Charcoal-Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shrimp marinated in a bright lemon garlic mixture and cooked over charcoal for a smoky, zesty seafood delight. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 18 minutes pairs pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, fresh lemon juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until emulsified.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your charcoal grill to medium-high heat, allowing coals to become ashy and hot.
  4. Step 4: Thread the marinated shrimp onto 6 soaked wooden skewers, about 6 shrimp per skewer.
  5. Step 5: Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once, until shrimp are opaque and have grill marks.
  6. Step 6: Remove shrimp from grill and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Charcoal-Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Charcoal-Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh lemon juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Charcoal-Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Charcoal-Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp?

Mediterranean grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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