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Charred Spicy Grilled Shrimp

This dish features shrimp marinated in bold spices and grilled over high heat until lightly charred. The shrimp develop a smoky flavor with a tender, juicy interior and a slightly crisp exterior, showcasing a quick cooking process that emphasizes char and flavor balance.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined) preferably fresh
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced) freshly minced
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to heat preference
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for marinade
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Combine the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and olive oil in a mixing bowl to form a marinade.
  2. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss well to coat each piece evenly with the marinade. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  3. Preheat the grill to high heat until it’s hot and ready, the grates should be visibly glowing.
  4. Arrange the marinated shrimp on the grill grates in a single layer, spacing them slightly apart.
  5. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they develop a slight char and turn pink.
  6. Flip the shrimp carefully and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until fully opaque and evenly charred.
  7. Remove the shrimp from the grill and transfer to a serving plate, allowing them to rest briefly as they finish cooking off the heat.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired for added brightness.