If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and healthy seafood dish, this grilled shrimp with basil lemon sauce is a must-try! Juicy, smoky shrimp are perfectly seasoned and paired with a bright, herby basil sauce, making this the perfect dish for summer grilling, weeknight dinners, or meal prep. Best of all, it comes together in under 20 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have! It's a perfect Mediterranean dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy nights!
Healthy & Light – Packed with lean protein, fresh herbs, and heart-healthy olive oil.
Bursting with Flavor – The smoky, spiced shrimp pairs beautifully with the tangy, herby basil sauce.
Great for Meal Prep – Store leftovers in an airtight container for an easy meal the next day.
Versatile – Serve with rice, pasta, salads, or grilled veggies! You can pair it with my Zesty Asparagus & Orzo Pasta Salad!
I made this as part of Mediterranean series. This was part of episode one, with a Delicious Mediterranean Orzo. Part two is this Crispy, Delicious Mediterranean Spinach, Feta and Tomato Pie you can't miss! Episode 3 hit the sweet spot with a Lemony No-Bake Cheesecake with a twist! Episode 4 Is a Chicken Kebabs Made in The Oven with no Skewers needed!
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Ingredients
Full recipe, instructions and photos in the recipe card at the end of this post
Basil Lemon Sauce:
- Fresh basil leaves: Basil is the heart of this sauce—it adds a sweet, slightly peppery flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled seafood. Use fresh, vibrant leaves for the best aroma and taste.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce and balances the richness of the olive oil. It also enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
- Fresh garlic: A little raw garlic goes a long way in this sauce. It brings a sharp, zesty kick that cuts through the herbs and adds depth.
- Olive oil: Acts as the base of the sauce, creating a smooth, pourable texture while adding richness. Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Oregano: Adds a subtle, earthy herbiness and ties in classic Mediterranean flavor.
Grilled Shrimp:
- Shrimp: Large or jumbo shrimp work best for grilling. Cleaning them beforehand saves time and allows the seasonings to fully coat the shrimp.
- Garlic powder: Gives the shrimp a warm, savory flavor that complements the lemon and basil.
- Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity without overpowering the shrimp.
- Paprika: Provides mild heat and a beautiful smoky color once grilled. Smoked paprika works great if you want a deeper flavor.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick to the shrimp and prevents them from drying out during grilling.
Tips & Tricks For The Best Grilled Shrimp
Dry your shrimp before seasoning
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before tossing with oil and spices. This helps them sear better and prevents steaming.
Don't marinate shrimp too long
Acid (like lemon juice) can start to “cook” shrimp if left too long. Since this recipe uses a fresh sauce after grilling, there’s no need to marinate in advance.
Preheat your grill or grill pan
Always start with a hot surface to get a quick sear and prevent sticking. Brush the grill grates or pan with a thin layer of olive oil just before adding the shrimp.
Grill shrimp over medium-high heat
Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, depending on size. Shrimp are done when they turn opaque and curl into a “C” shape. If they curl tightly into an “O,” they may be overcooked.
Don’t overcrowd the grill
Leave a little space between each piece of shrimp to get even browning and a better char.
Toss shrimp with the lemon basil sauce after grilling
This keeps the sauce fresh and vibrant, and allows the grilled flavor to come through.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them completely, pat them dry, and proceed with the recipe.
Can I make this without a grill?
Absolutely! Use a grill pan like I did or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil gives the best flavor, but in a pinch, use 1 teaspoon dried basil in the sauce.
Can i make the basil lemon sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Shake or whisk before using.
⭐️ Recipe
Grilled Shrimp with Basil Lemon Sauce
Ingredients
For the Basil Lemon Sauce
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Grilled Shrimp
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1.5 lb shrimp peeled & deveined
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- extra virgin olive oil for grill or grill pan
Instructions
Make the Basil Lemon Sauce
- In a small blender, combine basil leaves, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, oregano, and black pepper.
- Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the shrimp.
Season the Shrimp
- In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder and onion powder.
- Make sure the shrimp are evenly coated for the best flavor.
Grill the Shrimp
- I like to skewer my shrimp but you can skip this step if making it stovetop. If using an outdoor grill, make sure to soak your skewers in water first to prevent them from burning.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and place a little oil.
- Place the shrimp on the grill in a single layer.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and slightly charred.
- Brush on the basil lemon sauce.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a plate.
Serve & Enjoy
- Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes! You can also drizzle more basil lemon sauce over the shrimp while warm.
- Drizzle more basil lemon sauce over the shrimp while warm.
Happy Camper says
Made this last night, really good!