Go Back
Grilled shrimp on a plate with fresh lemon wedges and parsley garnish

Best Ever Shrimp Marinade

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 215
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons hone y
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined

Method
 

  1. In a non-reactive mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  2. Transfer the shrimp into a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them.
  3. Expel excess air from the bag, seal, and agitate to ensure the marinade is distributed evenly across all shrimp surfaces.
  4. Refrigerate the shrimp for exactly 30 minutes; durations exceeding 60 minutes may result in structural degradation of the protein due to citric acid exposure.
  5. Preheat a cast-iron skillet or outdoor grill to medium-high heat (approximately 400°F/200°C).
  6. Extract the shrimp from the marinade using tongs, allowing excess liquid to drip off, and discard the remaining used marinade.
  7. Place shrimp in a single layer on the cooking surface and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side.
  8. Remove from heat immediately once the internal temperature reaches 120°F (49°C) or the shrimp become opaque and form a distinct 'C' shape.