shape when fully cooked. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough.
Conclusion
This spicy garlic parmesan grilled shrimp with lemon-herb aioli is a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, it’s packed with bold flavors and easy to make. With its smoky, cheesy, and spicy marinade paired with a refreshing aioli, this dish is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
📖 Recipe:
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Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp is packed with bold flavors from a smoky, cheesy, and spicy marinade. Juicy shrimp are grilled to perfection and served with a creamy lemon-herb aioli for the perfect balance of heat and tang. A quick and easy recipe for a delicious appetizer or light main dish!
Ingredients
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, garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and lemon juice.
- Add shrimp and toss to coat. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes.
-
Prepare the Aioli:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
-
Grill the Shrimp:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F / 200°C).
- Thread shrimp onto skewers.
- Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
-
Serve:
- Remove shrimp from grill and serve immediately with the lemon-herb aioli for dipping.
Notes
Grill Sticking Tip: Brush grill grates with oil before cooking to prevent sticking.
Cooking Alternative: If grilling isn’t an option, bake shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes or cook in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side.
Spice Control: Reduce cayenne and red pepper flakes for a milder version.
Extra Flavor: Sprinkle additional Parmesan on hot shrimp after grilling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving
