This Grilled Lemon Cilantro Shrimp recipe produces perfectly seasoned shrimp that grill in minutes for a light, fresh summer dinner. The combination of bright lemon, fresh cilantro and garlic highlights the natural sweetness of the shrimp for a simple, flavorful meal you can make any night of the week.
If you need a quick weeknight dinner, grilled shrimp is one of the fastest, healthiest options. Shrimp thaws quickly under cold water, cooks in just minutes, and pairs beautifully with this simple lemon-cilantro marinade. It’s low in calories, high in protein, and full of vibrant flavor.
Grilled Lemon Cilantro Shrimp Recipe
- In a bowl combine shrimp with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, chopped cilantro, salt and pepper; stir to coat evenly. Chill, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 10–15 minutes to prevent burning while grilling.
- Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill over low heat until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, about 2–3 minutes per side depending on size.
How to Grill Shrimp
Shrimp cooks very quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked, so a gentle approach yields the best texture. Follow these tips for reliable results every time.
- Thread each shrimp through the skewer twice so it lays flat on the grill. This makes flipping easier and helps the shrimp cook evenly.
- Keep the grill on low for this recipe. High heat can char the outside before the inside is properly cooked.
- Watch for color change: shrimp will go from dull gray to a light pink or orange and become firm to the touch.
- Grill for about 2–3 minutes per side, depending on shrimp size. Avoid prolonged cooking; the shrimp should be slightly curled and tender, not tightly curled and tough.
- Oil the grill grates or brush the shrimp with a little extra oil to prevent sticking and to promote even browning.
Grilled Shrimp Marinade
This marinade is intentionally simple—each ingredient plays a clear role in flavor and texture:
- Olive oil — extra virgin is preferred for flavor; oil also helps prevent sticking and helps distribute seasoning over the shrimp.
- Lemon juice — adds bright acidity and freshness without cooking the shrimp when used briefly in a quick marinade.
- Garlic — fresh garlic gives the best aroma and depth; garlic powder works in a pinch.
- Cilantro — freshly chopped cilantro adds bright herbal notes and color that pair wonderfully with lemon.
What to Serve with Grilled Shrimp
Grilled lemon cilantro shrimp is versatile and pairs well with many sides. For a complete, balanced meal consider one of the following:
- Serve family style over a bed of steamed white or brown rice to soak up the juices.
- Pair with a fresh corn salad or mixed bean salad for summer produce and texture contrast.
- Offer alongside roasted or grilled vegetables such as asparagus, peppers or mushrooms for a hearty plate.
- Slide the shrimp off the skewers and serve on warm tortillas with cabbage slaw, avocado and a squeeze of extra lemon for shrimp tacos.
Serving and Garnish
Serve the shrimp hot directly from the grill. Garnish with extra chopped cilantro and lemon wedges for squeezing at the table. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving enhances the flavors.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 1 pound peeled, deveined large shrimp (raw, tails on)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Place shrimp, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cilantro, salt and pepper in a bowl. Stir to coat the shrimp evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to marinate.
- While the shrimp marinate, soak wooden skewers in water if using them. Preheat the grill and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Thread the shrimp onto skewers so they lie flat. Reduce the grill to low heat and place skewers on the grates.
- Grill shrimp 2–3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from the grill promptly to avoid overcooking.
- Serve immediately with extra cilantro and lemon wedges. Enjoy!
Nutrition (per serving, approximate)
Calories: 57 kcal | Carbohydrates: 4 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 5 g | Sodium: 205 mg
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