Grilled Shrimp Marinade

One of the most sought-after seafood types worldwide, shrimp is a favorite for many who like shellfish. They are used in preparation of several cuisines around the world. They taste best after boiling, frying, grilling, and baking. Not only shrimp is delicious, but they are healthy for the heart. Researches have found that they contain high amounts of good cholesterol and are low in saturated fats. Hence, the market demand for this seafood is very high.

Shrimp is very versatile and can be prepared alone or added as an ingredient in fried rice and noodles. In fact, you will find shrimp recipes for every taste bud. And, grilled shrimp marinade allows you to bring the best flavor of shrimp along with your favorite culinary spices. Commercially available in both fresh and frozen form, you need to prepare shrimp before cooking by removing the shell and vein (deveining). Scroll down to find the best marinade recipes made with grilled shrimp that you have ever tasted.

• 2 pounds fresh shrimp (shells and veins removed)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• ¼ cup tomato sauce
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt to taste
• 10-12 skewers

Take a large mixing bowl and combine together the ingredients - garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and tomato sauce. Season this marinade mixture with chopped basil leaves, cayenne pepper, and salt. Add the cleaned shrimp and stir lightly, so that the marinade covers them evenly. Put on the cover of the bowl and refrigerate it for 30 - 60 minutes. For even penetration of the marinade, you can stir the mixture occasionally.

Turn on the grill and bring it to a medium heat. Remove the bowl from the refrigerator, thread the shrimp one by one and discard the leftover marinade. For better grilling, do not overcrowd them while piercing. Lightly oil the grate and place the skewed shrimp on the preheated grill.

Cook them for about 2 - 3 minutes per side or until the flesh is cooked well. This grilled shrimp recipe serves best with a spicy dip sauce.

• 1½ pounds shrimp (shelled and deveined)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 teaspoons dried powdered basil
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley powder
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a bowl, add olive oil, lime juice, parsley powder, basil powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, and mix them together. Add the cleaned shrimp in a bowl and pour the marinade. Toss or stir, so that the shrimp are coated well with the marinade. Cover lid and refrigerate for about 30 - 45 minutes. Turn on the grill and maintain a medium heat. Grill shrimp and turn after every 2 - 3 minutes, till they are cooked well. Garnish them with flavorful herbs and serve.

• 1½ pound large shrimp (shelled and deveined)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried crushed basil leaves
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 10 wooden skewers

In a small bowl, combine the marinade ingredients - garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, basil powder, pepper, and salt. Add shrimp in a cover bowl (or a zip-lock bag) and add the marinade mixture. To marinade the shrimp, keep the bowl in the refrigerator for 1 - 2 hours. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 25 - 30 minutes. Also, preheat grill and bring it to a medium heat.

After the refrigerating, separate shrimp from the marinade and thread 3 - 4 shrimp on each skewer. For better cooking, make sure you leave some space between two shrimp. Do not throw the marinade as you can use it for brushing while grilling.

After lightly oiling the grate, place the skewers and cook for about 8 minutes. In between, turn the shrimp and brush with reserved marinade for more flavor. When they turn opaque, you can transfer them in a platter and serve with fresh basil leaves and lemon slices.

You can serve grilled shrimp cooked by the above methods as appetizers in parties and family gatherings. These easy grilled shrimp marinade recipes will leave you wanting for more, every time you prepare them.