Description
This flavorful shrimp marinade recipe combines olive oil, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and Italian seasoning to create a deliciously balanced coating for shrimp. Marinated for up to two hours and grilled to perfection, these shrimp skewers are quick to prepare and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- ½ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- â…› teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (thawed if frozen)
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Shrimp. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl with the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat all the shrimp evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Skewer the Shrimp. After marinating, thread the shrimp onto metal or soaked wooden skewers, distributing them evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Preheat the Grill. Heat your grill to medium-high and brush or spray the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Shrimp. Place the shrimp skewers on the hot grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through. Remove from the grill promptly to avoid overcooking.
- Serve. Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Marinate shrimp for no longer than 2 hours as the acidity in the marinade can start to ‘cook’ the shrimp and alter the texture.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning on the grill.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- This marinade also works well for chicken or firm fish.
