7 Easy Grilled Shrimp Seasoning Recipes You Need to Try Today!

There’s nothing quite like a delicious, juicy grilled shrimp on a warm summer day.

But what really makes this dish stand out is the perfect grilled shrimp seasoning.

Choosing the right seasoning mix can elevate your shrimp game from good to extraordinary.

Don’t worry if you’re not sure where to start – we’ve got you covered with these seven simple yet flavorful recipes for grilled shrimp seasonings that will have your taste buds dancing!

Today You’ll Learn:

• The Importance of Seasoning Your Grilled Shrimp
• Recipe #1: Classic Cajun Spice Mix
• Recipe #2: Lemony Garlic Herb Rub
• Recipe #3: Smoky BBQ Blend
• Recipe #4: Sweet Chili Lime Zest
• Recipe #5: Mediterranean Magic Seasoning
• Recipe #6: Asian-Inspired Ginger Soy Glaze
• Recipe #7: Caribbean Jerk Kick

The Importance of Seasoning Your Grilled Shrimp

Before diving into our mouth-watering recipes, let’s talk about why seasoning your grilled shrimp is so important:

• Enhances flavor and adds depth to each bite.
• Creates a beautiful crust when seared on high heat.
• Complements the natural sweetness and briny taste of fresh seafood.
• Allows you to customize and get creative with flavors based on personal preferences.

Now that we understand how vital it is, let’s explore some easy-to-make yet irresistible grilled shrimp seasoning recipes!

Recipe #1: Classic Cajun Spice Mix

Turn up the heat with this traditional Southern blend that packs a punch!

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Generously coat shrimp with the seasoning blend.
3. Grill shrimp on high heat until cooked through.

Serving Ideas:

• Serve atop creamy grits for a Southern favorite.
• Toss into a shrimp po’ boy sandwich with lettuce and remoulade sauce.
• Stir into jambalaya along with chicken, sausage, and rice.

Recipe #2: Lemony Garlic Herb Rub

This zesty blend is perfect for those who love bright, fresh flavors!

Ingredients:

• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine lemon zest, minced garlic, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper.
2. Gently rub the seasoning mixture onto shrimp.
3. Grill shrimp on medium-high heat until cooked through.

Serving Ideas:

• Skewer seasoned shrimp with cherry tomatoes and zucchini for a colorful kebab.
• Toss grilled shrimp in a light pasta dish with olive oil and cherry tomatoes.
• Serve atop mixed greens with feta cheese and a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.

Recipe #3: Smoky BBQ Blend

Bring the flavors of the barbecue to your grilled shrimp with this smoky seasoning mix!

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Coat shrimp evenly with the seasoning blend.
3. Grill on high heat until cooked through.

Serving Ideas:

• Serve alongside cornbread and coleslaw for an authentic BBQ experience.
• Add to tacos or quesadillas with avocado crema and fresh pico de gallo.
• Top off baked macaroni & cheese with grilled shrimp for added smokiness.

Recipe #4: Sweet Chili Lime Zest

Add some sweet heat to your grilled shrimp with this tangy Asian-inspired blend!

Ingredients:

• Zest of one lime
• Juice of half a lime
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix together lime zest, lime juice, sweet chili sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate shrimp in the mixture for 15 minutes.
3. Grill shrimp on medium-high heat until cooked through.

Serving Ideas:

• Thread shrimp onto skewers with pineapple and red bell pepper for a tropical twist.
• Serve over coconut jasmine rice with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
• Toss grilled shrimp in a Thai-inspired noodle salad with peanut dressing.

Recipe #5: Mediterranean Magic Seasoning

Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean coast with this fragrant blend!

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of one lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Rub the seasoning mixture onto shrimp.
3. Grill on medium-high heat until cooked through.

Serving Ideas:

• Serve atop warm orzo pasta tossed with cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives.
• Add grilled shrimp to a Greek salad loaded with cucumber, red onion, and tzatziki sauce.
• Stuff seasoned shrimp into pita bread along with veggies and hummus for an easy handheld meal.

Recipe #6: Asian-Inspired Ginger Soy Glaze

This savory glaze offers an irresistible umami kick to your grilled shrimp!

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• Juice of half a lime
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, lime juice, ginger, and garlic.
2. Marinate shrimp in the mixture for at least 30 minutes (up to two hours).
3. Grill on medium-high heat until cooked through.

Serving Ideas:

• Serve over steamed jasmine rice with stir-fried veggies for an easy dinner.
• Add cooked shrimp to a Vietnamese-inspired rice noodle salad with fresh herbs and nuoc cham dressing.
• Top off a bowl of ramen with grilled shrimp, a soft-boiled egg, and green onions.

Recipe #7: Caribbean Jerk Kick

Bring the flavors of the islands to your backyard grill-out with this spicy jerk seasoning!

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp ground allspice
• 2 tsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Generously coat shrimp with the seasoning blend.
3. Grill on high heat until cooked through.

Serving Ideas:

• Serve alongside coconut rice and beans for a true island experience.
• Toss into a tropical fruit salad with mango, pineapple, and avocado slices.
• Skewer seasoned shrimp onto sugarcane sticks for added sweetness during grilling.

Five Tips For Seasoning Grilled Shrimp:

• Pat them dry: Before applying any seasoning, make sure your shrimp are thoroughly patted dry. Excess moisture can cause spices or rubs to clump up or become diluted instead of sticking properly.
• Marinate wisely: Marinating some seasonings can help impart their flavor deeper into the shrimp but be cautious not to marinate too long as acidic ingredients may start cooking seafood too soon.
• Season generously: Don’t skimp on your seasoning – it should create an even coating that forms a nice crust when seared on high heat while retaining moisture inside each piece of shrimp.
• Avoid burning: When using sweet or sugar-based seasonings like BBQ blends or chili lime zest, watch out for burning due to caramelization – cook on slightly lower heat and monitor closely.
• Experiment: Feel free to mix and match ingredients or adjust the spice levels in any of these recipes to suit your personal taste preferences. The possibilities are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage Tips:

	Make Ahead	Storage
Dry Rubs	Mix together up to a week ahead, store in an airtight container at room temperature.	Store leftover rubs in an airtight container for up to six months.
Wet Marinades/Glazes	Prepare up to two days ahead, refrigerate until ready for use.	Store leftover marinades/glazes in an airtight container for up to one week; discard if they came into contact with raw shrimp.

FAQs

What spices go well with shrimp?

Shrimp pairs beautifully with various spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, allspice, cinnamon, ginger, and more – as seen throughout our seven recipe suggestions above.

What do you put on shrimp before grilling?

Pat dry your shrimp thoroughly before applying any seasoning or marinade mixture to ensure it adheres correctly without clumping or diluting.

Do you season shrimp before or after grilling?

It’s best to season your shrimp before grilling so that the flavors can infuse while cooking and create a tasty crust when seared on high heat.

What is the secret to grilling shrimp?

The secret lies in selecting fresh seafood; patting them dry; using flavorful seasonings generously; avoiding overcooking by monitoring grill times closely; and experimenting with different flavor combinations based on personal preference.