Red Lobster’s Grilled Shrimp Recipe: Succulent and Smoky Perfection

I’ve perfected Red Lobster’s grilled shrimp recipe, delivering succulent and smoky perfection every time. The secret lies in a simple marinade and precise grilling technique that brings out the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

With just a few ingredients and 8 minutes of grilling, you’ll achieve restaurant-quality results at home. This recipe is a game-changer for seafood lovers and perfect for a quick, delicious meal.

Ingredients for Red Lobster Grilled Shrimp

Simple ingredients come together for succulent grilled shrimp perfection every time.

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For the best shrimp, look for wild-caught at Whole Foods or your local fish market. Freshness matters—avoid frozen if possible. If you must use frozen, make sure they’re individually quick-frozen (IQF) for best texture. I always grab mine from Costco when I’m doing a big batch.

No smoked paprika? Regular paprika works, but add a dash of liquid smoke for that signature flavor. Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here—don’t even think about the pre-minced jarred stuff. For the Worcestershire, make sure it’s anchovy-free to keep this pescatarian-friendly. The lemon juice should be freshly squeezed—bottled just won’t cut it.

Marinated shrimp keep for 24 hours in the fridge. Grill within a day for best results. Leftovers? Reheat gently—1-2 minutes per side on the grill or a quick zap in the microwave. Keeps for 2 days max in the fridge.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilled Shrimp

Follow these precise steps to achieve perfectly grilled shrimp with a smoky flavor every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp and Marinade

Start by preparing the 1.5 lb Large Shrimp. Ensure they are peeled, deveined, and have their tails intact. In a large bowl, whisk together the 0.25 cup Olive Oil, 4 cloves Garlic Cloves (minced), 2 tbsp Lemon Juice, 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce, 1 tsp Smoked Paprika, 0.5 tsp Black Pepper, and 0.5 tsp Salt until well combined. Add the shrimp to this marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the shrimp.

The marinade is crucial as it not only flavors the shrimp but also helps in achieving that perfect grilled texture. The acidity from the lemon juice tenderizes the shrimp, while the smoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavor.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature of around 400°F. Ensure the grates are clean and brush them with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. I like to use a grill brush for this task to ensure the grates are free from any debris.

A hot grill is essential for getting that nice sear on the shrimp. The high heat will cook the shrimp quickly, locking in their juices and giving them a nice char on the outside.

Step 3: Grill the Shrimp

Remove the shrimp from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the shrimp on the preheated grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque, with a nice char on the outside. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your shrimp, but a good rule of thumb is to cook them until they just start to curl into a C shape.

It’s crucial not to overcook the shrimp. They should be firm to the touch but still juicy. Overcooking will make them rubbery and tough.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once grilled to perfection, remove the shrimp from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle the 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley over the top for a fresh, herbaceous note. Serve immediately with the 4 whole Lemon Wedges on the side. The lemon wedges allow your guests to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to their shrimp, enhancing the flavors.

This dish is best served immediately while the shrimp are still warm and the flavors are at their peak. The combination of the smoky grilled shrimp with the fresh parsley and lemon is absolutely delightful.

Regional Styles of This red lobster grilled shrimp

Lowcountry Style Variations

The Lowcountry region brings its own twist to grilled shrimp with bold Cajun seasoning and a hint of hot sauce. I like to add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning to the marinade for that authentic flavor. This style is all about bold flavors and spicy kicks.

Carolina Coast Approach

Along the Carolina coast, you’ll find grilled shrimp often paired with lemon-herb butter and served with hushpuppies. To incorporate this style, mix 2 tbsp softened butter with 1 tsp lemon zest and 1 tbsp chopped parsley, then brush it on during the last minute of grilling. The result is a rich, tangy flavor.

Gulf Coast Inspiration

The Gulf Coast version often features blackened seasoning and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. I recommend adding 1 tsp blackening spice to the marinade for a bold, charred flavor. This style is perfect for those who love a good blackened crust on their seafood.

New Orleans Twist

In New Orleans, grilled shrimp often gets a Creole kick with ingredients like hot sauce and Creole seasoning. To give your grilled shrimp a NOLA twist, add 1 tbsp hot sauce to the marinade and sprinkle with Creole seasoning before grilling. The result is a spicy, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress.

Florida Keys Influence

The Florida Keys bring a tropical vibe to grilled shrimp with citrus-mango marinades and a sprinkle of coconut flakes. For a tropical twist, try adding 1/4 cup mango puree to the marinade and sprinkling toasted coconut flakes over the shrimp before serving. This style is perfect for a summer barbecue or outdoor gathering. 🌴

Texas Gulf Coast BBQ

On the Texas Gulf Coast, grilled shrimp is often served with a spicy BBQ sauce and paired with grilled vegetables. To incorporate this style, brush the shrimp with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last minute of grilling. The result is a sweet, spicy, and smoky flavor that’s sure to please.