Spicy Garlic Lime Shrimp Marinade Recipe

Introduction

This vibrant shrimp marinade combines a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors that will elevate your seafood dishes. It’s quick to prepare and adds a delicious kick, making your shrimp tender and flavorful every time.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spicier marinade)
• Salt and black pepper to taste (about ¼ teaspoon each)
• Hot sauce to taste (optional)
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

Instructions

1. Step 1: Whisk together the olive oil, honey, garlic, parsley, smoked paprika, lime zest, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. If you want, reserve a few tablespoons to use as a finishing sauce later.
2. Step 2: Place the shrimp in a large zip-lock bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 15 to 20 minutes, or up to 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Step 3: When ready to cook, drain the marinade from the shrimp and discard it.
4. Step 4: Grill or sauté the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and are cooked through. Transfer them to a serving platter.
5. Step 5: Finish by squeezing fresh lime juice over the shrimp for a bright, zesty touch before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch or two of ghost pepper powder to the marinade.
• If you prefer a smokier flavor, try using smoked sea salt instead of regular salt.
• Marinating shrimp longer than 1 hour can cause them to become mushy, so avoid extending the time.
• Serve the shrimp over rice or with a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid overcooking. The marinade should not be reused once it has come into contact with raw shrimp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this marinade?

Yes, but make sure the shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating to ensure the flavors absorb well.

Is it necessary to add honey or sugar to the marinade?

The honey or brown sugar balances the smoky and spicy elements, adding depth and a subtle sweetness, but you can omit it if you prefer a less sweet marinade.

Spicy Garlic Lime Shrimp Marinade Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 145 reviews

This vibrant shrimp marinade recipe combines olive oil, honey, garlic, fresh parsley, smoked paprika, lime zest, and a touch of red pepper flakes to create a flavorful and slightly spicy marinade perfect for grilling or sautéing shrimp. The marinade infuses the shrimp with a zesty, smoky, and mildly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with a fresh squeeze of lime juice for a delicious, quick seafood dish.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling or Sautéing (Primary Method: Grilling)
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Marinade Ingredients

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spiciness)
• Salt and black pepper, ¼ teaspoon each
• Hot sauce to taste (optional)

Main Ingredient

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, smoked paprika, lime zest, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Optionally reserve a few tablespoons to use as a finishing sauce later.
2. Marinate the shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a large zip-lock bag. Pour the marinade over the shrimp, seal the bag securely, and refrigerate for at least 15 to 20 minutes, or up to 1 hour for better flavor absorption.
3. Discard excess marinade: When ready to cook, remove the shrimp from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade to prevent cross-contamination.
4. Cook the shrimp: Grill or sauté the shrimp over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through.
5. Finish and serve: Transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving platter and squeeze fresh lime juice over them. Optionally, drizzle with the reserved marinade or hot sauce for extra flavor. Serve immediately.

Notes

• You can substitute honey with brown sugar for a similar sweetness.
• Adding ghost pepper powder can increase the spicy kick if desired.
• Do not reuse marinade that has been in contact with raw shrimp without boiling it first to ensure food safety.
• Marinating for longer than 1 hour is not recommended to avoid mushy texture.
• Serve with rice, salad, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Keywords: shrimp marinade, grilled shrimp, spicy shrimp, seafood marinade, quick shrimp recipe