15 Best-Rated Grilled Shrimp Recipes for Summer Cooking

These top-rated grilled shrimp recipes bring restaurant-quality flavors to your backyard barbecue. From herb-crusted classics to spicy international twists, there’s something for every taste.

Each recipe offers a unique approach to grilling shrimp perfectly. Whether you want quick weeknight dinners or impressive party appetizers, these methods deliver amazing results.

01. Herb and Garlic Grilled Shrimp

This version uses fresh basil, parsley, oregano, and thyme ground with garlic, lemon zest, and olive oil. The herb paste creates an aromatic coating on each shrimp.

Grinding herbs in a mortar and pestle releases maximum flavor oils. This traditional technique makes the herbs stick better during grilling.

Perfect for cooks with herb gardens who want to showcase fresh ingredients. Takes extra prep time but creates incredible depth of flavor.

02. Simple Spicy Grilled Shrimp

This method uses common pantry ingredients like paprika, garlic powder, and basic spices. You can adjust the heat level by adding more paprika to taste.

The dry spice rub creates a flavorful crust without any marinating time needed. Just toss shrimp with spices and grill immediately.

Great for busy weeknights when you need dinner fast. Uses ingredients most home cooks already have in their kitchen.

03. Margarita-Style Grilled Shrimp

This marinade combines olive oil, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, tequila, and cayenne pepper. The tequila adds a unique depth without overwhelming alcohol flavor.

The lime juice tenderizes shrimp while cilantro provides fresh herb notes. Tequila caramelizes slightly on the grill for complex taste.

Perfect for summer parties or Mexican-themed dinners. Takes about 30 minutes to marinate for restaurant-quality results at home.

04. Classic Grilled Shrimp Scampi

This version uses olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, garlic, and red pepper flakes for traditional scampi flavors. The marinade works in just 15 minutes.

The lemon juice brightens flavors while garlic provides savory depth. Red pepper flakes add gentle heat without overpowering delicate shrimp.

Great for preparing ahead since the marinade can be made hours early. Works perfectly over pasta or with crusty bread.

05. Cajun Lime Grilled Shrimp

This method uses your favorite Cajun seasoning blend with fresh lime juice for bright, spicy flavors. Different seasoning brands create unique heat levels and tastes.

The lime juice balances the bold Cajun spices perfectly. Start with less seasoning and add more to match your heat preference.

Perfect for cooks who like customizing spice levels. Takes just minutes to prepare but delivers bold Louisiana-style flavors.

06. Basil Butter Grilled Shrimp

This marinade combines olive oil, melted butter, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, fresh basil, and garlic. The butter helps herbs stick while adding richness.

Dijon mustard provides subtle tang that enhances other flavors. Fresh basil gives bright herbal notes that pair beautifully with seafood.

Great served over pasta with simple garlic and olive oil sauce. Takes about 20 minutes to marinate for best flavor development.

07. Thai-Spiced Barbecue Shrimp

This version uses lemon juice, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, brown sugar, and curry paste. The curry paste provides authentic Thai heat and flavor complexity.

Brown sugar balances the spicy curry while soy sauce adds umami depth. The combination creates sweet-spicy-savory layers of taste.

Perfect for adventurous cooks who enjoy bold international flavors. Definitely has a kick, so start with less curry paste if heat-sensitive.

08. Teriyaki Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers

This method alternates jumbo shrimp with fresh pineapple chunks on skewers with homemade teriyaki sauce. The pineapple caramelizes beautifully on the grill.

The sweet pineapple juice helps tenderize shrimp while adding tropical flavor. Teriyaki sauce creates a glossy, flavorful coating when grilled.

Great for summer parties or weekend entertaining. Cooks in just a few minutes and looks impressive on the plate.

09. Coconut Lime Grilled Shrimp

This tropical marinade combines coconut milk, lime juice, and spices for island-inspired flavors. The coconut milk keeps shrimp incredibly moist during grilling.

Save some marinade before adding raw shrimp to brush on while grilling. This adds extra flavor and prevents the shrimp from drying out.

Perfect for summer cookouts with a tropical theme. Takes minimal effort but delivers restaurant-quality results with amazing flavor.

10. Honey Glazed Shrimp Skewers

This version uses honey, Worcestershire sauce, and vegetables like onions, peppers, and mushrooms on skewers. The honey caramelizes for sweet, sticky coating.

Adding vegetables to skewers creates a complete meal in one dish. Cut vegetables bite-sized so they cook evenly with the shrimp.

Great served over rice with a simple salad. Adjust Worcestershire sauce amount to let other flavors shine through better.

11. Extra Spicy Grilled Shrimp

This method creates seriously spicy shrimp using multiple hot peppers and spices. Only attempt this recipe if you genuinely enjoy very spicy food.

The intense heat comes from layering different spicy ingredients together. Fresh lemon juice added after grilling helps balance the heat slightly.

Perfect for heat lovers who want a real challenge. Definitely not for those who prefer mild flavors or shy away from spice.

12. Classic Marinated Grilled Shrimp

This marinade uses olive oil, parsley, lemon juice, hot sauce, garlic, and tomato paste. The tomato paste adds richness and helps other flavors stick.

The combination creates a well-balanced marinade with tangy, savory, and slightly spicy notes. Works great in grill baskets or on skewers.

Perfect served over pasta with the leftover marinade as sauce. Can be grilled in baskets for easier handling of smaller shrimp.

13. Hawaiian-Style Mayo Shrimp

This version uses mayonnaise mixed with lemon juice, garlic powder, and lemon pepper for coating. The mayo keeps shrimp incredibly moist while grilling.

Marinating for a couple hours allows flavors to penetrate the shrimp completely. The mayo creates a protective coating that prevents overcooking.

Great for cooks who want foolproof moist results every time. This method makes it almost impossible to dry out the shrimp.

14. Sweet and Spicy Honey Chili Shrimp

This simple recipe uses just chili-garlic sauce and honey for a perfect sweet-heat balance. Two ingredients create surprisingly complex flavors when grilled.

The honey caramelizes while the chili-garlic sauce provides spicy depth. This combination works perfectly as appetizers or main dishes.

Perfect for quick appetizers that look and taste impressive. Takes almost no prep time but delivers restaurant-quality flavor and presentation.

15. Italian-Style Marinated Shrimp

This marinade combines garlic, olive oil, tomato sauce, red wine vinegar, basil, and cayenne pepper. The tomato sauce base creates rich, Italian-inspired flavors.

Red wine vinegar adds brightness while basil provides classic Italian herb notes. Cayenne pepper gives just enough heat to enhance other flavors.

Great for party appetizers that disappear quickly from the table. The familiar Italian flavors appeal to most guests and cook beautifully.

Final Thoughts

These grilled shrimp recipes offer something for every taste preference and skill level. From simple spice rubs to complex marinades, each method creates delicious results on the grill.

Experiment with different flavor combinations to find your favorites. Most recipes work great as appetizers, main dishes, or over pasta and rice.