If you are searching for a vibrant, flavorful seafood dish that impresses with simplicity and freshness, this Grilled Jumbo Shrimp with Parsley and Garlic Marinade Recipe is a total winner. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp perfectly kissed by the grill, infused with a lively marinade bursting with parsley, garlic, honey, and a touch of mustard. This recipe effortlessly brings together bright herbs and savory, slightly sweet notes that dance on your palate. It’s an absolute must-try for anyone who loves quick yet unforgettable meals that showcase the best of summer grilling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to unlocking the charm of this dish. Each one plays a distinct role: the parsley brightens, garlic adds warmth, honey brings balance, and olive oil keeps everything luscious while helping those jumbo shrimp develop mouthwatering char on the grill.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley offers a vibrant, herbaceous flavor that forms the base of the marinade’s freshness.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses a sharp aromatic punch that perfectly complements the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- Dijon Mustard: A tablespoon adds a subtle tang that ties all flavors together with a hint of complexity.
- Honey: Honey balances the garlic’s punch with a mild sweetness, creating that perfect sweet-savory combo.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for enhancing and bringing out all the individual flavors in the marinade and shrimp.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and keeps the marinade smooth, while helping the shrimp grill up with a beautiful sear.
- Extra Jumbo Shrimp: The star of the show—large, juicy shrimp that soak up all the marinade’s goodness and grill beautifully.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is sprinkled over at the end for a bright, zesty finish that elevates the entire dish.
How to Make Grilled Jumbo Shrimp with Parsley and Garlic Marinade Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by finely chopping the parsley and mincing the garlic to release their vibrant flavors. In a bowl, combine these with Dijon mustard, honey, kosher salt, and olive oil, stirring well until the mixture resembles a pesto or chimichurri. This combination creates a deliciously herbaceous, slightly sweet marinade that will transform the shrimp.
Add the shrimp to the marinade and make sure each piece is well coated. Cover and let the shrimp rest for at least one hour in the refrigerator to soak up all the marvelous flavors. If you’re planning ahead, letting it marinate overnight will deepen the flavor infusion, making every bite even more incredible.
Step 2: Heat the Grill and Cook the Shrimp
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures a quick sear that locks in juices while imparting those satisfying grill marks. Carefully remove the shrimp from the marinade, shaking off any excess to avoid flare-ups, then place them directly on the grill grates.
Cook the shrimp for about 3 minutes on one side, paying attention to their color and texture—they should start to turn a lovely pink with a slight char. This quick grilling keeps them tender and juicy, avoiding the dreaded rubbery texture.
Step 3: Flip and Finish Grilling
Flip the shrimp gently to cook the other side for another 3 minutes. This quick turn keeps the shrimp evenly cooked and beautifully caramelized on both sides. Once done, transfer the shrimp to a serving bowl, and immediately sprinkle fresh lemon juice over them for that perfect citrus zing that brightens all those rich herbal and garlicky notes.
How to Serve Grilled Jumbo Shrimp with Parsley and Garlic Marinade Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your presentation and flavor with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few thin lemon wedges on the side. Not only do these garnishes add a pop of color, but they also reinforce the herbaceous, zesty vibe of the dish, making every bite as delightful as the first.
Side Dishes
This Grilled Jumbo Shrimp with Parsley and Garlic Marinade Recipe pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides. Think grilled vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers, a tangy couscous salad, or even a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette. Rice pilaf or a creamy polenta also offer satisfying textures that complement the shrimp’s bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and casual experience, skewer the shrimp and serve them as handheld bites at a backyard party or picnic. You can also toss the grilled shrimp into a fresh pasta tossed with olive oil and cherry tomatoes for a quick weeknight meal. Even layering them on a toasted baguette with a smear of aioli makes for an irresistible shrimp sandwich!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The marinade’s fresh herbs will have mellowed, but the shrimp remain tender and flavorful enough to enjoy cold in a salad or reheated gently.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked shrimp, it’s best to freeze the shrimp before grilling—they’ll keep better in marinade form. Place the marinated shrimp in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers quickly over medium heat on the stove or briefly under the broiler, just enough to warm through without overcooking. Avoid microwaving whenever possible to preserve the shrimp’s juicy texture and vibrant flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating for even flavor absorption and to avoid excess moisture during grilling.
How long should I marinate the shrimp?
For best flavor, marinate at least one hour, but letting it sit overnight in the fridge really allows the parsley and garlic to infuse deeply.
Can I prepare this recipe indoors without a grill?
Yes, you can grill the shrimp on a grill pan or cook them under the broiler. Just keep a close eye to prevent overcooking since shrimp cook quickly.
What can I use if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
Yellow mustard works in a pinch but lacks some of the tang and mustard seed complexity. You could also try a teaspoon of whole-grain mustard for texture and flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this recipe emphasizes fresh herbs, garlic, and a hint of sweetness, so it’s not spicy, making it perfect for all taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Jumbo Shrimp with Parsley and Garlic Marinade Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a special occasion every time you cook it. With its bright, fresh flavors, quick prep, and irresistible grilled goodness, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Trust me, once you try grilling shrimp this way, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. So fire up your grill and get ready to enjoy a deliciously simple yet unforgettable seafood experience!
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Grilled Jumbo Shrimp with Parsley and Garlic Marinade Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 11 minutes (including marination time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled Jumbo Shrimp recipe features plump, flavorful shrimp marinated in a vibrant parsley, garlic, and honey mixture, then grilled to perfection. The marinade adds a fresh and slightly sweet kick, making it an ideal appetizer or main dish for seafood lovers looking for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 1 bunch parsley, finely chopped
- 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Main Ingredient
- 1 pound extra jumbo shrimp, thawed
- 1 lemon, for juicing
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Finely chop the parsley and mince the garlic. In a bowl, combine the parsley, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, kosher salt, and olive oil. Mix well until the mixture takes on a pesto or chimichurri-like texture.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add the thawed shrimp to the marinade, making sure they are well coated. Cover the bowl and let the shrimp rest in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or up to overnight to maximize flavor infusion.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it is hot before placing the shrimp on it to cook evenly and develop grill marks.
- Grill the Shrimp: Carefully remove the shrimp from the marinade and place them on the grill. Cook the shrimp for 3 minutes on one side.
- Flip and Continue Grilling: Flip the shrimp and grill for an additional 3 minutes on the other side until they are opaque and cooked through.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled shrimp to a serving bowl, then lightly sprinkle with fresh lemon juice before serving for a bright, zesty finish.
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if left on the grill too long.
- For even cooking, ensure shrimp are thawed completely before marinating and grilling.
- Consider using skewers to make grilling and flipping easier and prevent shrimp from falling through grill grates.
- Additional fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can be added to the marinade for a different flavor profile.
- Serve with a side salad or crusty bread to complement the shrimp.
