Spicy Grilled Shrimp

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!

Spicy Grilled Shrimp

Fire up the grill for some healthy eats with this Spicy Grilled Shrimp recipe. Made with just a handful of spices and ready to eat in less than 15 minutes!

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Appetizer/Entree

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 154kcal

Author: Karrie | Tasty Ever After

Ingredients

• 1 pound extra large raw whole wild shrimp , heads-on preferred1 pound extra large raw whole wild shrimp , heads-on preferred
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon Ancho chili powder1 tablespoon Ancho chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon each salt & fresh ground black pepper1/8 teaspoon each salt & fresh ground black pepper

optional accompaniments: lemon or lime wedges, hot sauce

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

• 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.

Nutrition Facts

Spicy Grilled Shrimp

Amount Per Serving

Calories 154 Calories from Fat 45

% Daily Value*

Fat 5g8%

Saturated Fat 3g15%

Cholesterol 286mg95%

Sodium 919mg38%

Potassium 139mg4%

Carbohydrates 2g1%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 24g48%

Vitamin A 730IU15%

Vitamin C 4.6mg6%

Calcium 171mg17%

Iron 2.8mg16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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