Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli Recipe

Get ready to fire up your grill and fall in love with layer upon layer of zesty, creamy, and utterly craveable flavor! Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli brings together juicy shrimp, garlic, bold parmesan, and a pop of heat, finished with a cool, citrusy dip that makes every bite a moment to remember. Whether you’re hosting friends for a summer cookout or craving something bright and satisfying for dinner, this dish promises to be a showstopper on any table.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli recipe is how it turns a handful of fresh pantry and fridge staples into an irresistible feast. Each ingredient has a purpose, from the flicker of heat to the burst of citrus and the richness of parmesan—don’t skip the details!

• Large shrimp (1 ½ pounds): Juicy, protein-packed, and the perfect canvas for all those vibrant flavors—be sure to peel and devein for the best eating experience.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the marinade cling to each shrimp, ensuring they grill up tender, not dry.
• Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Infuses every bite with savory depth and screams summer grilling!
• Crushed red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon): Brings just the right kick—add more or less depending on your love of heat.
• Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds gorgeous color and a gentle smoky essence; it’s subtle but transformative.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
• Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Rounds out the spice profile with mild sharpness.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (⅓ cup): For that salty, cheesy crust that melts over the shrimp as they finish grilling—absolute heaven!
• Lemon juice (juice of ½ lemon): Adds brightness and balances out the richer flavors.
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Not just pretty—it gives a fresh, herbaceous pop.

• Mayonnaise (½ cup): The creamy base for your Lemon-Herb Aioli—choose a good-quality mayo for best results.
• Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Keeps the aioli zippy and light.
• Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Intensifies the citrus aroma and flavor, making the dip totally irresistible.
• Garlic, minced (1 clove): Adds a gentle bite to the aioli that ties everything together.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (1 tablespoon): Infuses every scoop with garden-fresh flavor.
• Fresh dill, chopped (1 tablespoon): Delivers fragrant, delicate herb notes to balance the creamy base.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust to your liking for the perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

In a generous mixing bowl, pour in the olive oil, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Whisk until everything is beautifully combined, then add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Toss thoroughly so every piece is coated with flavor, then let them marinate for 15 to 20 minutes. This short soak is key to juicy, deeply flavored shrimp, allowing the spices and aromatics to work their magic.

Step 2: Whip Up the Lemon-Herb Aioli

While your shrimp are soaking up all that goodness, grab a small bowl and mix together mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and dill. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper, then whisk till creamy and flecked with herbs. Pop this Lemon-Herb Aioli in the fridge—it needs a chill to let those bright, herby flavors mingle. This step takes just minutes but adds an extra layer of luxury to your Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli.

Step 3: Prep the Grill

It’s grill time! Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them for 30 minutes—this keeps them from burning. Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, lining them up so each one gets beautiful grill marks and a little bit of char.

Step 4: Grill the Shrimp

Place the shrimp skewers onto the hot grill. You’ll want to hear that satisfying sizzle! Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side; you’re looking for opaque shrimp with a touch of char but still perfectly juicy inside. In the last minute, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp and let it melt just a little, for an irresistibly cheesy finish.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Take the shrimp skewers off the grill and arrange them on a platter. Sprinkle with a bit of fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Don’t forget the chilled Lemon-Herb Aioli—dollop it generously on the side. Gather everyone around because Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli is at its absolute best served hot from the grill with plenty of friends and family to share it with!

How to Serve Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley works wonders—its vibrant green color pops beautifully against the shrimp. A few extra lemon wedges on the platter not only add a splash of sunshine but let guests add more citrus zing as desired. For an elegant look, tuck in a few sprigs of fresh dill or even some microgreens beside the dipping bowl of aioli.

Side Dishes

This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. Pair Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli with a simple arugula salad, grilled corn, or even a fragrant rice pilaf to make it a meal. For summer vibes, serve with grilled vegetables or a chilled pasta salad—the shrimp and aioli bring the wow factor to anything you serve alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the platter! For an appetizer, serve individual skewers in cocktail glasses with a spoonful of aioli at the bottom. For a main course, pile the shrimp atop a bed of couscous or herby quinoa and drizzle with the aioli. Make lettuce wraps for a light, low-carb option, or tuck the shrimp into warm pita with a swipe of Lemon-Herb Aioli for a Mediterranean-inspired treat. The presentation possibilities for Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli are limited only by your imagination!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover shrimp or aioli, store each component in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp will hold up perfectly for two days—just allow it to cool completely before sealing it away. The Lemon-Herb Aioli keeps its zesty flavor and creamy texture for up to three days and actually gets better as the flavors meld.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked shrimp, the texture can change a bit upon thawing. If you do opt to freeze, arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. The aioli, on the other hand, is best enjoyed fresh and should not be frozen as it can separate.

Reheating

To reheat the shrimp, gently warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat, or give them a brief zap in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time—just until heated through. High heat can make them rubbery, so go slow. The aioli is delicious served chilled as soon as it comes out of the fridge; give it a quick stir and it’s good to go.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade cling and ensures even grilling. Frozen shrimp are often flash-frozen at peak freshness, so they work beautifully in this recipe.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

If Parmesan isn’t available, Pecorino Romano or Asiago are great swaps with a similar salty, nutty profile. For a dairy-free option, try a finely grated vegan parmesan or skip the cheese and ramp up the smoked paprika for extra depth.

Can I make the Lemon-Herb Aioli ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the Lemon-Herb Aioli up to three days in advance—just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors intensify and become even more delicious as they mingle, making your Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli prep a breeze.

Is it possible to cook the shrimp without a grill?

Definitely. You can broil the shrimp in your oven or use a grill pan on the stovetop. Arrange marinated shrimp on a baking sheet and broil on high for 2-3 minutes per side, adding Parmesan at the end. No grill, no problem!

Does this dish work with other seafood or proteins?

Absolutely! Try the same marinade and grilling method with scallops, chunks of firm fish like swordfish, or even chicken breast for a change of pace. The Lemon-Herb Aioli is a universal dipper, so feel free to pair it with whatever you love.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that truly dazzles but keeps things simple, Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli is it. The layers of flavor and just-right heat will have everyone reaching for seconds—and that bright, herby dip takes it over the top. Fire up your grill, gather your favorite people, and dive in. You’ll be glad you did!

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