What’s in Grilled Shrimp Marinade?
This shrimp marinade blends salty, sweet, savory, and tangy ingredients for a fresh and balanced flavor.
Olive Oil: Provides moisture to the shrimp and protects them from burning on the grill. Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tanginess and a subtle sweetness to the marinade. Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the shrimp to caramelize on the grill. Soy Sauce: Adds umami flavor to the marinade and helps to tenderize the shrimp. Garlic: Adds earthy and savory flavor to the marinade. Italian Seasoning: Adds a classic Mediterranean flavor profile to the marinade. Dijon Mustard: Adds tanginess and a touch of heat to the marinade. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a hint of spiciness. Salt + Pepper: Enhance the natural flavor of the shrimp. Shrimp: For this recipe, you’ll want large peeled and deveined shrimp.
Pro Tip: For a milder recipe, omit the red pepper flakes.
Variations on Marinated Grilled Shrimp
This shrimp marinade is so versatile, but you can still customize it even more to suit the dishes you plan to serve it with. Try adding the zest and juice of a lemon or lime to make the marinade even brighter. Swap the Italian seasoning for Creole seasoning, blackened seasoning, taco seasoning, or herbs de Provence. You can also swap out the brown sugar for honey, agave, or maple syrup to change the flavor profile slightly.
How to Store
Store leftover marinated shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the grill or in a lightly-oiled frying pan just until warmed through.
How to Freeze
Freeze cooked shrimp in a single layer on a lined baking sheet until solid, about 1-2 hours. Transfer to an airtight container or Ziplock bag to store for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve marinated shrimp with white rice, roasted potatoes, oven baked risotto, Parmesan polenta, quinoa salad, or tricolor pasta salad. A crunchy cucumber salad, fresh corn on the cob, grilled asparagus, or a grilled peach salad would also be delicious! Or use these shrimp to make shrimp tacos, grilled shrimp salad, or shrimp summer rolls.
More Skewered Shrimp Recipes We Love
Pesto Shrimp Bang Bang Shrimp Grilled Shrimp Salad More Easy Shrimp Recipes
More Sauces and Marinades to Try
We love to boost flavor by creating simple spice rubs or easy sauces. It’s such a quick way to pack your dinner with all the flavor with none of the fuss. Here are some favorites:
Burger Sauce Steak Marinade Chicken Seasoning Pork Chop Seasoning Chicken Marinade Turkey Rub Garlic Aioli