If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and perfect for any occasion, the Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe combines succulent shrimp coated in a spicy, garlicky, and cheesy marinade, grilled to perfection and paired with a zesty lemon-herb aioli that adds just the right amount of tang and freshness. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings together a fantastic balance of heat, creaminess, and brightness all on one skewer!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping it simple is key here—the magic of the Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli Recipe lies in the quality and harmony of the ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding spice, richness, or that vibrant pop of citrus.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, providing a sweet, tender seafood base that grills beautifully.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps all the spices stick and adds a smooth richness during grilling.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a pungent warmth that forms the backbone of the marinade’s flavor.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth and a hint of earthiness to the shrimp.
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper: Brings the perfect kick of heat; adjust to suit your spice tolerance.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes: Boosts texture and fiery notes for extra zing.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps season the shrimp intensely.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle edge and complexity.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers umami and a cheesy crisp finish after grilling.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a fresh, herbaceous contrast to the spice.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens and balances the richness with zesty citrus notes.
- Skewers (soak in water for 30 minutes if wooden): Essential for easy grilling and serving.
- For the Lemon-Herb Aioli:
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Creamy base to make the aioli luxuriously smooth.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds a fresh zest that lifts the aioli.
- 1 tsp lemon zest: Infuses concentrated lemon flavor for brightness.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Complements the aioli with a mild garlicky touch.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped: Adds herb freshness and color.
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard: Offers a subtle tang and depth to the aioli.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Perfect for seasoning and balancing flavors.
How to Make Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by whisking together olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and lemon juice in a large bowl. This marinade is where all the flavors mingle and infuse the shrimp deeply. Once mixed, add your peeled and deveined shrimp, tossing until every piece is generously coated. Let them chill for 15-20 minutes—this gives the shrimp a chance to soak up all that bold seasoning magic.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon-Herb Aioli
While the shrimp marinates, whip up the aioli. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, finely chopped parsley, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients until smooth and creamy. Pop the aioli in the fridge to chill and let its flavors meld, making it the perfect tangy, garlicky companion to your smoky grilled shrimp.
Step 3: Get the Grill Ready
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for about 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to have soaked them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning. Thread each shrimp onto the skewers, making sure they’re snug but not crowded so they cook evenly.
Step 4: Grill the Shrimp
Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’re looking for that gorgeous opaque pink color and a slight char that adds depth of flavor. The Parmesan in the marinade crisps up beautifully during grilling, creating a flavorful crust that’s downright addictive.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once grilled, remove the shrimp from the heat and serve immediately alongside that refreshing lemon-herb aioli. The combination of spicy, cheesy grilled shrimp with cool, zesty aioli makes each bite crave-worthy and satisfying in every way.
How to Serve Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches are everything. Sprinkle a bit of fresh parsley or finely grated Parmesan over the grilled shrimp for a pop of color and extra flavor. A wedge of lemon on the side is also fantastic for that fresh squeeze of acidity, enhancing the whole dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides that complement the bold shrimp flavors without overpowering them. Think crisp green salads, grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini, or even a simple garlic butter rice pilaf. These will soak up the lemon-herb aioli beautifully and round out the meal with texture and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp tacos-style with warm tortillas, avocado slices, and a drizzle of the lemon-herb aioli. You can also turn this into a vibrant seafood platter with fresh herbs, colorful roasted peppers, and pita bread for dipping. The Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli Recipe is versatile and sure to impress no matter how you plate it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the grilled shrimp and the aioli separately in airtight containers. Keep them refrigerated and consume within 2 days for the freshest flavor and texture. The shrimp may lose a bit of its crispiness but will still be delicious.
Freezing
This recipe isn’t ideal for freezing once cooked, as the texture of shrimp can become rubbery. However, you can freeze the uncooked marinated shrimp for up to one month. Just thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.
Reheating
To warm up cooked shrimp leftovers, use a stovetop skillet over medium heat for a quick 1-2 minutes or until just heated through. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make shrimp tough and chewy. Serve again with chilled lemon-herb aioli for that fresh flavor hit.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture, which can interfere with the grilling process and flavors.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level is moderate with cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat to your liking by reducing or increasing those ingredients.
Is the lemon-herb aioli difficult to make?
Not at all! It’s a simple mix of ingredients that require just whisking together, no fancy equipment or long prep time needed.
Can I use an oven or grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?
Yes! You can broil the shrimp in the oven or cook them on a grill pan. Just watch carefully to achieve that nice char without overcooking.
What can I serve instead of aioli?
If you prefer, a simple squeeze of fresh lemon or a light yogurt-based dip with herbs and lemon juice makes a great alternative to the lemon-herb aioli.
Final Thoughts
Getting this Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli Recipe on your table is like inviting sunshine to your meal. The flavors sing together in a beautiful harmony, making it a fantastic dish that’s both impressive yet easy enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover your own love for this vibrant, spicy, and creamy shrimp delight!
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Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp recipe features plump, juicy shrimp marinated in a bold blend of garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne, and Parmesan cheese, then perfectly grilled to achieve a deliciously charred finish. Served with a tangy lemon-herb aioli, this dish is a quick and flavorful seafood option perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Marinade
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For the Lemon-Herb Aioli
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and lemon juice. Whisk everything thoroughly to create the marinade.
- Coat the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Toss well to ensure every shrimp is coated evenly. Allow the shrimp to marinate for 15 to 20 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
- Prepare the Aioli: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, finely chopped parsley, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Place the aioli in the refrigerator to chill until serving.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, approximately 400°F (200°C), to ensure a quick and even cooking process.
- Thread the Shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp carefully onto the skewers, spacing them slightly to allow even heat circulation and grilling.
- Grill the Shrimp: Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until the shrimp turn opaque and develop a slight char, then flip and cook the other side for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the shrimp from the grill once cooked through and slightly charred. Serve hot with the chilled lemon-herb aioli on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Adjust cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- For an indoor alternative, shrimp can be cooked on a grill pan or under the broiler.
- Use fresh lemon juice and parsley for the best flavor in the aioli.
- This recipe works well as an appetizer or a main course served with a side salad or grilled vegetables.
