Name: Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 pound extra large shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1 bunch flat-leaf Italian parsley (tender stems ok, don’t use the thicker part); 2 cloves garlic (peeled); 1 tablespoon lemon zest; ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; ½ teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal preferred); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Lemon wedges (optional)

If you’re looking for a fresh and zesty way to enjoy shrimp, this Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Recipe is just what you need. It’s bright, simple, and perfect for any occasion from quick weeknight dinners to fun summer cookouts.

A white square plate filled with three layers: the bottom layer is fresh green parsley spread across the plate, the middle layer is fresh dill sprigs laid out on top of the parsley, and the top layer consists of grilled shrimp coated with green herb sauce, arranged closely together in the center. Four lemon wedges with bright yellow color are placed evenly around the shrimp on the greens. A pair of silver tongs rests on the top left corner of the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a wooden cutting board under the top right edge and a yellow cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m honestly obsessed with how fast you can whip these up, and the marinade packs such a vibrant punch—it’s like summer on a skewer every time.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish.
Vibrant Flavors: The citrus and fresh herbs brighten up every bite.
Versatile: Great for grill nights, but perfect on a stovetop or oven broiler too.
Healthy and Light: High in protein and low in fat, making it a guilt-free treat.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting the freshest ingredients makes all the difference here. Look for extra-large shrimp that’s peeled and deveined for ease, and choose bright green flat-leaf Italian parsley with tender stems for that lovely fresh herb flavor.

Flat lay of extra large peeled and deveined shrimp arranged naturally, bright yellow lemon wedges, a fresh bunch of flat-leaf Italian parsley with tender stems, two whole unpeeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl of finely grated lemon zest, a small white bowl of golden extra-virgin olive oil, a small white bowl with fresh lemon juice, a small white bowl holding coarse kosher salt crystals, and a small white bowl containing cracked black peppercorns, all evenly spaced with perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Extra Large Shrimp: Larger shrimp hold up beautifully on the grill and stay juicy without drying out.
Flat-Leaf Italian Parsley: Adds a bright, slightly peppery note; tender stems help blend smoothly into the marinade.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is essential for that bold, aromatic undertone.
Lemon Zest: Provides intense citrus fragrance and a touch of natural bitterness.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Helps carry the flavors and keeps the shrimp moist during grilling.
Lemon Juice: Adds tang and acidity to balance the richness of the olive oil.
Kosher Salt: Seasoning is key—Diamond Crystal salt is my favorite for even flavor distribution.
Black Pepper: Just a hint for subtle heat and complexity.
Lemon Wedges (Optional): Perfect for squeezing over the shrimp just before serving to amplify the citrusy freshness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Recipe is its versatility — it’s a canvas waiting for your personal touch. Whether you’re tweaking herbs or switching up the cooking method, there’s plenty of room to make it truly yours.

Variation: Swap out the flat-leaf Italian parsley for fresh cilantro or basil to give the marinade a completely new herbaceous twist. I love using basil in the summer as it adds a sweet warmth that pairs beautifully with the zesty lemon.
For a spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. The heat balances perfectly with the bright citrus flavors—perfect if you like a little fire on your grill.
Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great healthy option for all kinds of diets.
Indoor cooking: No grill? No problem! You can cook these shrimp on a stovetop grill pan or broil them in your oven at high heat for 3-4 minutes per side. Just keep an eye to avoid overcooking.
Seasonal sides: Pair your grilled shrimp with fresh grilled vegetables, a crisp green salad, or even quinoa for a wholesome meal that’s bright and satisfying.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Recipe

A rectangular white plate holds several skewers of shrimp arranged closely in neat rows. Each shrimp is a mix of soft pink and white with a green herb sauce covering parts of them, creating a textured look. The shrimp curl naturally around the metal skewers running through them. Under the shrimp, fresh green parsley leaves spread across the plate, adding a leafy base layer. Bright yellow lemon wedges are placed at the edges of the plate, adding contrast and a fresh touch. The plate sits on a wooden board with a bright yellow cloth nearby, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whip Up the Zesty Herb Marinade

Start by blending your fresh herbs and aromatics into a lively marinade. Combine the flat-leaf Italian parsley (make sure to remove any thick stems), peeled garlic cloves, lemon zest, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend everything until smooth — you want it bright green and packed with citrusy, garlicky flavor. This vibrant mix is what makes your shrimp sing!

Step 2: Let the Shrimp Soak Up the Flavor

Place the peeled and deveined shrimp into a bowl or a resealable plastic bag, then pour your freshly made marinade over them. Gently toss or massage the shrimp to coat evenly. Pop the shrimp into the fridge and let them marinate for about 10 minutes. This short soak is just enough time for the citrusy herb flavors to really infuse without overpowering the delicate seafood.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare Your Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high—about 400°F is perfect. Make sure your grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the shrimp from sticking. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to keep them from burning.

Step 4: Thread and Grill the Shrimp

Carefully thread the marinated shrimp onto your skewers, leaving a little space between each one so they cook evenly. Arrange the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready when the shrimp turn opaque with just a hint of char—don’t overcook or they’ll become rubbery. The shrimp will smell slightly smoky yet fresh, with that irresistible lemon-herb aroma.

Step 5: Serve with a Fresh Squeeze and Enjoy!

Remove the shrimp from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with lemon wedges and encourage everyone to squeeze fresh lemon juice over their skewers for an added burst of brightness. Dig in right away while they’re at their juicy, warm best.

Top Tip

Getting the most out of your Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Recipe is easier than you think! These tips come straight from my kitchen to yours, helping you achieve that perfect balance of juicy, flavorful shrimp every time.

Marinate Just Right: I’ve found that a 10-minute marinade is perfect—the shrimp soak up the citrusy herb flavors without starting to "cook" in the acid from the lemon juice.
Skewer Space Matters: Leaving a little breathing room between shrimp on the skewers ensures even grilling and those gorgeous char marks we all love.
Grill Heat Control: Preheat your grill to about 400°F for a quick sear that locks in juiciness without drying out the shrimp.
Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook fast! Cooking 2-3 minutes per side until opaque is ideal—overcooking turns them rubbery, and nobody wants that.

How to Serve Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Recipe

The image shows several wooden skewers laid out on a black baking tray, each skewer holding multiple raw shrimp. The shrimp are pale grey with a translucent look and are coated with a green herb and garlic mixture that adds a textured, speckled appearance. The shrimp curl around the skewers, with a mix of small chopped green herbs and white garlic pieces scattered on and between them. The black baking tray has some oil droplets shining on its surface. This scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten things up by serving your grilled shrimp with fresh lemon wedges on the side—encouraging guests to squeeze extra citrus over their skewers. A sprinkle of chopped Italian parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the marinade beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides like grilled vegetables—think zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus—or a refreshing green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, try serving over fluffy couscous or alongside garlic butter rice to soak up every bit of that delicious marinade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your grilled shrimp, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll keep fresh for up to 2 days—perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner the next day.

Freezing

While fresh is always best, you can freeze uncooked marinated shrimp in a sealed freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling. Cooked shrimp don’t freeze as well and can become rubbery when reheated, so I recommend grilling fresh if possible.

Reheating

To reheat your grilled shrimp, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat for just a couple of minutes, or briefly in the oven at 300°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can dry them out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw the shrimp and pat them dry before marinating to ensure the best texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have a grill—can I cook the shrimp another way?

No problem! You can use a stovetop grill pan or broil the shrimp in your oven. Both methods work well and still deliver great charred flavor.

Can I substitute the parsley with another herb?

Yes, feel free to switch parsley for cilantro or basil for a slightly different but delicious herb profile.

How do I know when the shrimp are done?

Look for shrimp that have turned opaque and pink with just a bit of char on the edges. It usually takes 2-3 minutes per side at 400°F.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about a quick and flavorful Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Recipe that comes together in just 15 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or just craving an easy weeknight dinner, these shrimp skewers never fail to impress. With bright citrus, fresh herbs, and that irresistible grilled char, they’re sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection. Happy grilling!