Spicy Grilled Shrimp With Homemade Zhoug Sauce for Backyard BBQs

Get ready to fire up the grill and sizzle your taste buds with our spicy grilled shrimp recipe! 

This dish is not just about the heat; it's a culinary adventure that combines the succulent flavors of the sea with the vibrant, herbaceous punch of homemade Zhoug sauce. 

Whether you're looking to impress at a backyard barbecue or simply elevate your weeknight dinner, these shrimp skewers are quick to prepare, are absolutely delicious, and are sure to be a hit. 

With fresh ingredients and a marinade that will make your mouth water, this recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers and spice enthusiasts alike!

Here’s Why You’ll Love This Spicy Grilled Shrimp Recipe

• Fresh and flavorful: This spicy grilled shrimp recipe sings with freshness. The zhoug sauce, a blend of herbs, spices, and citrus, enhances the shrimp's natural sweetness. Each bite is a burst of bold flavors that dance on your palate.

• Perfectly sized: Our choice of extra-large shrimp isn't by chance. They provide a succulent, meaty texture, ideal for soaking up the marinade and spices. Grilled quickly, they remain tender and flavorful, making each skewer a gourmet treat.

• Versatile serving: These spicy grilled shrimp skewers are not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. Serve them straight from the grill or as a stylish appetizer. Their versatility and stunning look make them perfect for any event, casual or upscale.

Ingredients for Spicy Grilled Shrimp

Our spicy grilled shrimp recipe starts with the freshest ingredients. This recipe consists of three key components: the shrimp skewers, the marinade, and the zhoug sauce. 

Here are the ingredients you need:

For shrimp skewers:

• 8 metal skewers or wooden skewers 
• 1¼ pounds extra-large peeled deveined shrimp
• 24 large peeled deveined shrimp
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, cut into 1- to 2-inch pieces
• 1 red or yellow bell pepper, cut into 1- to 2-inch pieces

For marinade:

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

For the zhoug sauce:

• 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 4 fresh jalapeño peppers, stems and seeds removed
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 medium garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon sea salt, more or less to taste
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes

Step-by-Step Process for Spicy Grilled Shrimp

Step 1: Marinating the Shrimp

In a bowl, combine the shrimp with minced garlic, chopped basil, lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, and pepper to taste. Give everything a good mix and let it marinate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Preparing the Zhoug Sauce

In a food processor, blend cilantro, parsley, jalapeño peppers, garlic, salt, cumin, and chili flakes, then drizzle in olive oil until the mixture reaches a saucy consistency.

Step 3: Assembling the Skewers

Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, alternating with cherry tomato halves, red onion pieces, and bell pepper chunks. Repeat until all the skewers are used up.

Step 4: Grilling

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and then reduce to medium. Oil the grate and grill the shrimp until no longer translucent, roughly 2 to 3 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook.

Step 5: Serving

Remove skewers from the grill and arrange on a serving platter. Serve with the zhoug sauce. 

4 Expert Tips for Perfectly Cooked Spicy Grilled Shrimp

• Preheat and clean the grill. 
  Clean the grates with a brush to ensure your shrimp don't pick up any flavors or debris from previous grilling sessions. And start with a hot grill to prevent sticking and achieve those beautiful grill marks. 

• Don't over-marinate.
  Shrimp are delicate; marinating them too long, especially in acidic ingredients like lemon juice, can start to “cook” them ceviche-style. Stick to the 30-minute marinating time for the perfect flavor infusion.

• Use two skewers for stability.
  When skewering the shrimp and vegetables, use two parallel skewers for each kebab. This prevents the ingredients from spinning around when you flip them, ensuring an even cook on all sides.

• Watch out for the shrimp’s color change.
  Shrimp cook quickly and are done once they turn pink or orange. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the grill as soon as they're ready to avoid rubbery, overcooked shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make the Zhoug Sauce in Advance?

Yes, you can prepare the zhoug sauce ahead of time. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing the flavors to meld and become even more vibrant.

What Can I Use if I Don't Have a Grill?

If you don't have an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan on the stove. Make sure it's hot before adding the shrimp to get a good sear and those desirable grill marks.

Can This Recipe Be Made Less Spicy?

Absolutely! Adjust the heat by reducing the number of jalapeño peppers and chili flakes in the zhoug sauce to suit your taste preference for a milder flavor.

Are There Any Alternative Serving Suggestions?

These spicy grilled shrimp are versatile. Serve them over rice, as a taco filling, or alongside a fresh salad. They're also great for meal prep to add protein to various dishes throughout the week.

Related Recipes

• Lemon Basil Grilled Shrimp
• Lime Tequila Shrimp Kabobs 
• Garlic Shrimp Boats

Show Off Your Grilling Skills With This Mouthwatering Spicy Grilled Shrimp Recipe!

Loved this spicy grilled shrimp recipe? 

Tell us about your grilling success in the comments below! For more tantalizing recipes and grilling tips, follow us on Pinterest, and explore our website!