Description
This Garlicky Shrimp Marinade recipe offers a flavorful and easy way to prepare shrimp either on the grill or sautéed in a skillet. The marinade combines soy sauce, brown sugar, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a touch of red pepper flakes for a balanced blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Perfect for a quick 30-minute meal, this recipe serves 4 and is ideal for those looking to enjoy tender, juicy shrimp with a rich garlicky glaze.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp (defrosted if previously frozen)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: Whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Set aside 2 tablespoons of the prepared marinade. Place the remaining marinade and shrimp into a 1-gallon zip-top bag or a baking dish. Toss the shrimp in the marinade to coat evenly. Remove as much air as possible from the bag or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes and up to 3 hours, tossing the shrimp occasionally for even flavor absorption.
- Grill the Shrimp: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the shrimp from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid. Discard the used marinade. Place the shrimp on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn opaque and are just cooked through.
- Toss with Butter and Serve: Immediately toss the grilled shrimp with the reserved 2 tablespoons of marinade and 1 tablespoon of butter until well coated and melted. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.
- Sauté the Shrimp (Alternative): Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the shrimp from the marinade, shaking off excess. Discard the marinade. Add 2 teaspoons of oil to the skillet, then sauté the shrimp for 4-6 minutes, flipping once, until opaque and just cooked through.
- Toss Sautéed Shrimp with Butter and Serve: Just like grilled, toss the sautéed shrimp with 1 tablespoon of butter and the reserved marinade. Add herbs for garnish as desired and enjoy.
Notes
- Marinate shrimp for as little as 15 minutes or up to 3 hours, but avoid over-marinating to prevent mushy texture.
- Ensure shrimp are patted dry before marinating to allow better absorption of flavors.
- Reserved marinade should not be reused for raw shrimp; use only as a finishing sauce after cooking.
- Can be served with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Butter adds richness; substitute with margarine or olive oil for dairy-free options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American