Smoky Michael Symon Grilled Shrimp Recipe with Citrus Zing
Michael Symon’s grilled shrimp bursts with flavor, transforming humble seafood into a culinary sensation.
These succulent marine morsels soak up zesty Mediterranean influences through clever marination magic.
Fragrant herbs and bold spices weave an enchanting taste tapestry across each tender crustacean.
Professional techniques elevate these delicate shellfish from mundane to magnificent.
Strategic grilling caramelizes each piece, locking in natural sweetness and complex aromatics.
Vibrant ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of taste that tingles the palate.
Enjoy a restaurant-quality dish that will transport you straight to coastal culinary bliss and make your dinner table the talk of the town.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: 308 kcal
Servings: 4
Michael Symon’s Grilled Shrimp Ingredient List
For Marinade and Seasoning:
Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin for rich, fruity flavor that enhances seafood's natural taste.
Lemon Juice: Select bright, firm lemons with vibrant yellow skin for maximum zesty punch.
Old Bay Seasoning: Classic maritime blend that brings authentic coastal seafood warmth.
Garlic Powder: Opt for fresh, non-clumping variety for consistent seasoning distribution.
Sugar: Helps balance marinade's tangy notes and promotes beautiful caramelization.
For Fresh Protein:
Shrimp: Pick plump, firm shellfish with clean ocean scent and intact shells for best quality.
For Finishing Touches:
Butter: Select high-fat European-style butter for richer, more luxurious coating.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, compact cloves without sprouting for intense aromatic profile.
Fresh Parsley: Look for bright green, crisp leaves with no wilting for maximum herbal freshness.
Lemon: Use additional fresh lemon for final bright, citrusy garnish that elevates entire dish.
Equipment Guide for Michael Symon’s Grilled Shrimp
Grill or Campfire: High-heat cooking surface for perfect char and smoky flavor.
Mixing Bowl: Large container for combining marinade and herb butter ingredients.
Skewers: Metal or wooden sticks for threading and grilling shrimp evenly.
Measuring Spoons: Precise tool for adding seasoning and sugar accurately.
Sealable Container: Airtight vessel for marinating shrimp in refrigerator.
Sharp Knife: Essential for finely chopping garlic, butter, and parsley.
Tongs: Heat-resistant utensil for safely turning and removing skewers from grill.
Cutting Board: Clean surface for preparing ingredients and chopping herbs.
Cooking Instructions for Michael Symon’s Grilled Shrimp
Zap the Flavor with Sizzling Shrimp Skewers
Spark the Marinade Mix a lively blend of zesty ingredients in a container. Splash olive oil, squeeze fresh lemon, sprinkle garlic powder, and add a touch of sweetness. Dive your shrimp into this flavor bath and let them chill in the refrigerator for a quick one-hour flavor infusion.
Ignite the Cooking Surface Fire up your grill or campfire to create a scorching hot cooking zone. The intense heat will deliver that perfect golden-brown sear that makes taste buds dance.
Craft the Herb Butter Transformation Finely chop fragrant garlic and fresh parsley. Blend these with rich, melted butter to create a luscious coating that will elevate your shrimp from ordinary to extraordinary.
Build Flavor Towers Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, creating delicious seafood kebabs. Pack them closely but allow some breathing room for even cooking.
Grill and Sear Hit the hot grill with your skewers. Cook rapidly – about 90 seconds on the first side and 30 seconds on the flip. Watch carefully to avoid turning your succulent shrimp into rubber.
Butter Bath Finish Immediately transfer the sizzling shrimp into the waiting herb butter. Gently tumble them around, ensuring each piece gets a luxurious butter massage.
Serve with Sunshine Squeeze a burst of fresh lemon over the top. Present these golden beauties hot and watch everyone's eyes light up with anticipation.
Tips and Flavor Variations for Grilled Shrimp
Boost Flavor Intensity: Experiment with different seasoning blends like Cajun or Mediterranean spices to transform the basic marinade into a global taste adventure.
Customize Skewer Style: Alternate shrimp with colorful bell peppers, onions, or pineapple chunks to create visually stunning and texturally interesting kebabs that impress guests.
Perfect Doneness Hack: Watch for shrimp to turn from translucent to opaque pink and curl slightly – this signals they're cooked perfectly without becoming rubbery or dry.
Dietary Swap Options: Replace olive oil with coconut oil for a tropical twist, use gluten-free seasonings for sensitive diets, or swap shrimp with chicken or tofu for alternative protein choices.
Serving Suggestions for Michael Symon’s Grilled Shrimp
Savor Zesty Appetizer Spread: Arrange grilled shrimp skewers on a rustic wooden platter with fresh lemon wedges scattered around for a stunning presentation.
Pair with Cool Companions: Serve alongside chilled coleslaw, herbed rice pilaf, or crisp garden salad to balance the shrimp's rich, smoky flavors.
Create Dipping Delight: Whip up a quick garlic aioli or tangy cocktail sauce for guests to drizzle over their succulent grilled shrimp, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Transform into Light Meal: Nestle grilled shrimp over a bed of mixed greens, quinoa, or inside warm pita bread for a satisfying and protein-packed lunch option.
Storage Tips for Michael Symon’s Grilled Shrimp
Preserve Fresh Flavor: Store leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover completely to maintain moisture and prevent odor transfer.
Smart Reheating Trick: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil for 1-2 minutes to prevent rubbery texture. Avoid microwave to keep shrimp tender and juicy.
Meal Prep Magic: Marinate shrimp up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor infusion. Prep skewers and butter mixture ahead of time to streamline cooking process on busy days.
Freezer-Friendly Option: Freeze uncooked marinated shrimp in sealed freezer bags for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before grilling for best taste and texture.
Michael Symon’s grilled shrimp recipe offers a zesty Mediterranean-inspired dish with succulent prawns marinated in herbs and spices. Quick and easy, this recipe delivers bold flavors you’ll savor from first bite to last.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (454 g) shrimp, deveined, tail on
2 tbsps (28 g) butter, unsalted, softened or melted
2 tbsps (30 mL) olive oil
2 tsp (10 mL) lemon juice
2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp garlic powder
1–2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp sugar
Instructions
Marination: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and sugar in a container. Peel shrimp and submerge in marinade, refrigerating for 1-2 hours to intensify flavor profile.
Preparation: Ignite grill or campfire to high heat, creating an ideal searing environment. Mince garlic and parsley, transferring to a large mixing bowl for later use.
Skewering: Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers with precision, ensuring secure placement to prevent slipping during grilling process.
Grilling: Position skewers on blazing hot grill surface. Sear first side for 1½ minutes, then swiftly flip and cook reverse side for 30 seconds, maintaining vigilant watch to prevent overcooking.
Finishing: Immediately transfer grilled shrimp to bowl with minced garlic and parsley. Gently toss to coat, allowing herbs to embrace the succulent seafood. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and garnish with additional chopped parsley before serving piping hot.
Notes
Marinate Wisely: Allow shrimp to soak in marinade for 1-2 hours maximum to prevent protein breakdown and maintain tender texture.
Heat Management: Ensure grill or cooking surface reaches high temperature before adding shrimp to achieve perfect caramelization and prevent sticking.
Quick Cooking Technique: Grill shrimp for extremely short time – 1½ minutes per side to avoid rubbery, tough texture; seafood cooks rapidly.
Freshness Matters: Select fresh, high-quality shrimp with firm, translucent appearance and clean ocean smell for best flavor and texture.
Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine
Education
Southwestern Oregon Community College
Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.
Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care.
After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.
Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.
Michael Thompson
Founder & Culinary Director
Expertise
Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine
Education
Southwestern Oregon Community College
Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care.
After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.
Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.