Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli

This dish is a perfect blend of flavors, featuring spicy, garlicky shrimp with a savory Parmesan crust paired with a creamy and tangy lemon-herb aioli. It’s quick, delicious, and ideal for summer grilling or an easy weeknight meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavors: The shrimp packs a punch of garlic, spice, and Parmesan goodness, while the aioli adds a creamy, tangy balance.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 16 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, main dish, or even as part of a surf-and-turf platter.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level or swap herbs to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Shrimp:

• Large shrimp, peeled and deveined – 1 pound
• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
• Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
• Onion powder – ½ teaspoon
• Red pepper flakes – ¼ teaspoon (adjust to taste)
• Grated Parmesan cheese – ¼ cup
• Salt and pepper – to taste

For the Lemon-Herb Aioli:

• Mayonnaise – ½ cup
• Sour cream – ¼ cup
• Garlic, minced – 2 cloves
• Fresh lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
• Fresh dill, chopped – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – ¼ teaspoon
• Black pepper – ⅛ teaspoon

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. In a large bowl, combine shrimp, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.

Step 2: Grill the Shrimp

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Place the shrimp on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they are opaque, slightly charred, and cooked through.
3. Remove from the grill and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Lemon-Herb Aioli

1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Serve

1. Arrange the grilled shrimp on a platter and serve alongside the lemon-herb aioli for dipping.
2. Garnish with additional fresh dill or lemon wedges, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: 16 minutes

Variations

• Air-Fried Shrimp: For extra crispiness, air fry the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes.
• Different Cheese: Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
• Herb Substitutions: Use parsley, chives, or cilantro instead of dill for the aioli.
• Citrusy Twist: Add lime zest to the aioli for a zesty kick.
• Skewers Option: Thread the shrimp onto skewers for easy grilling and serving.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover shrimp and aioli separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 20–30 seconds. Serve cold for a refreshing twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning.

2. Can I bake the shrimp instead of grilling?

Yes, bake the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until cooked through.

3. Is there a dairy-free alternative for Parmesan?

Nutritional yeast can be used as a dairy-free substitute for Parmesan.

4. What other proteins work with this recipe?

This seasoning and aioli pair well with scallops, chicken, or even tofu.

5. How do I adjust the spice level?

Increase or decrease the red pepper flakes to control the heat.

6. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh dill?

Yes, use ½ teaspoon of dried dill instead of fresh.

7. How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?

Brush the grill grates with oil before cooking to prevent sticking.

8. Can I prepare the aioli ahead of time?

Yes, the aioli can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

9. What sides pair well with this dish?

Serve with rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

10. Can I make this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Double or triple the recipe, and grill the shrimp in batches.

Conclusion

Spicy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Aioli is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its juicy shrimp, bold seasonings, and creamy aioli, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Serve it with your favorite sides or as an appetizer, and enjoy the compliments that roll in!

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