Bring home the flavor of your favorite seaside grill with this Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli. Imagine juicy shrimp, tinged with a smoky char and kissed with garlic and Parmesan, lightly spicy and utterly irresistible. Then swipe each skewer through a zesty, herby aioli, and you’ve got yourself a show-stopper that’s perfect for summer cookouts, casual dinners, or whenever you want to impress without a fuss. This is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is secretly speedy, simple, and always a hit with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need for this Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli is surprisingly straightforward. Each ingredient plays a specific and important role, whether it’s adding heat, bringing fresh flavors, or lending that luscious, golden finish.

Shrimp (1 1/2 pounds, large, peeled and deveined, tails on): These are the star of the show—a juicy, slightly sweet base that holds onto the seasoning beautifully.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Ensures the shrimp get that perfect char and helps the spices cling to every curve.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds loads of aromatic punch that wakes up all the other flavors.
Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): For just the right kick of heat—feel free to adjust to your spice preference.
Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a subtle smokiness that complements the grill and keeps things interesting.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Heightens all the flavors without overpowering the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds depth and contrast for a well-rounded spice profile.
Parmesan cheese (1/3 cup, grated): Freshly grated is best—it melts into the hot shrimp, creating amazing umami magic.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Provides a fresh, garden-bright note and lovely color.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy base for your aioli, making every bite luscious.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Lifts and brightens the aioli, pairing perfectly with seafood.
Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Packs a punchier lemon note than juice alone, plus a sunny color pop.
Garlic (1 clove, minced): A little more garlic goes into the aioli for double the flavor fun.
Fresh dill or parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Either herb works, adding a cool, herby freshness to the aioli.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential to finish the aioli and bring all the bright flavors together.

How to Make Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Start by tossing your cleaned, peeled shrimp in a big bowl with olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good mix to make sure each shrimp is coated in that vibrant, savory marinade. Cover the bowl and slide it into the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes—just enough time to let the shrimp soak up all the flavors. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water during this step to prevent any burning on the grill.

Step 2: Make the Lemon-Herb Aioli

While the shrimp are getting cozy in their marinade, stir together the aioli ingredients in a small bowl: mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and your choice of fresh dill or parsley. Add salt and black pepper to taste. The goal is a creamy, tangy dip loaded with bright herbs and zippy citrus. Cover and refrigerate the aioli until you’re ready to serve, so the flavors have time to meld.

Step 3: Skewer and Grill

Now comes the fun part: grilling! Preheat your grill to medium-high. Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers—snug but not squished—to ensure even cooking. Lay the skewers onto the hot grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. The shrimp should turn pink, opaque, and have just a hint of char. Don’t wander away; shrimp cook fast and you want them juicy, not rubbery!

Step 4: Parmesan Sprinkle and Parsley Finish

The moment those shrimp come off the grill, hit them with a generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan and a flutter of chopped parsley. The cheese will melt ever so slightly into the warm, spicy surface, giving off the most amazing aroma. The fresh parsley pops against the rosy, grilled shrimp for serious plate appeal.

Step 5: Serve with Lemon-Herb Aioli

Transfer the shrimp skewers onto a platter and serve immediately with your chilled Lemon-Herb Aioli on the side. Everyone will love dunking each spicy, garlicky bite into that creamy, herby, citrus-y dip. It’s that delicious contrast between fire and cool, richness and brightness, that makes Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli so irresistible.

How to Serve Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a handful of chopped fresh parsley or dill, and a few lemon wedges are all you need to make your platter pop. The lemon wedges let guests squeeze a little citrus right over the shrimp for an added zing, while the fresh herbs give a flourish of color and taste that signals freshness.

Side Dishes

This Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, a batch of fluffy jasmine rice, or some warm, crusty baguette to soak up any lingering aioli. For a real summer feast, serve alongside grilled corn or a tomato-cucumber salad to highlight those smoky, bright flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Slide the shrimp off the skewers and tuck them into warm pita or tortillas with crunchy lettuce and a drizzle of the Lemon-Herb Aioli for a fun handheld meal. Or arrange skewers upright in a tall glass or jar with a bed of greens for an appetizer display that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. However you serve them, this dish easily adapts for parties, potlucks, or even elegant dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the shrimp and aioli separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp will keep for up to two days, while the aioli will stay fresh for up to four days. This separation keeps the shrimp from getting soggy and the aioli nice and creamy.

Freezing

Freezing cooked shrimp works well, though the texture might soften a bit after thawing. Arrange the cooled shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to two months. Skip freezing the aioli, as it can separate and lose its beautiful consistency.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat just until heated through—or pop them under a broiler for a very short time to get that slightly crisp edge back. Avoid microwaving as it can quickly turn the shrimp rubbery. Serve with freshly stirred Lemon-Herb Aioli for the best flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli in advance?

You can prep the shrimp and marinade as well as the aioli a few hours ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, just grill the shrimp and assemble. This makes it a fantastic option for entertaining!

Do I have to use skewers for grilling?

Skewers are handy for flipping shrimp quickly on the grill and make for great presentation, but you can also use a grill basket if you prefer. Just make sure your shrimp are arranged in a single layer.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No problem! Use a grill pan on your stovetop or even broil the shrimp on a sheet pan in your oven. You’ll still achieve a lovely char and all those vibrant flavors.

Can I substitute another cheese for Parmesan?

Parmesan is classic in this recipe, but asiago or pecorino romano would also be delicious. Just choose a hard, salty cheese that grates well for the best results.

Is Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli suitable for gluten-free and low-carb diets?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and low-carb, making it a crowd pleaser for a variety of diets. Just double-check any packaged ingredients like mayonnaise to ensure they’re gluten-free if needed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a restaurant-worthy dish that comes together easily, Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli is sure to steal the spotlight at your next meal. It’s bright, bold, and brimming with flavor—give it a try, and get ready for rave reviews at your table!

Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 26 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy these succulent Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with a zesty Lemon-Herb Aioli, perfect for a flavorful appetizer or main course.

Ingredients

Scale

Grilled Shrimp:

1 1/2 pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Lemon-Herb Aioli:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Marinate Shrimp: Toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate for 15–30 minutes.
Prepare Aioli: Mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, zest, garlic, and herbs. Season and chill.
Grill Shrimp: Skewer shrimp and grill 2–3 minutes per side until charred.
Finish: Sprinkle hot shrimp with Parmesan and parsley. Serve with aioli.