Lemon Basil Grilled Shrimp

Name: Lemon Basil Grilled Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Around World Recipes

I absolutely love making Lemon Basil Grilled Shrimp on warm summer evenings. The zesty lemon and fragrant basil create a divine marinade that infuses every bite of tender shrimp with bright flavors. As I prepare the grill, the aromatic scent of the basil wafts through the air, making my taste buds tingle with anticipation. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also requires minimal ingredients, making it a perfect option for a spontaneous outdoor gathering or a cozy family dinner.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-07T19:37:28.135Z

When I first discovered the combination of lemon and basil, I knew I had to try it with shrimp. After experimenting with different marinades, I finally landed on a perfectly balanced mixture that elevates the natural sweetness of the shrimp. Marinating the shrimp for at least 30 minutes allows those flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring every bite bursts with freshness.

Grilling the shrimp brings out a smokiness that enhances the dish even more. I always recommend soaking the skewers in water before grilling to prevent them from burning, which makes the grilling process much easier while keeping the shrimp juicy and flavorful.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Zesty flavor that brightens up any meal
Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights
Healthy and low in calories, great for light lunches or dinners

Perfecting Your Marinade

The marinade for Lemon Basil Grilled Shrimp is a culinary masterpiece that combines vibrant flavors and essential ingredients. Olive oil serves as the base, providing a rich mouthfeel while also helping to retain the shrimp's moisture as they cook. The acidity from the fresh lemon juice not only adds tang but also acts as a tenderizer, enhancing the overall texture. When whisking, ensure the mixture achieves a glossy consistency, which indicates that the ingredients are well combined and ready to infuse the shrimp with flavor.

Chopping the basil finely allows its essential oils to release fully, ensuring each bite carries that fresh, herbaceous note. If fresh basil isn't available, feel free to use dried basil, but remember that dried herbs are more concentrated. Start with a smaller amount, about one tablespoon, and adjust according to your taste preferences. This flexibility allows you to adapt the recipe while still achieving a delightful flavor profile.

Grilling Tips for Perfect Shrimp

When it comes to grilling shrimp, temperature and timing are crucial. Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat, which should be around 375°F to 450°F. If the grill is too hot, you risk overcooking the shrimp, resulting in rubbery texture; too low, and you’ll miss that desirable char. I like to listen for a sizzling sound when placing the skewers on the grill, which indicates that the shrimp are searing properly and will develop a nice caramelized finish.

Another key to successful grilling is watching the shrimp closely. They typically need only 2-3 minutes per side. Look for visual cues—shrimp should appear opaque and have a slight golden char when done. Use a grill thermometer to take the guesswork out of cooking times, and if you're unsure, remove one skewer to check; perfectly cooked shrimp will be firm to the touch but still juicy inside.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Lemon Basil Grilled Shrimp is versatile and can be paired beautifully with various sides. Consider serving it over a bed of mixed greens drizzled with a balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing salad or alongside fragrant rice or quinoa for a heartier meal. For a vibrant presentation, garnish with lemon wedges and additional chopped fresh basil, enhancing both color and flavor.

If you want to elevate this dish further, consider a variation by adding vegetables to the skewers. Bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes not only complement the shrimp's flavor but also add visual appeal and nutrition. Marinate them in the same lemon-basil mixture for 30 minutes before grilling. This adds a nice textural contrast and allows everyone to enjoy a balanced meal right off the grill.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delightful grilled shrimp dish:

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Lemon Basil Grilled Shrimp:

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This mixture will serve as a marinade that enhances the shrimp's natural flavors.

Marinate the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss well to coat evenly. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat the Grill

While the shrimp is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.

Skewer the Shrimp

Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each shrimp for even cooking.

Grill the Shrimp

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp are opaque and slightly charred.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove the shrimp from the grill and serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and lemon wedges.

Enjoy this delicious grilled shrimp with your favorite side dishes!

Pro Tips

For an added kick, consider marinating the shrimp with a pinch of red pepper flakes. It's a fantastic way to introduce a bit of spice that complements the lemon and basil beautifully.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to customize the recipe or accommodate dietary preferences, there are several ingredient substitutions you can make. For instance, if you're avoiding olive oil, avocado oil or grapeseed oil work equally well. They have high smoke points suitable for grilling while maintaining a neutral flavor that allows the lemon and basil to shine through.

For those who prefer their shrimp without the lemony zest, try substituting lime juice and zest for a more tropical twist. The flavor profile here will change slightly but still bring a vibrant freshness that's perfect for summer grilling. Always keep the balance of acidity and oil in mind; if you adjust the acid, you may also want to tweak the oil content to achieve the desired marinade consistency.

Make-Ahead and Storage

One of the benefits of Lemon Basil Grilled Shrimp is that it can be prepared ahead of time. Marinate the shrimp up to 2 hours in advance for flavors that penetrate deeper, but avoid exceeding that duration, as the acid can begin to 'cook' the shrimp, altering the texture. If you have leftover shrimp, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making them ideal for quick lunches or snacks.

For longer storage, consider freezing the marinated shrimp. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When you're ready to cook, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and grill as per the instructions. This method preserves the shrimp's quality and allows for quick preparation even on busy days.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating.

→ How long can I marinate the shrimp?

You can marinate the shrimp for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor, but avoid longer times as it can make the shrimp mushy.

→ What if I don't have a grill?

You can prepare these shrimp in a grill pan on your stovetop or even bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes.

→ Can I add other vegetables to the skewers?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes pair wonderfully with shrimp and can be grilled simultaneously.