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If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and makes your taste buds dance, then you are going to love this Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli Recipe. Juicy shrimp get perfectly charred on the grill while soaking up a delicious marinade of garlic, Parmesan, and just the right amount of heat. Paired with a fresh and tangy lemon-herb aioli, this dish elevates simple ingredients into a gourmet experience that’s perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something special. The balance of spice, creaminess, and citrus zing ensures every bite is a celebration of flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this recipe starts with vibrant, accessible ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each element plays a unique role in building layers of flavor, from the smoky spices to the fresh herbs and creamy aioli. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before firing up your grill.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The starring protein, providing a tender, slightly sweet base that grills beautifully.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps the marinade cling and keeps the shrimp juicy while grilling.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds pungent aroma and robust flavor essential for the garlicky punch.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Contributes a warm, smoky depth that complements the char from the grill.
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste): Gives the shrimp a lively kick that wakes up your palate.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes: Another layer of gentle heat and texture.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and draws out the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds subtle spiciness and balance.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a savory, nutty creaminess that melts slightly during grilling.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Offers a bright, herbaceous freshness to lighten the dish.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Lends a vibrant citrus note that brightens and balances the spices.
- Skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes): Essential for easy grilling and turning the shrimp without falling apart.
- For the Lemon-Herb Aioli:
- ½ cup mayonnaise: The creamy base that smooths out the flavors.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds a refreshing tartness to the sauce.
- 1 tsp lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor with aromatic oils.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Mirrors the shrimp marinade for continuity in flavor.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped: Provides fresh color and a subtle herb flavor in the aioli.
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard: Adds a slight tang and depth to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: To round out and season the aioli perfectly.
How to Make Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by combining the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and fresh lemon juice in a large bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until fully blended. Then add the peeled and deveined shrimp, tossing them well to ensure every piece is coated with that vibrant marinade. Let them sit and soak up all those flavors for about 15 to 20 minutes—this step is key to building that bold taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon-Herb Aioli
While the shrimp marinates, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. This aioli not only complements but also contrasts with the spicy shrimp, giving you a creamy, tart dip that lifts the entire dish. Cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve so the flavors have time to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Fire Up the Grill and Thread Shrimp
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat—aim for around 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, if you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaking for at least 30 minutes to avoid burning. Skewer the shrimp carefully to keep them secure, spacing them evenly so they cook uniformly and develop those gorgeous grill marks.
Step 4: Grill the Shrimp to Perfection
Place the skewers directly on the hot grill, cooking each side for 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll know they are done when the shrimp turn opaque and have developed a slight char that adds a lovely smoky flavor and appealing texture. Watch closely to prevent overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery if left too long.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
As soon as the shrimp come off the grill, present them on a platter alongside the chilled lemon-herb aioli. The contrast of warm, spicy shrimp with cool, zesty dip is pure perfection. Dive right in and watch the smiles unfold!
How to Serve Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley and a light dusting of Parmesan over the grilled shrimp just before serving. A few lemon wedges on the side add visual appeal and allow guests to add an extra splash of citrus if desired. These small touches make the dish feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli Recipe pairs wonderfully with fresh, simple sides. Consider a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini, or even a fluffy bed of rice or couscous that can soak up any extra aioli or marinade juices. Each side adds complementary textures and flavors without overpowering the shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve the shrimp skewers on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of the aioli for dipping. Alternatively, remove the shrimp from the skewers and toss them into a vibrant taco with crunchy slaw, avocado slices, and a drizzle of aioli for a fun, hand-held meal. This recipe invites creativity without losing its signature bold flavor and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (less likely, but it happens!), transfer the grilled shrimp to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days, making for quick next-day meals or tasty additions to salads and wraps.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze raw, marinated shrimp on the skewers before grilling. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to a month. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and grill as usual for nearly the same fresh taste and texture.
Reheating
To reheat cooked shrimp without drying them out, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or briefly in the microwave. Avoid high heat or prolonged cooking, as shrimp can become tough and rubbery. Adding a splash of water or covering the shrimp during reheating can help maintain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure the marinade clings well and the shrimp cook evenly on the grill.
How spicy is this Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli Recipe?
The heat level is medium, coming from the cayenne and red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust by reducing or increasing these ingredients to match your preference.
Can I make the lemon-herb aioli ahead of time?
Yes! The aioli actually tastes even better when prepared a few hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld. Just keep it refrigerated until serving.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can cook the shrimp under a broiler or in a hot grill pan on the stove. The goal is to get a nice char while keeping them juicy.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just double all ingredients and use more skewers and grill space. The marinade and cooking method scale up nicely, making it perfect for entertaining.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli Recipe is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re new to grilling shrimp or a seasoned pro, the combination of spices, cheese, and fresh herbs guarantees a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. So grab your skewers, fire up the grill, and dive into this flavorful adventure—you won’t regret it!
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Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp recipe features large shrimp marinated in a zesty blend of garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne, and Parmesan cheese, grilled to perfection, and served with a refreshing lemon-herb aioli. Perfect for a quick and flavorful seafood meal, this dish balances heat and tang with creamy, herbaceous dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Shrimp and 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)
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, tossing them thoroughly to ensure even coverage. Allow the shrimp to marinate for 15-20 minutes to absorb the spices and flavors.
- Prepare the Aioli: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, finely chopped parsley, Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, approximately 400°F (200°C), to prepare for cooking the shrimp.
- Thread the Shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, ensuring they are evenly spaced for consistent grilling.
- Grill the Shrimp: Place the skewers on the grill and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn opaque and develop a slight char, indicating they are done.
- Serve: Remove the shrimp from the grill and serve immediately with the chilled lemon-herb aioli as a dipping sauce for a burst of fresh flavor.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Adjust cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness.
- Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Leftover aioli can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Ensure shrimp are cooked until opaque to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
