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 recommended); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Lemon wedges (if desired, for garnish)

If you're craving a fresh and vibrant dish that comes together in a flash, this Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Juicy extra-large shrimp get a bright, citrusy herb marinade that’s pure sunshine on a plate.

A white rectangular plate holds a bed of fresh green leafy herbs at the bottom, topped with a large pile of cooked shrimp covered in green herb sauce. Scattered around the shrimp are several yellow lemon wedges, adding bright color contrast. A silver tong rests on the left side of the plate. The plate is set on a wooden board, all placed on a white marbled surface with 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 always keep this grilled lemon herb shrimp recipe in my cooking rotation because it’s quick, bright, and packs incredible flavor with minimal effort—perfect for those busy nights or last-minute guests.

Super Fast to Make: Ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into any weeknight schedule.
Vibrant Citrus Flavor: The lemon zest and juice give the shrimp a fresh zing that’s irresistible.
Herbaceous Goodness: Fresh Italian parsley adds that lovely aromatic touch that elevates the whole dish.
Grilling Magic: Slight char marks on the shrimp add smoky depth while keeping the texture tender and juicy.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, make sure to grab the freshest extra-large shrimp you can find, and pick flat-leaf Italian parsley for its tender stems and vibrant flavor. The rest of the ingredients come together to create a marinade bursting with bright, balanced notes.

Flat lay of extra large peeled and deveined shrimp arranged neatly, bright yellow lemon wedges, a small bunch of fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley with tender stems, two whole peeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant yellow lemon zest, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden extra-virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl containing fresh lemon juice, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, and a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, all 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: Using peeled and deveined shrimp makes prep quick and keeps the dish neat and easy to eat.
Flat-leaf Italian parsley: Preferred for its mild, fresh flavor and tender texture that blends beautifully.
Garlic cloves: Adds savory depth and aroma to the marinade.
Lemon zest: Brings intense citrus oils that deliver brightness without extra acidity.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Provides a rich, fruity base that carries the herbs and seasoning evenly onto the shrimp.
Lemon juice: Lends a fresh, tangy kick to brighten every bite.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the vibrant flavors. I recommend Diamond Crystal for perfect salting.
Black pepper: Adds just a touch of warmth and spice to balance the citrus and herbs.
Lemon wedges: Optional, but perfect for serving if you want an extra squeeze of fresh lemon at the table.

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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

This Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Recipe is wonderfully versatile, letting you tailor flavors and presentation to your liking. Whether you want to dial up the heat, add a twist of sweetness, or keep it ultra-simple, these shrimp are a fantastic canvas for your personal touch.

Variation: Spicy Kick – I like adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade to give these shrimp a gentle heat. It pairs beautifully with the lemon and fresh herbs for a zesty, warming flavor that’s perfect for summer evenings.
Variation: Fresh Basil Twist – Swap out half the parsley for fresh basil for a slightly different herb profile. The basil brings a subtle sweetness and a fragrant note that makes the dish feel a bit more summery and bright.
Variation: Garlic Lovers’ Delight – Double the garlic for those who adore that pungent, savory depth. Just be mindful to balance it with fresh lemon juice to keep everything bright and fresh.
Seasonal Variation: Add Cherry Tomatoes – Thread a few cherry tomatoes onto the skewers with the shrimp. They blister beautifully on the grill, adding a juicy burst of sweetness that complements the herby marinade.
Dietary Option: Gluten-Free and Low Lactose – This recipe is naturally gluten-free and low lactose, making it accessible for those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing any flavor.

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

The white rectangular plate holds three rows of skewers with several grilled shrimp each, the shrimp are coated lightly with green herb sauce giving a fresh look. Below the shrimp skewers is a bed of fresh dark green parsley leaves spread across the bottom of the plate. Lemon wedges with a bright yellow color are placed among the parsley, adding a pop of color. The plate is set on a wooden board, which is sitting on a white marbled surface with a bright yellow cloth partially visible behind the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whirl Up the Vibrant Marinade

Start by blending fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley, peeled garlic cloves, lemon zest, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, kosher salt (I recommend Diamond Crystal), and black pepper in your blender or food processor. You’ll want a smooth, luscious marinade that’s bursting with citrusy herbal notes. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes, and you’ll know it’s ready when the consistency looks creamy and vibrant green.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Place one pound of extra large peeled and deveined shrimp into a bowl or resealable bag, then pour the marinade over them. Toss or gently shake to coat every shrimp in that flavorful mixture. Pop the shrimp in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes — this short marinating time is plenty to infuse them with flavor without the herbs overpowering the delicate seafood.

Step 3: Get That Grill Ready

While the shrimp soak up those delicious flavors, preheat your grill to medium-high. Make sure your grill grates are clean and rubbed with a little oil to prevent sticking. This will help you get beautiful char marks and juicy shrimp without any frustrating sticking or tearing.

Step 4: Thread the Shrimp onto Skewers

Thread your marinated shrimp onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece for even cooking. If you’re using wooden skewers, soaking them in water for 30 minutes beforehand helps prevent burning. This simple step makes grilling much less stressful!

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You want the shrimp to turn pink and opaque, with those signature char marks developing. Be attentive — overcooking can make shrimp rubbery. When in doubt, pull them off a little early; they will carry some heat and continue cooking briefly once off the grill.

Step 6: Serve with a Bright Finish

Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter and garnish with fresh lemon wedges. A quick squeeze over the top amps up the citrusy brightness and adds freshness that really makes these shrimp sing. Serve immediately while they’re warm for the best texture and flavor.

Top Tip

Getting these small details right can really elevate your Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Recipe to the next level. Here are a few tips I’ve gathered from my own kitchen experiments that I think you’ll find helpful.

Marinating Time: I’ve found that even a quick 10-minute marinate lets the flavors soak in beautifully without turning the shrimp mushy. Don’t skip this step!
Skewer Prep: Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes stopped them from burning on the grill, making the grilling process less stressful.
Watch the Grill: Shrimp cook fast—about 2 to 3 minutes per side—so keep a close eye to avoid overcooking. Tender shrimp make all the difference.
Use Flat-Leaf Parsley: Switching to flat-leaf Italian parsley instead of curly parsley gave the marinade a brighter, fresher taste and nicer texture.

How to Serve Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Recipe

The image shows several wooden skewers lined up on a dark metal tray with droplets of oil and marinade. Each skewer is filled with multiple pieces of raw shrimp, which are white-gray in color. The shrimp are covered in a green herb and finely chopped white garlic mixture, giving a textured, fresh look. The shrimp and herbs are arranged neatly in rows, and the tray sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh lemon wedges are a classic garnish here—squeezing a bit of bright citrus over the shrimp right before serving adds that extra zing. You could also sprinkle lightly chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous aroma.

Side Dishes

Pair these flavorful shrimp with a simple Mediterranean side like a crisp Greek salad, garlic roasted potatoes, or fluffy couscous. Grilled vegetables or a light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers also complement the fresh lemon herb flavors perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, making for a quick protein addition to lunches or salads the next day.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, it’s best to freeze the shrimp before cooking. Marinate the raw shrimp, then flash freeze them on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling. Cooked shrimp tend to get tough when frozen, so I recommend grilling fresh whenever possible.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm shrimp in a skillet over low heat for just a few minutes or use the microwave on a low power setting. Avoid overheating, as shrimp can quickly become rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Recipe?

Yes! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before marinating to ensure the marinade sticks well and the shrimp grill evenly.

How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?

Make sure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled before heating. Also, soaking wooden skewers before threading helps prevent burning and sticking.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! The marinade can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just add the shrimp when you’re ready to marinate and grill.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill? No problem. You can cook the shrimp under a broiler or on a stovetop grill pan, just watch closely since the shrimp cook quickly.

Final Thoughts

Making this Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Recipe has become a go-to whenever I want something fresh, flavorful, and fast. The bright herbs and lemon really highlight the sweet shrimp, and the quick grilling seals in that perfect tender texture. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to enjoy this dish as much as I do — it’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser!