Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli

Elevate your next barbecue with this tantalizing Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli recipe! Packed with bold flavors, this dish is perfect for seafood lovers looking to add a gourmet twist to their grilling repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or preparing a weeknight meal, this recipe is quick, easy, and sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Skewers (if using wooden ones, soak them in water for 30 minutes)

For the Lemon-Herb Aioli:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp Marinade:

• In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, red chili flakes, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.

2. Make the Lemon-Herb Aioli:

• In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, parsley, and garlic.
• Mix well and season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. Preheat the Grill:

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

4. Assemble the Skewers:

• Thread the shrimp onto skewers, leaving a bit of space between each shrimp for even cooking.

5. Grill the Shrimp:

• Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly charred.
• Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley over the shrimp during the last minute of cooking.

6. Serve:

• Arrange the grilled shrimp on a platter and serve with the chilled Lemon-Herb Aioli for dipping. Add extra lemon wedges on the side for garnish.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp

• Choose Fresh Shrimp: Opt for fresh or properly thawed shrimp to achieve the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly; remove them from the grill as soon as they turn pink to avoid a rubbery texture.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the red chili flakes to suit your spice preference.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and chili flakes creates an irresistible coating for the shrimp.
• Refreshing Aioli: The zesty Lemon-Herb Aioli adds a creamy and tangy contrast, perfectly complementing the shrimp.
• Quick and Easy: This dish takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Pairing Suggestions

For a complete meal, serve this dish with:

• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
• Grilled vegetables such as asparagus or zucchini
• Garlic bread or a light pasta dish

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining spicy, garlicky, and cheesy notes with the freshness of lemon and herbs. It’s a versatile recipe that works as an appetizer, main course, or even a luxurious addition to a surf-and-turf menu. Try it today, and watch your guests rave about your culinary skills!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

• Presentation: Serve the shrimp directly on the skewers for an elegant presentation, or slide them off onto a platter for a more casual vibe. Garnish with additional parsley and lemon slices for a pop of color.
• Dipping Sauce: Place the Lemon-Herb Aioli in a small bowl at the center of the platter to make it easy for everyone to enjoy.
• Side Pairings: For a complete spread, consider serving the shrimp alongside a light quinoa salad, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread. A glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with this dish.

Storage Tips

Leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the aioli in a separate sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the shrimp on a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, just enough to warm them through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the shrimp rubbery.

Make-Ahead:

• Marinate Ahead: Prepare the shrimp marinade up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the shrimp to the marinade about 30 minutes before grilling.
• Aioli: The Lemon-Herb Aioli can be made a day or two ahead. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Freezing:

• Raw Shrimp: If you have extra raw shrimp, you can freeze them in the marinade in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before grilling.
• Cooked Shrimp: While it’s better fresh, cooked shrimp can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

With these tips, you can enjoy this Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli fresh, or keep leftovers tasting just as delicious!

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed before marinating. Thaw shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes, changing the water once or twice.

2. Can I cook the shrimp without a grill?

Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the shrimp in a skillet or grill pan on the stovetop. Heat the pan over medium-high heat, lightly oil it, and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

3. Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese?

If you prefer a different flavor or have dietary restrictions, you can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano, nutritional yeast (for a dairy-free option), or a plant-based Parmesan alternative.

4. How spicy is this recipe, and can I adjust the heat?

The spice level is moderate, thanks to the red chili flakes. If you prefer a milder version, reduce or omit the chili flakes. For extra heat, add more chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

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