Zesty Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli Recipe

Succulent shrimp dance with bold spicy garlic parmesan flavors that ignite summer barbecue magic.

Grilling brings out incredible depth in these tender seafood morsels.

The zesty seasoning creates an irresistible crust that seals in moisture and intensity.

Paired with a creamy lemon-herb aioli, these shrimp become an elegant yet simple dish anyone can master.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat, richness, and bright citrus notes.

Fresh herbs and quality ingredients elevate this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 21 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 3

What’s In Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp With Lemon-Herb Aioli

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that provides smooth texture and rich flavor foundation for the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy liquid that adds zesty freshness and helps balance the richness of mayonnaise.
• Lemon Zest: Intensely fragrant citrus peel that infuses the aioli with vibrant, concentrated lemon essence.
• Garlic: Pungent aromatic that brings bold, sharp flavor and depth to the aioli sauce.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that introduces a clean, slightly peppery green note and visual appeal.
• Dill: Optional herb that contributes delicate, feathery texture with a subtle, tangy undertone.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances and harmonizes all other flavors in the sauce.
• Black Pepper: Warm, slightly spicy seasoning that adds gentle heat and complexity to the aioli.

Grilling Tools For Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp With Lemon-Herb Aioli

• Mixing Bowl: Small-sized container for combining aioli ingredients.
• Zester or Grater: Sharp tool to easily remove lemon zest.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping herbs and zesting lemon.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise mincing of garlic and herbs.
• Measuring Spoons: Accurate tools for measuring lemon juice and seasonings.
• Whisk or Spoon: Perfect for blending aioli ingredients smoothly.
• Airtight Container: Useful for storing and chilling aioli before serving.

How To Grill Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp With Lemon-Herb Aioli

• Zesty Aioli Preparation

Whip up a tangy sauce by blending creamy mayonnaise with bright lemon essence, aromatic garlic, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. This vibrant condiment will elevate the grilled seafood to mouthwatering heights.

• Flavor Infusion

Marinate plump shrimp in a bold mixture of garlic, spices, and olive oil. Let the proteins soak up the intense seasonings, creating a mouthwatering base for grilling that promises explosive taste in every bite.

• Grilling Magic

Place the marinated shrimp on a sizzling hot grill, allowing them to develop a gorgeous charred exterior while maintaining a succulent interior. The high heat will caramelize the edges, creating a delightful contrast of textures.

• Finishing Touch

Once the shrimp turn a beautiful coral pink and display enticing grill marks, remove from heat. Dust with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of rich, savory goodness. Serve immediately with the prepared lemon-herb aioli for dipping.

• Serving Suggestion

Arrange the grilled shrimp on a rustic platter, drizzle with additional aioli, and garnish with fresh herb sprigs. This dish is perfect as an appetizer or light main course that will impress guests with its restaurant-quality presentation.

Tasty Tips For Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp With Lemon-Herb Aioli

• Expert Grilling Technique: Pat shrimp completely dry before marinating to ensure perfect caramelization and prevent steaming on the grill.
• Quick Marinade Hack: Let shrimp sit in garlic-herb mixture for 15-30 minutes maximum to prevent seafood from becoming tough or breaking down from acid.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap regular mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for lighter, dairy-free, or plant-based versions of the aioli sauce.
• Fire-Roasted Alternative: When outdoor grilling isn't possible, use a cast-iron grill pan or broil shrimp in the oven for equally delicious results with similar charred edges.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce directly into marinade, allowing guests to customize their preferred spiciness without overwhelming delicate shrimp flavor.

Serving Shrimp With Lemon-Herb Aioli Made Easy

• Seafood Feast Companion: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the shrimp's zesty flavors.
• Mediterranean-Style Plate: Serve over a bed of lemon-infused couscous or herbed rice, garnishing with extra chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful presentation.
• Summer BBQ Sidekick: Create a vibrant platter by arranging the grilled shrimp alongside grilled vegetable skewers, offering guests a light and flavorful meal option that's perfect for outdoor dining.
• Appetizer Transformation: Serve the shrimp on small toothpicks with a dollop of the lemon-herb aioli for an elegant party starter that's easy to enjoy while mingling.

Storing Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp With Lemon-Herb Aioli

• Quick Chill Zone: Store aioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping flavors fresh and zesty.
• Smart Advance Prep: Marinate shrimp in garlic and spices up to 30 minutes before grilling for maximum flavor absorption, but avoid exceeding 1 hour to prevent protein breakdown.
• Leftover Love: Refrigerate cooked shrimp in sealed containers for 1-2 days, enjoying cold in salads or quickly reheating in a skillet for 2-3 minutes.
• Freezer Friendly Tip: Place uncooked marinated shrimp in freezer bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling for best texture and taste.

Mouthwatering Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp With Lemon-Herb Aioli Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 21 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Spicy garlic parmesan grilled shrimp with lemon-herb aioli brings Mediterranean coastal flair to summer dinner tables. Succulent shrimp marry zesty seasonings and creamy aioli, creating an irresistible seafood experience for home chefs eager to explore bold flavors.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on, optional)
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tsp fresh dill, finely chopped (optional)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Aioli Preparation: Whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, citrus zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and optional dill in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
2. Seasoning Blend: Enhance the aioli with sea salt and black pepper, carefully balancing the flavor profile to create a vibrant and zesty sauce.
3. Chilling Process: Seal the aioli in a container and refrigerate, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify their aromatic qualities while preparing the remaining dish components.
4. Shrimp Marination: Combine minced garlic, grated parmesan, red pepper flakes, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, creating a robust and spicy marinade.
5. Coating Technique: Thoroughly coat the shrimp in the prepared marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly covered with the flavorful mixture.
6. Grilling Method: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Arrange marinated shrimp on skewers, maintaining consistent spacing for even cooking.
7. Cooking Process: Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, watching for a beautiful golden-brown exterior and ensuring they’re opaque throughout.
8. Final Presentation: Remove shrimp from grill, let rest briefly, then serve immediately with the chilled lemon-herb aioli for dipping.

Notes

• Chill Aioli Thoroughly: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow herbs and garlic to infuse deeply, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
• Balance Seasoning Carefully: Taste and adjust salt and pepper incrementally to prevent overpowering the delicate shrimp and herb notes.
• Prevent Seafood Overcooking: Grill shrimp quickly on high heat for 2-3 minutes per side to maintain tender, succulent texture without becoming rubbery.
• Control Zest Intensity: Microplane citrus zest finely to distribute lemon essence evenly without introducing bitter undertones.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg