Best Ever Shrimp Marinade

This is the Best Ever Shrimp Marinade, perfect for the grill or delicious sautéed. You’ll always want to make this lemony garlic shrimp!

This right here is the kind of recipe that becomes a staple at home. It’s a quick and impressive meal that leaves everyone wanting more. Really, it’s the marinade that does it!

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Bright flavour: The lemony garlic marinade just elevates the shrimp to a whole new level.
• Simple & delicious: Quick, easy, and mega crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients and substitutions

• Shrimp – fresh shrimp or defrosted frozen shrimp are best.
• Olive oil – use any neutral flavor of oil in the marinade that you prefer. Good choices include vegetable oil or avocado oil.  Because the shrimp will be cooking under high heat, be sure to use oil with a high smoke point.
• Lemon juice – freshly squeezed or bottled lemon juice would both work. You could also try using another citrus juice like grapefruit or lime juice.
• Garlic – fresh garlic is best but jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch.
• Fresh parsley – if you don’t have any fresh parsley, use 1 tsp. dried parsley or basil.
• Dijon mustard – stone ground mustard can be used instead or you can leave this out altogether.
• Lemon zest – use lime zest in a pinch.
• Chili flakes – red pepper flakes would also add some spice to this marinade.
• Dried basil – oregano or thyme will provide a similar flavour.

How to make the best shrimp marinade

Step 1: Prep your ingredients.

Peel and devein the shrimp and prep the marinade ingredients.

Step 2: Make the marinade.

Mix all ingredients for marinade together in a large bowl with a lid or Ziploc.

Step 3: Marinate the shrimp.

In a plastic bag or container, mix the shrimp with the sauce and leave for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Add the shrimp to skewers.

Add the shrimp to skewers, then place them on a baking sheet. Broil the shrimp or grill until cooked through.

Frequently asked questions

Can I marinate pre-cooked shrimp?

I’d recommend using raw shrimp if you plan on marinating it. Pre-cooked shrimp won’t soak in the marinade as well, and you also risk over-cooking it since it’s already been cooked once.

Is there a way to add a creamy element to the marinade without using dairy?

I’d try adding coconut cream or a small amount of blended cashews. Both of those will add a nice creamy texture to the marinade.

Can I marinate shrimp overnight?

I wouldn’t advise that, as prolonged marination can impact the texture and flavour of the shrimp.

What to serve with this dish

Honestly, this shrimp is a winner! And to make it even better, I’ve got a few side dish pairings that I personally adore. I think you will too!

• Salads like a simple green salad or cucumber salad
• Grilled zucchini, eggplant or asparagus.
• Asparagus risotto, creamy pasta, or polenta
• Crusty bread or garlic bread

How to store and reheat

Store: Keep cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or microwave briefly to avoid overcooking.

Freeze and reheat from frozen: Freeze uncooked marinated shrimp in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.

Meal prep tools

• Grab some glass meal prep bowls if you plan on storing any leftovers.
• Use these Ziploc bag holders for an easier way to marinate.
• Get these reusable metal skewers for grilling.