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10-Minute Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Category: Quick Dishes For When You're Already Hungry

This dish features plump jumbo shrimp seasoned and grilled quickly over medium-high heat until just pink. They’re then tossed in a vibrant sauce made from crushed garlic, fresh lemon juice and zest, olive oil, oregano, and a touch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Generous sprinklings of grated Parmesan add creamy, nutty notes that complement the bright citrus and aromatic herbs. This Italian-inspired preparation is perfect for a speedy weeknight meal or a flavorful appetizer to share.

Choosing larger shrimp helps maintain juiciness during the brief grilling process, while the fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Serve this alongside light salads or grains to balance the rich, garlicky flavors. Leftovers store well refrigerated and reheat gently on the stove to preserve their delicate texture.

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Lili Clark smiling at the camera.
Created By Lili Clark
Updated on Fri, 06 Feb 2026 16:36:10 GMT
A plate of shrimp with a sauce. Save
A plate of shrimp with a sauce. | lilicooks.com

This 10-minute garlic parmesan shrimp recipe is a quick and impressive dish perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. With plump jumbo shrimp cooked on a hot grill, then tossed in a bright lemon-garlic sauce with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, it marries simplicity with bold Mediterranean flavors. The fast cooking time means you get a fresh, flavorful meal on the table almost immediately.

I first made this during a hectic week when I needed something fast yet delicious. It’s now a go-to whenever I want food that feels fancy but doesn’t waste time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

  • One pound jumbo shrimp: peeled and deveined for easy eating and quick cooking
  • Kosher salt: to enhance all the natural flavors
  • Black pepper: for a gentle kick
  • Red pepper flakes: add a subtle heat, adjust to your taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil: provides a fruity richness and helps everything meld together
  • Four large garlic cloves: crushed or minced for bold aromatic flavor
  • Half a cup chopped parsley: optional for fresh brightness that contrasts nicely with the richness
  • One lemon: zested and juiced for a fresh citrus zing that brightens the dish
  • One teaspoon dried oregano: brings an earthy Mediterranean touch
  • Quarter cup grated Parmesan cheese: plus more for serving to add a salty creamy finish that pulls all the flavors together

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Shrimp:
Pat the shrimp dry thoughtfully so they don’t steam on the grill. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Drizzle with olive oil and toss well to coat each shrimp, which helps prevent sticking and builds flavor.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped parsley if using, lemon zest and juice, olive oil, and oregano. Whisk these together gently then season with a little salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to balance the garlic and lemon zing.
Grill the Shrimp:
Heat a grill or an indoor griddle to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates so the shrimp won’t stick. Grill the shrimp about two and a half minutes per side until just pink and opaque. The key is not to overcook to keep them juicy.
Toss and Serve:
Remove the shrimp immediately from the heat once cooked. While still warm, toss them in the prepared lemon-garlic sauce so every piece is coated. Sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese and toss gently again. Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy right away for best flavor and texture.
A plate of shrimp with a sauce. Save
A plate of shrimp with a sauce. | lilicooks.com

My favorite part is the lemon-garlic sauce which brightens the shrimp and keeps it from feeling heavy. I often make this at summer cookouts and it never fails to get compliments. It’s perfect with a cold glass of white wine and casual friends around.

Storage Tips

Keep leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat so the shrimp don’t become tough. Avoid the microwave to maintain texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find jumbo shrimp, large shrimp will work but watch cooking times closely as smaller ones cook faster and dry out easier. Fresh parsley can be replaced with basil or cilantro for a different herb note. Parmesan can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper cheese flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these shrimp on skewers with a Greek-style salad for a light appetizer. For a main dish, place on a bed of herbed rice or quinoa and try sides like grilled corn salad or a fresh summer berry salad to balance the richness.

Cultural Context

This recipe draws from Mediterranean and Italian influences where seafood, fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon are staples. Garlic and Parmesan are classic Italian flavor building blocks, while grilling seafood over hot charcoal is a Mediterranean tradition that adds smoky depth.

Recipe FAQs

→ What is the best shrimp size for this dish?

Jumbo or large shrimp work best as they grill evenly without drying out, providing a juicy texture and making them easier to handle on the grill.

→ How do you prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?

Lightly oil the grill grates and pat the shrimp dry before grilling to reduce sticking and ensure even cooking.

→ Can I make the lemon-garlic sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and toss the shrimp just before serving to keep flavors fresh and vibrant.

→ What are good side dishes to serve with this shrimp?

Fresh salads, grilled vegetables, or light grain dishes like couscous or quinoa complement the flavors without overpowering them.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on medium-low heat in a skillet to maintain tenderness.

10-Minute Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Tender grilled jumbo shrimp dressed with lemon-garlic sauce and Parmesan cheese, ready in 10 minutes.

Preparation Time
5 min
Cooking Time
5 min
Overall Time
10 min
Created By: Lili Clark

Category: Lunch

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: Italian, Mediterranean

Output: 6 Serves (6 servings)

Dietary Options: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Seafood

01 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Seasonings

02 Kosher salt, to taste
03 Black pepper, to taste
04 Red pepper flakes, to taste
05 1 tsp dried oregano

→ Sauce and Garnish

06 Extra virgin olive oil, approximately 1/4 cup plus additional for tossing
07 4 large garlic cloves, crushed or minced
08 1/2 cup chopped parsley (optional)
09 1 lemon, zested and juiced
10 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Steps

Step 01

Pat shrimp dry and season with kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.

Step 02

In a large bowl, whisk together garlic, parsley if using, lemon zest and juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, and dried oregano. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Step 03

Preheat grill or indoor griddle to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Grill shrimp approximately 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and just pink, about 5 minutes total depending on size.

Step 04

Remove shrimp from heat immediately and toss in the prepared lemon-garlic sauce. Add Parmesan cheese and toss gently to coat. Transfer to serving plate and serve at once.

Tips

  1. Use larger shrimp such as jumbo for ease of handling and to prevent drying out. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Required Tools

  • Grill or indoor griddle
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs or spatula

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains shellfish and dairy

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 158.5
  • Fats: 11.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2.9 g
  • Proteins: 11.9 g