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This spicy garlic shrimp recipe is super simple to make with just a handful of ingredients including big juicy shrimp, fresh garlic, and simple seasoning for that mouthwatering flavor! With just a few minutes under the broiler, you’ve got a quick and easy dinner idea your entire family will love!

I always love a good shrimp recipe, especially one that has a different flavor than you’d normally make. It makes it easier to create an entirely different meal out of the same protein with just a swap of a couple of ingredients!

This one is spicy with a bit of smokiness and there’s also lemon juice that helps to brighten it up. It has the perfect balance of flavors and juicy texture in every bite and pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or rice.

Shrimp is a go-to protein in our house because we always have it on hand. They taste great, they’re healthy, and they serve a lot of people at once!

This spicy shrimp garlic recipe is going to become a new favorite with your family. I’m excited for you to try it!

When YOU make this Spicy Shrimp Recipe, tag us on Instagram @MunchkinTimeBlog & hashtag #munchkinrecipes . We would love to see YOUR creation!

Ingredients for Spicy Garlic Shrimp

Shrimp: I use wild-caught jumbo shrimp. You can use your preferred type of shrimp, just remember smaller shrimp will cook faster. Be sure to devein them and remove the shell.
Minced garlic: If you like yours super garlicky, by all means, use a bit more.
Sea salt & black pepper: A bit of seasoning to enhance the taste.
Cayenne pepper: We make the garlic shrimp spicy by adding cayenne pepper, but if you like yours a bit milder, use less. Spicier, use more!
Smoked paprika: This is made using crushed dried chilis that were smoked, giving it a stronger, spicier flavor. If you don’t want this intensity to feel free to use regular paprika.
Lemon juice: Brightens up the flavor while the acid tenderizes the shrimp.
Olive oil: Helps to coat the shrimp as they broil.
Lemon wedges & Fresh dill: For serving & garnish.

How to Make Spicy Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic, cayenne, and smoked paprika.

Step 2: Once you’ve cleaned your shrimp and deveined them, pat them dry. If you want to keep the tail on you can. Add them to the bowl with the marinade and toss everything to coat each shrimp.

Step 3: Place each shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet with enough room in between them to cook evenly.

Step 4: Transfer the baking sheet to the broiler preheated to 450 degrees. Cook for 2-3 minutes and then flip each one to broil on the other side for another 3 minutes, or until the shrimp is cooked through.

Step 5: Garnish with dill and a squirt of fresh lemon juice overtop and serve while hot. Enjoy!

Do I Need to Marinate Shrimp Ahead of Time?

No, you don’t need to marinate ahead of time. There is lemon juice in the coating and when you leave shrimp lemon juice for too long it starts to “cook” the shrimp. Leaving it for too long can change the texture, so just be sure to coat the shrimp right before you cook it.

Should I Keep the Tails On or Off?

Tail or no tail, it’s up to you. Depending on how you’re serving them, you might want to leave them on for easy lifting off of the plate. Or, if you plan on skewering them, or serving them to kids, you might want to take the tails off.

What is the Best Kind of Shrimp to Use?

If you’re concerned about the use of antibiotics in farmed shrimp, be sure to look for wild-caught. I suggest large to jumbo size, that way they are nice and plump and won’t overcook too quickly.

How Do I Know My Shrimp is Cooked?

Raw shrimp starts off as grey and slightly translucent. When it’s cooked it turns pink and when it’s overcooked, it’s on its way to bright white. You want to avoid that! Cook it until it’s pink and then remove it from the heat.

What to Serve with Spicy Garlic Shrimp

Shrimp is a protein that goes well with everything! Think about who you’re serving and what the occasion is and go from there.

For casual weeknight dinners with the family, any kind of potato is always a good idea! Mashed potatoes, roasted, cheesy scalloped potatoes, or baked, you can’t go wrong! French fries are always a hit with the kids!

For serving a larger crowd, having some rice or quinoa is also the perfect way to complete the meal. Add on some corn on the cob, grilled veggies, or a refreshing creamy avocado salad to cool off your tongue!

A salad on the side of the shrimp is great, but so is using the shrimp as a topping in the salad! And of course, placing them on skewers as appetizers is a great idea for parties.

The options for what to serve them and how to serve these beautiful spicy garlic shrimp are endless!