Introduction
When juicy shrimp meet spicy garlic, crisp Parmesan, and a bright, tangy lemon-herb aioli, magic happens. This Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp is fast, flavorful, and incredibly versatile—perfect as an appetizer, light meal, or protein-packed topper for pasta or salad.
Whether you grill them outdoors, use a grill pan indoors, or toss them in the air fryer, these shrimp cook up in minutes and taste like a dish from your favorite seafood spot.
Why I Love This Recipe
This grilled shrimp dish is:
- Quick and easy—ready in under 20 minutes
- Packed with layers of flavor from spice, garlic, cheese, and herbs
- Versatile for appetizers, mains, or meal prep
- A great low-carb, gluten-free option for entertaining
- Served with a creamy aioli that elevates every bite
Perfect for summer grilling, game-day spreads, or casual weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Lemon-Herb Aioli:
- ½ cup (120g) mayonnaise
- ¼ cup (60g) sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice 🍋
- 1 tsp fresh dill, chopped (or ½ tsp dried)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Shrimp
In a bowl, combine:
- Shrimp
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Red pepper flakes
- Grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper
Toss to coat evenly. Let sit for 10–15 minutes while you prep the aioli.
2️⃣ Make the Lemon-Herb Aioli
In a small bowl, stir together:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Minced garlic
- Lemon juice
- Fresh dill
- Salt and pepper
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Flavors intensify as it chills!
3️⃣ Grill the Shrimp
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Grill shrimp 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink, opaque, and lightly charred.
Tip: Use skewers or a grill basket to make flipping easier.
4️⃣ Serve
Serve hot with a bowl of lemon-herb aioli for dipping.
Garnish with extra dill or parsley and a wedge of lemon for brightness.
Tips for Success
💡 Want extra crispy shrimp? Air fry them at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes.
💡 Marinate up to 30 minutes for deeper flavor—but no longer, or the acid can affect texture.
💡 Use grated—not shredded—Parmesan for better coating and crisp.
💡 Don’t overcook! Shrimp cook fast and turn rubbery if left too long.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve this dish:
- On skewers as a party appetizer
- Over rice, pasta, or zucchini noodles for a light meal
- With crusty bread and a crisp green salad for a summer dinner
Pair with:
- 🍋 Blueberry Lemonade – bright and refreshing
- 🍤 Garlic Butter Shrimp and Spinach Rigatoni – for a full seafood dinner
- 🌯 Sheet Pan Quesadillas – perfect for shrimp-stuffed fusion fun
- 🍪 Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites – small treat after big flavor
- 🍮 No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie – cool, creamy dessert pairing
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Shrimp: Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated up to 2 days
- Aioli: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet or enjoy cold over salads
More Recipes You’ll Love
- 🍤 Garlic Butter Shrimp and Spinach Rigatoni
- 🌯 Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- 🍮 No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie
- 🍪 Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
- 🍋 Blueberry Lemonade
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli is a restaurant-worthy dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With bold flavor, crispy edges, and a creamy, tangy dip, it’s perfect for parties, weeknights, or any time you want to impress without stress.
Tried it? Tag @chefmaniac and show off your spicy shrimp game! Follow for more seafood favorites, bold flavor combos, and easy recipes that pack a punch.
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