Fire up the grill this summer for some healthy eats with this Spicy Grilled Shrimp recipe. Made with just a few ingredients and ready to eat in less than 20 minutes!
Easy Spicy Grilled Shrimp Recipe
Nothing makes me happier than cooking food over a fire. It’s so simple and primitive, yet complex and unpredictable. Cooking a killer meal on hardwood charcoal is extremely satisfying and makes you feel like you can conquer the world. Standing over a fire, I’m mesmerized by the glowing coals and the way they look like shiny jewels. When I was little, I used to wish I could reach into the fire and grab a “jewel” coal. I never did, of course, because…well that would have been stupid.
When I grill, I like to keep things pretty simple and this healthy shrimp recipe is just that! The grilled shrimp marinade seasoning mix has a Mexican flair to it and can be served with bibb lettuce leaves for delicious gluten free, Paleo and Keto friendly tacos.
How To Butterfly Shrimp
Grilled shrimp are easier to cook if they are butterflied. Butterflying means to partially cut through the thick part of a piece of meat or seafood and spreading the sides open to resemble a butterfly’s wings so the food can cook evenly. Here’s how to do it:
- cut each whole shrimp on the top, 1/2 of the way through from the head to the tail
- remove the “vein” straight down the middle of each shrimp (it’s just the intestinal tract of the shrimp and is competely harmless, but it is unsightly, so I remove it)
- season and grill!
Cooking on a Japanese hibachi grill
I’ve owned the Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman’s Grill above for a year now and it has turned out to be my favorite way to charcoal grill. This powerful hibachi-style grill runs HOT AS A FIRECRACKER and cooks food so quickly! It’s so perfect for healthy shrimp recipes, like this one!
If you are thinking about getting one, read this post by my BBQ/Grilling Hero, Steven Raichlen, that’s all about the pros and cons of hibachi cooking. A bit of advice in searching for the best grill:
- check the Internet for the best price before buying
- make sure the manufacturer is Lodge to ensure the grill is solid cast iron.
One of best features of this grill is the way the cooking grate can be moved closer to the fire and that’s perfect for making a Pittsburgh style steak. Have you ever had one of those? It’s a rare on the inside, charred on the outside steak, and is (my opinion) the best way to grill a steak.
I love making this spicy grilled shrimp recipe whenever J and I are just hanging outside by the pool on a beautifully sunny summer afternoon. So easy to throw a skewer on the grill while enjoying a cold drink. It also looks pretty darn fancy to serve up as finger food to pool guests too.
Speaking of grills, I have 4 different types of BBQ grills, but I’ve always wanted a big griddle for parties at home or to take camping. Well, I finally found the perfect one at a very reasonable price! This Blackstone Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle Station
just arrived the other day and I’m testing it out next week. Can’t wait and look out for a video of me cooking 48 burgers on it on my Instagram and Facebook accounts soon!
Next time you want an easy meal or snack, grill up some healthy Spicy Grilled Shrimp! Don’t eat shrimp? Enjoy this spicy Jamaican Jerk Chicken recipe instead and happy grilling!
- 1 pound extra large raw whole wild shrimp , heads-on preferred
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon Ancho chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon each salt & fresh ground black pepper
Preheat a gas grill on the highest heat level for 10 minutes or prepare a charcoal grill.
- While grill is preheating, remove the shrimp shells but leave on the heads. Butterfly the shrimp by using a knife to cut each shrimp down the middle, from the head down to the tail, halfway through but not cutting all the way through. Remove the vein, rinse off the shrimp and lightly dry off with paper towels.
- Place the shrimp in a large bowl, sprinkle with all the seasonings and the oil. Mix together with your hands, ensuring the mixture evenly covers each shrimp. Using a skewer, thread it through the whole body of a shrimp, on the backside starting at the tail and securing it into the head. If using wooden skewers, can wrap them in aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Once the grill is preheated, gently place the whole shrimp on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until shells turns pink and the shrimp is opaque.
- Serve immediately with lemon or lime wedges and your favorite hot sauce.
I’m certainly happy you didn’t grab one of those little ‘jewels’ – that would have been a disaster and you probably would never want to see a grill again and that would be a shame
I’ve never butterflied shrimp before and love your photos showing the shrimp. That grill looks awesome and the perfect size. Awesome that you can move the grate closer to the fire – those charred bits on steak are the BEST and just what I go for. How perfect would these shrimp be with a nice steak for a little surf n turf? Now I’m hungry Glad you are getting some weather to get your grill on, girl! XOXO
I agree, Karrie – there’s something fascinating in watching a fire and the food being cooked over it (or a person cooking food over a fire hah). Grilled food is the best, and seafood is one of the most delicious things to grill. This shrimp looks and sounds amazing!
That little charcoal grill is awesome, Karrie! And your shrimp are just perfect. Beautifully butterflied (and I’ve never done that), seasoned, and charred. Perfect for summer outdoor eating, and when entertaining! We love shrimp and are going to make these for sure!
Yum Karrie! these shrimp look just perfect! I agree with you, there is something about cooking over a coal fire! there is a flavor you can only get while cooking over the fire!
First and foremost I have to say that I envy you for being able to buy fresh shrimp this size. Like I am really jealous! This is not happening here in Colorado. That’s why we go on vacations where we can buy fresh dungeness or shrimp and cook them ourselves:) And for the beautiful coastal views and bonfires too:) Grilling these shrimp over charcoal with that spice blend of yours is perfect on so many levels! I need a beer pronto to drown my sorrows. When you have that next part-ay let me know if you need help with the buttterflying, skewering, grilling and beering:) Maybe even some margaritas for in between bites of shrimp.
Missing my grill, HARD CORE! wommmpppp womppp!!
I’m so glad you are not stupid and didn’t grab a hot charcoal! Instead you are super duper smart and know your way around a grill! These shrimp look perfectly impressive for partying by the pool! I’ll be right over!
I love your grill. Jealous.
These grilled shrimp look amazing. This looks like the perfect party food. I will be making these on my next cookout!
oooh,, my fav! It is winter here and pouring so will have to wait til the weather warms up before I can chuck another prawn on the barbie