Grilled shrimp are one of those timeless seafood dishes that never fail to impress — and when they’re butterflied, they go from delicious to spectacular. Perfectly Butterflied Grilled Shrimp are juicy, smoky, and beautifully charred on the outside while staying tender and succulent within. The butterflying technique helps the shrimp cook evenly and absorb every drop of marinade, giving them an incredible depth of flavor and irresistible presentation.

Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue, a romantic dinner, or a light weekend feast, this dish fits the bill. The shrimp are marinated in a simple yet flavorful blend of olive oil, garlic, lemon, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. The result is smoky, garlicky, and zesty shrimp that you can serve as an appetizer, over pasta, or alongside grilled vegetables.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures the essence of summer — fresh seafood sizzling on the grill, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a burst of garlicky aroma that fills the air. The butterflying method makes the shrimp look elegant and ensures they stay juicy inside while crisping beautifully on the edges.

It’s also incredibly easy and quick, yet it feels gourmet. Whether cooked on an outdoor grill or a grill pan indoors, these shrimp deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Flavor-packed and juicy: The marinade infuses the shrimp with garlic, citrus, and herbs, while grilling adds smoky charred notes.
• Visually stunning: Butterflying makes each shrimp look impressive — perfect for parties and elegant dinners.
• Quick and healthy: Ready in under 30 minutes and loaded with lean protein, omega-3s, and antioxidants.
• Versatile: Serve them as a starter, main course, or even in tacos and salads.
• Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves grilled shrimp — they’re light, flavorful, and addictive.

This is the kind of dish that proves simple ingredients can create truly spectacular meals.

Preparation & Cooking Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Marination Time: 20–30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6–8 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~260 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course / Appetizer
• Cuisine: Mediterranean / Coastal

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp (16–20 count), peeled and deveined, tails on
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tsp paprika (or smoked paprika for extra depth)
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• Lemon wedges
• Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or cilantro)
• A drizzle of melted butter (optional)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare and butterfly the shrimp

1. Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry.
2. Using a sharp paring knife or kitchen shears, make a shallow cut along the back of each shrimp from head to tail.
3. Remove the vein if present.
4. Gently press the shrimp open (like a butterfly) without cutting all the way through — this helps them lay flat and cook evenly.

Step 2: Marinate the shrimp

1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the butterflied shrimp and toss gently to coat.
3. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes (do not over-marinate or the acid may begin to “cook” the shrimp).

Step 3: Preheat the grill

1. Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C).
2. Brush the grates lightly with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill the shrimp

1. Place the shrimp on the grill, cut side down.
2. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, flipping once, until they turn pink and opaque with nice grill marks.
3. Avoid overcooking — shrimp become tough if grilled too long.

Step 5: Serve immediately

1. Transfer grilled shrimp to a platter.
2. Drizzle with a touch of melted butter and a squeeze of lemon juice.
3. Garnish with chopped herbs and serve hot.

How to Serve

• Serve the grilled shrimp fresh off the grill with lemon wedges for squeezing.
• Pair them with garlic butter pasta, steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.
• They also make a fantastic taco filling or seafood skewer platter with grilled peppers and onions.
• For a light starter, serve with aioli, tzatziki, or chili-lime dip.

Recipe Tips

• Use large shrimp: They’re easier to butterfly and won’t overcook as quickly.
• Don’t skip marination: It’s key for flavor and tenderness.
• Preheat the grill properly: A hot grill ensures beautiful sear marks and prevents sticking.
• Grill in batches if needed: Overcrowding the pan lowers the heat and steams the shrimp.
• Brush with butter before serving: It adds shine and richness.

Recipe Variations

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp:
   Swap olive oil for melted butter and add minced parsley for a classic, rich flavor.
2. Spicy Cajun Shrimp:
   Add 1 tsp Cajun or Creole seasoning for a smoky, spicy kick.
3. Asian-Inspired Marinade:
   Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, and ginger for a tangy, umami twist.
4. Herb-Lemon Mediterranean Style:
   Use thyme, oregano, and a touch of white wine for a fresh coastal flavor.
5. Coconut-Lime Shrimp:
   Marinate shrimp in coconut milk, lime zest, and chili flakes for a tropical variation.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze raw marinated shrimp (uncooked) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before grilling.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat for 1–2 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it may toughen the shrimp.

Special Equipment Needed

• Sharp paring knife or kitchen shears (for butterflying shrimp)
• Mixing bowl (for marinade)
• Grill or grill pan
• Tongs (for turning shrimp)
• Basting brush (optional for butter or marinade)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before butterflying and marinating.

Q2: Can I grill these indoors?
Absolutely — use a stovetop grill pan or even a cast-iron skillet for similar results.

Q3: How do I know when the shrimp are done?
They’ll turn pink and opaque with curled tails. The internal temperature should reach 120°F (49°C).

Q4: Can I make these ahead of time?
You can marinate the shrimp up to 4 hours in advance, but grill them just before serving for best flavor.

Q5: What can I serve this with?
Rice pilaf, lemon pasta, couscous, or grilled corn on the cob pair beautifully.

Conclusion

Perfectly Butterflied Grilled Shrimp is a celebration of simplicity done right — minimal ingredients, quick prep, and maximum flavor. The butterflying technique not only makes them beautiful but also ensures even cooking and a burst of marinade in every bite.

This dish shines whether you serve it as a light meal, appetizer, or centerpiece at a barbecue. With its smoky aroma, garlicky zest, and juicy tenderness, it’s a seafood lover’s dream — one that proves that sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most unforgettable.