SPICY GARLIC PARMESAN GRILLED SHRIMP WITH LEMON-HERB AIOLI

Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli is ideal for anyone looking to add a touch of zest to their meals. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ with family and friends.

One of the highlights of this recipe is the homemade lemon-herb aioli. It brings a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy shrimp, offering a tangy, creamy dipping sauce that complements the bold flavours of the seafood.

It's a simple yet elegant addition that elevates the overall dish, adding layers of flavour that will leave your guests asking for more. The aioli's zesty lemon notes provide just the right amount of brightness to balance the heat from the shrimp.

What's great about this dish is its versatility. Plus, it's easy to adapt based on your preferences—adjust the heat level by tweaking the amount of red pepper flakes or add extra herbs to the aioli for more depth of flavour.

The grilling process brings out the best in the shrimp. The dish also works wonderfully on the grill, making it a perfect option for warm-weather dining. It's a no-fuss recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results without the hassle.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• Bursting with Flavour: Every bite has the perfect combination of bold garlic, parmesan, and spice, making it truly unforgettable.

• Quick and Easy: This dish is ready in under 30 minutes from marinade to grill, perfect for busy nights or BBQs.

• Grill-Friendly: The shrimp's natural sweetness complements the smoky, charred flavour from grilling, making it an ideal summer meal.

• Zesty Aioli: The lemon-herb aioli adds a creamy, tangy element that balances out the shrimp's heat, making each bite perfect.

• Low-Carb and Protein-Packed: Ideal for those on low-carb diets, this dish is full of protein without any unnecessary carbs.

• Customisable Heat: You can adjust the spice level to your preference by adding or reducing the red pepper flakes in the marinade.

• Impressive Yet Simple: The dish looks gourmet but requires little effort, making it perfect for impressing guests or family.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Lemon wedges, for serving

For the Lemon-Herb Aioli:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley
• 1 small garlic clove, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

• Step No.1: Marinate the shrimp
  Combine benefits of olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Let it marinate for 15–20 minutes.

• Step No.2: Prepare the aioli
  Mix the mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, dill (or parsley), and grated garlic in a small bowl. Stir until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill the aioli in the fridge until ready to serve.

• Step No.3: Grill the shrimp
  Preheat the grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the shrimp onto skewers. Grill the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn opaque and slightly charred.

• Step No.4: Add parmesan and herbs
  Immediately after grilling, sprinkle the shrimp with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Let the cheese melt and the shrimp cool slightly before serving.

• Step No.5: Serve with lemon aioli
  Serve the grilled shrimp with lemon wedges and the chilled lemon-herb aioli on the side for dipping.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

• Use Jumbo Shrimp: Larger shrimp will give you a juicier bite and are easier to grill.

• Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly. Once they’re opaque and slightly curled, they’re done.

• Pre-Soak Wooden Skewers: To prevent burning, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling.

• Indoors? Use a Grill Pan: A cast-iron grill pan works just as well if you can't grill outside.

• Fresh Herbs Shine: For the best aioli, use fresh dill or parsley for a brighter flavour.

• Grill to Perfection: Watch your shrimp while grilling. They cook fast and can go from juicy to overcooked in seconds.

VARIATIONS

• Make it Milder: For a less spicy version, skip the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount used.

• Extra Zest: Add more lemon zest to both the shrimp marinade and aioli for an added citrus punch.

• Herb Substitution: If you don’t have dill, you can swap it for fresh basil or thyme in the aioli.

• ketogenic diet-Friendly: This dish is naturally low-carb, so it’s a great option for keto diets.

• Add to Pasta: Serve the shrimp and aioli over pasta for a hearty meal.

• Use Other Seafood: This recipe also works great with scallops or white fish fillets.

SERVING AND STORAGE

Serving

Serve the shrimp hot off the grill with lemon wedges and the aioli for dipping. Perfect as an appetiser, over salad, or with pasta.

Storage

Any leftover shrimp and aioli can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the shrimp gently, or enjoy them cold.

FAQ

This recipe's simplicity is one of its greatest strengths. It comes together quickly, requiring only a few minutes on the grill and minimal prep work.

Even if you're new to grilling, you'll find this dish easy to master.

And it can be served in a variety of ways: with a salad, over pasta, or as an appetiser with friends and family.

Remember, lemon-herb aioli can be used for other grilled seafood or even as a dip for vegetables, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.

The next time you're looking for something special yet easy to prepare, this Spicy garlic parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli is the answer.

It's guaranteed to become a go-to recipe that you'll make again and again.