Grilled Garlic Shrimp
This grilled garlic shrimp recipe is another favorite inspired by my Auntie Merle and the Hawaiian flavors she introduced to me. It is incredibly simple, packed with garlic, and cooks quickly on the grill. If you love shrimp with plenty of flavor, this is one you’ll want on your summer menu.
One of my favorite things about recipes passed down is that they often do not need a long ingredient list. Instead, a few good ingredients can create an incredible meal.
That is exactly what happens with this grilled garlic shrimp.
Large shrimp get tossed with crushed fresh garlic, smoked paprika, avocado oil, sea salt, and black pepper. After a short 15-minute marinade, the shrimp go onto skewers and onto a hot grill. Then, while they cook, I brush them generously with melted butter.
The result is juicy, smoky, garlicky shrimp with plenty of buttery flavor.
Best of all, the entire recipe comes together fast. It is perfect for a weeknight dinner, summer cookout, or relaxed backyard meal.
I love serving these grilled garlic shrimp with fluffy white rice and other tropical-inspired dishes. Add some fresh fruit or grilled vegetables, and you have a meal that feels like a little getaway without spending hours in the kitchen.
Inspired by My Auntie Merle
This recipe is Hawaiian inspired by my Auntie Merle, and that makes it extra special to me.
Food has a funny way of carrying memories. A recipe can remind you of a person, a place, or a particular time in your life. Sometimes, it is not even about following an exact traditional recipe. Instead, it is about taking inspiration from the flavors and foods that bring those memories back.
That is what I wanted to capture with this grilled garlic shrimp.
The garlic is bold. The butter adds richness. Smoked paprika gives the shrimp a subtle smoky flavor, while grilling brings everything together.
Serve the shrimp over white rice, maybe a little kimchi, some grilled fruit and veggies, and you have a simple meal that feels tropical, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Garlic Shrimp
First, it is beyond easy- if you have a grill, you can do this.
You combine the marinade ingredients, toss in the shrimp, and let them sit for just 15 minutes. While they marinate, you can soak the skewers and heat the grill.
The shrimp cook in about 6–8 minutes total. That’s fast- you’re going to want to start the rice and other sides before grilling.
That means dinner can be on the table quickly.
The flavor is another reason I love this recipe. Ten cloves of fresh garlic might sound like a lot, but garlic is the base of the marinade. It gives every shrimp a deep, savory flavor that blends perfectly with butter and smoky paprika.
Finally, grilling gives the shrimp a little char and smoky flavor that you cannot get from boiling or steaming.
Fresh Garlic Makes a Difference
This recipe uses 10 cloves of garlic, so fresh garlic matters.
I recommend crushing or finely chopping the garlic so it distributes evenly throughout the marinade.
As the shrimp marinate, the garlic works its way onto the surface of each piece. Then, once the shrimp hit the grill, the garlic develops even more flavor.
If you grow your own garlic, this is an especially good recipe to make after harvesting a fresh batch.
Even if your garlic comes from the grocery store, freshly crushed cloves will give you much more flavor than a jar of pre-minced garlic.
Ingredients for Grilled Garlic Shrimp
You only need a handful of ingredients to make this easy grilled shrimp recipe.
Large Shrimp
Use 1 pound of large shrimp.
Large shrimp are best on skewers because they are substantial enough to handle the grill without becoming difficult to manage.
If your shrimp still have the shells on, peel and devein them before marinating.
You can leave the tails on if you like. The tails make the shrimp easier to handle and also give the finished dish a beautiful presentation.
Fresh Garlic
Fresh garlic provides the bold flavor that makes this recipe stand out.
Crush or finely chop the cloves before adding them to the marinade.
Smoked Paprika
Add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
The smoked paprika gives the shrimp a subtle smoky flavor that works especially well with the grill.
You do not need a large amount. Just that small amount adds another layer of flavor.
Avocado Oil
Use 2 tablespoons of avocado oil.
The oil helps coat the shrimp and distribute the garlic and seasonings.
I also like using avocado oil because it has a high smoke point suitable for high-heat cooking.
Sea Salt and Black Pepper
Add 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
These simple seasonings help bring out the natural flavor of the shrimp and balance the garlic.
Melted Butter
You will need 3 tablespoons of melted butter for brushing onto the shrimp while they grill.
This is where the recipe gets really good.
As the shrimp cook, you brush the grilled side generously with melted butter. The butter adds richness and helps the garlic flavor shine.
How to Make Grilled Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Make the Garlic Marinade
Start by adding the crushed garlic, smoked paprika, avocado oil, sea salt, and black pepper to a mixing bowl.
Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly combined.
The garlic should be distributed throughout the oil and seasonings.
Step 2: Add the Shrimp
Add the large shrimp to the bowl.
Toss them thoroughly so the marinade coats each shrimp.
Once everything is well coated, allow the shrimp to marinate for 15 minutes.
You do not need a long marinade for shrimp. In fact, keeping the marinade short is best because shrimp are delicate and cook quickly.
Step 3: Soak the Skewers
While the shrimp marinate, soak your wooden skewers in water.
This helps prevent the skewers from burning while they are on the grill.
If you use metal skewers, you can skip this step.
Step 4: Heat the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
You want the grill hot enough to cook the shrimp quickly and create some beautiful grilled flavor.
Make sure the grill grates are clean before you begin.
Step 5: Thread the Shrimp
Pierce approximately 6 shrimp per skewer.
Try to thread the shrimp securely so they stay in place when you flip the skewers.
If your shrimp are especially large, you may need fewer per skewer.
Step 6: Grill the Shrimp
Place the shrimp skewers onto the grill.
Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes.
Then flip the skewers.
Generously brush the cooked side with melted butter.
Continue grilling for another 3–4 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through.
Keep an eye on them because shrimp can go from perfectly cooked to overcooked fairly quickly.
Step 7: Let the Shrimp Rest
Remove the shrimp from the grill and allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Then remove them from the skewers if desired and serve with your favorite sides.
How Do You Know When Shrimp Are Done?
Shrimp cook quickly, so watching them closely is important.
Raw shrimp typically have a translucent appearance. As they cook, they become opaque and develop a firm texture.
You want the shrimp cooked through without becoming tough or rubbery.
If you use a food thermometer, shrimp should reach 145°F for food safety.
The exact cooking time can vary depending on the size of the shrimp and the temperature of your grill. Therefore, use the recipe’s 3–4 minutes per side as a guideline rather than an absolute rule.
Why the Butter Goes on During Grilling
You might wonder why the melted butter gets brushed onto the shrimp after you flip them rather than being added to the initial marinade.
There is a good reason.
The avocado oil works well in the initial marinade because it coats the shrimp and helps carry the garlic and seasonings.
Then, once you flip the shrimp, the melted butter gets brushed onto the cooked side. The butter adds a rich, savory flavor while the shrimp finish cooking.
It also gives the shrimp that delicious buttery finish that makes this recipe so satisfying.
What to Serve With Hawaiian-Inspired Garlic Shrimp
White rice is my favorite side for this grilled garlic shrimp.
The rice gives you something simple to soak up all those flavorful juices and butter.
For a Hawaiian-inspired meal, you can also serve the shrimp with grilled pineapple, fresh fruit, steamed vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Try adding coconut rice for even more tropical flavor.
A fresh cucumber salad would also work beautifully because its crisp texture provides a refreshing contrast to the warm grilled shrimp.
You could even serve the shrimp with a bowl of fresh pineapple, mango, or watermelon.
There is no need to make the entire meal complicated.
In fact, keeping the sides simple allows the grilled garlic shrimp to take center stage.
Tips for the Best Grilled Garlic Shrimp
Use Fresh Garlic
Fresh garlic provides the strongest flavor. Since garlic is such an important part of this recipe, freshly crushed cloves make a big difference.
Do Not Over-Marinade
Shrimp do not need hours in the marinade.
Fifteen minutes is enough to coat them with plenty of garlic and seasoning.
Preheat the Grill
A properly heated grill helps the shrimp cook quickly and develop grilled flavor.
Watch the Shrimp Closely
Shrimp cook much faster than many other proteins.
Stay nearby and keep an eye on them while they grill.
Brush With Plenty of Butter
Do not be shy with the melted butter.
Brushing it onto the shrimp after flipping adds wonderful richness and flavor.
Give Them a Few Minutes to Rest
Letting the shrimp rest for about five minutes gives you a little time to finish the sides and get everything onto the table.
Can I Use Smaller Shrimp?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time.
Smaller shrimp cook faster, so keep a close eye on them.
The important thing is to cook the shrimp until they are opaque and reach a safe internal temperature without overcooking them.
Can I Cook These Shrimp Without Skewers?
Yes.
You can cook the shrimp directly on a grill basket or grilling pan if you prefer.
Skewers simply make it easier to flip several shrimp at once and keep them from falling through the grill grates.
If you use wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water before grilling.
Can I Prepare the Shrimp Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the garlic marinade and clean the shrimp ahead of time.
However, because shrimp cook so quickly, I prefer to marinate them shortly before grilling.
The entire process is already fast, so there is little benefit to marinating them for a long period.
Can I Make This Recipe on a Gas or Charcoal Grill?
Yes.
This recipe works on either a gas or charcoal grill.
A charcoal grill will give the shrimp an especially smoky flavor, while a gas grill makes temperature control very easy.
Either way, medium-high heat works well.
Hawaiian-Inspired Flavor at Home
I love how food can connect us to our loved ones.
This recipe is inspired by my Auntie Merle, and every time I make it, I think about the Hawaiian flavors that inspired it.
You do not need a plane ticket to enjoy a meal with tropical flavor.
Fire up the grill, cook some garlic shrimp, make a pot of white rice, and add a few fresh tropical ingredients to the table.
Suddenly, an ordinary weeknight dinner is a memoire of great times together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you grill garlic shrimp?
Grill the shrimp for about 3–4 minutes on the first side, then flip and brush with melted butter. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through.
What temperature should shrimp reach?
For food safety, cook shrimp to an internal temperature of 145°F.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before adding them to the marinade.
How long should shrimp marinate?
This recipe calls for 15 minutes of marinating time. That is enough time for the garlic and seasonings to coat the shrimp.
Why should I soak wooden skewers?
Soaking wooden skewers in water helps prevent them from burning on the hot grill.
What should I serve with grilled garlic shrimp?
White rice is an excellent choice. You can also serve the shrimp with grilled pineapple, fresh fruit, vegetables, coconut rice, or a crisp salad.
Can I make these garlic shrimp without a grill?
Yes. Cook the shrimp in a hot skillet if you do not have access to a grill.
Grilled Garlic Shrimp Recipe
This Hawaiian-inspired grilled garlic shrimp recipe is proof you do not need a ton of ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something incredibly tasty.
Fresh garlic, smoked paprika, avocado oil, sea salt, black pepper, and butter give these shrimp plenty of flavor. Then, the grill adds that smoky finish that makes every bite delicious.
Serve them over fluffy white rice with some tropical-inspired sides, and you have an easy summer meal.
More Hawaiian Style Recipes
Kimchi
Spam Musubi
Hawaiian Potato Salad
Miso Chicken
Grilled Garlic Shrimp
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Equipment
- Small mixing bowls
Ingredients
- 1 pound Large Shrimp
- 10 cloves Garlic
- 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp Avocado oil
- 1/4 tsp Sea salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 3 tbsp Melted butter (for brushing on the shrimp while grilling)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine crushed garlic, smoked paprika, avocado oil, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Toss the shrimp into the bowl and stir to coat the shrimp. Allow to marinate for 15 minutes. While the shrimp are marinating, soak the skewers in water.
- Heat the grill to medium high heat.
- Pierce about 6 shrimp per skewer.
- Place the shrimp on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Flip the skewers and generously coat the cooked side with melted butter. Allow the shrimp to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from the grill and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
