If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances smoky, savory, and zesty flavors, you absolutely must try the Grilled Garlic Jumbo Shrimp with Citrus Dipping Sauce Recipe. This recipe brings together plump, juicy jumbo shrimp grilled to smoky perfection, accented by a vibrant, garlicky marinade and paired with a luscious citrus dipping sauce that brightens every bite. Whether you’re grilling for friends on a warm evening or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality seafood feast at home, this dish delivers irresistible flavor and a wonderful texture that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential—the combination brings out incredible depth of flavor, texture, and fresh color in every shrimp bite. Each component plays a special role, whether it’s enhancing smokiness, adding brightness, or layering in a burst of garlic goodness.
- Jumbo shrimp (1 pound): The star of the dish, large shrimp hold up beautifully on the grill and soak in the marinade.
- Lemon and lime (1 each, halved): Fresh citrus adds tang and a caramelized char when grilled alongside the shrimp.
- Olive oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the shrimp moist and helps distribute flavors evenly in the marinade.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 tablespoon): Imparts a subtle smoky heat that complements the grill’s natural char.
- Herbs de Provence (dash): Adds an aromatic herbal note that pairs perfectly with seafood—Italian seasoning works nicely too.
- Saffron (pinch, optional): Elevates the marinade with an exotic, floral undertone.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Brings a vibrant green freshness and light herbal touch.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Infuses the shrimp with bold, irresistible garlicky flavor.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Forms a creamy base for the dipping sauce, balancing tartness and spice.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds tang and a subtle bite to the dip.
- Lemon juice and zest (1 teaspoon juice + zest of 1/2 lemon): Boosts brightness and sharpness in the dipping sauce.
- Garlic powder (pinch): Complements the fresh garlic while deepening the flavor of the sauce.
How to Make Grilled Garlic Jumbo Shrimp with Citrus Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Shrimp
Start by ensuring your jumbo shrimp are thawed and deveined, leaving the shells on to help retain flavor and moisture during grilling. Keeping the shells also gives the shrimp a pleasant texture once grilled—it’s an easy step that makes a huge difference.
Step 2: Mix the Marinade
In a bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, herbs de Provence, saffron (if using), minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. This marinade will infuse your shrimp with vibrant smoky, herby, and garlicky notes that seep deep into every bite.
Step 3: Marinate the Shrimp
Pour half of the marinade into a large Ziploc bag and add the shrimp. Seal the bag and toss gently to coat every shrimp evenly. Let them marinate for about 15 minutes—this short rest lets the flavors soak in without overpowering the delicate seafood taste.
Step 4: Prepare the Citrus Dipping Sauce
While the shrimp rests, whisk together mayo, Dijon mustard, lemon juice and zest, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This creamy sauce offers a zesty, garlicky partner for your grilled shrimp that’s tangy, smooth, and utterly addictive. Chill it in the fridge until ready to serve.
Step 5: Grill the Shrimp and Citrus
Preheat your grill to high, then reduce to medium-high right before cooking. Grill the shrimp for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, basting them occasionally with the remaining marinade to lock in moisture and flavor. Alongside the shrimp, grill the lemon and lime halves cut-side down until they develop beautiful char marks and mellow sweetness. Keeping the grill lid down helps infuse that perfect smoky essence.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the shrimp as soon as they turn pink and firm to the touch—overcooking can make them rubbery. Plate up the shrimp with the grilled citrus halves and a bowl of your luscious dipping sauce. This combination of smoky, garlicky shrimp and bright citrus sauce is pure magic on the palate.
How to Serve Grilled Garlic Jumbo Shrimp with Citrus Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro sprinkled on top add a pop of color and freshness. A dusting of extra smoked paprika or a few red pepper flakes can also give that final flavor boost and visual appeal that invites a first bite.
Side Dishes
These shrimp pair wonderfully with light, vibrant sides like a crisp garden salad, grilled vegetables, or fluffy rice pilaf. For a more indulgent touch, creamy polenta or garlic butter bread are fantastic companions to soak up any extra dipping sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these shrimp skewered for an irresistible finger-food presentation at parties. Alternatively, toss them over a fresh bed of mixed greens or in tacos with crunchy slaw and avocado for a creative, casual meal that’s full of flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. For best texture and flavor, store the shrimp separately from the dipping sauce to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked marinated shrimp in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. For cooked shrimp, freezing is possible but may affect texture slightly, so it’s best enjoyed fresh when possible.
Reheating
Gently reheat shrimp in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at a low temperature for just a few minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave for reheating to keep the shrimp tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use peeled shrimp instead of shell-on?
Absolutely! While keeping the shell on helps lock in moisture and flavor, peeled shrimp will still be delicious—just be careful not to overcook them on the grill.
Is it necessary to marinate the shrimp? How long can they marinate?
Marinating infuses the shrimp with flavor and helps tenderize them, so it’s highly recommended. About 15 minutes is perfect; longer than 30 minutes can start breaking down the texture.
Can I make the dipping sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This actually helps deepen the flavors, making it even more vibrant when served.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook these shrimp another way?
You can use a grill pan or broiler to achieve a similar smoky char. Just watch closely to avoid overcooking and baste with the marinade for extra flavor.
What wine would pair well with this grilled shrimp recipe?
A crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio complements the citrusy and garlicky flavors beautifully, enhancing your whole meal experience.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried this Grilled Garlic Jumbo Shrimp with Citrus Dipping Sauce Recipe, it’s hard to go back to ordinary shrimp dishes. The irresistible combination of smoky garlic marinade, juicy jumbo shrimp, and tangy citrus sauce creates a meal that feels special but is surprisingly easy to pull off. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you every time you fire up the grill for this crowd-pleaser. Give it a go, and get ready to savor some summer vibes no matter the season!
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Grilled Garlic Jumbo Shrimp with Citrus Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled Garlic Jumbo Shrimp recipe features succulent, marinated jumbo shrimp grilled to perfection with a fragrant garlic and smoked paprika marinade. Served with a tangy lemon-Dijon dipping sauce and charred citrus halves, it is a quick, flavorful, and elegant seafood dish perfect for summer BBQs or easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp (16–20 per pound), thawed and deveined, shells left on
- 1 lemon (halved)
- 1 lime (halved)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
- Dash of herbs de Provence (or Italian seasoning)
- Pinch of saffron (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Thaw and devein the shrimp if needed, leaving the shells on for extra flavor and moisture retention during grilling. Ensure shrimp are clean and ready for marinating.
- Make the marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning, saffron if using, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This aromatic marinade will infuse the shrimp with bold flavors.
- Marinate the shrimp: Place half of the marinade into a large Ziploc bag, add the shrimp, and seal the bag. Massage gently to coat evenly. Let the shrimp marinate for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the dipping sauce: While the shrimp marinates, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well combined. Transfer to a smaller serving bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Preheat and grill: Preheat your BBQ or grill to high heat, then reduce to medium-high before cooking. Place shrimp on the grill, cooking for about 4-5 minutes per side until opaque and pink but not overcooked. Baste the shrimp occasionally with the remaining marinade. At the same time, grill the lemon and lime halves cut-side down until nice char marks form, about a few minutes. Use a gas BBQ with the lid closed for even cooking.
- Serve: Remove shrimp and grilled citrus from the grill promptly to avoid overcooking. Serve the jumbo shrimp alongside the prepared dipping sauce and grilled citrus halves for squeezing over the shrimp for added brightness.
Notes
- Leaving the shells on shrimp helps retain moisture and adds flavor during grilling.
- Marinate the shrimp for no longer than 15 minutes to prevent the acidity from breaking down the flesh too much.
- Monitor shrimp closely while grilling to avoid overcooking, which can make them tough.
- Grilled citrus adds an extra smoky tangy note that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- This recipe works best with a gas grill, but a charcoal grill or stovetop grill pan can be used as alternatives.
