Sizzling Roadhouse Grilled Shrimp

This Texas Roadhouse-inspired grilled shrimp recipe delivers restaurant-quality seafood right in your backyard. The perfect balance of smoky, garlicky flavors with a hint of heat transforms simple shrimp into a mouthwatering meal that's surprisingly easy to prepare at home.

I first made this recipe when trying to recreate our favorite Texas Roadhouse experience during lockdown. What started as a craving turned into our go-to summer grilling recipe that impresses even the most discerning seafood lovers in my family.

Ingredients

• Large shrimp 16 to 20 count with tails on for that classic restaurant presentation and easier handling on the grill
• Olive oil creates the base for the marinade while helping the spices adhere to the shrimp
• Lemon juice adds brightness and helps tenderize the shrimp slightly
• Worcestershire sauce brings depth and umami flavor that makes this recipe stand out
• Smoked paprika provides that signature smoky flavor without needing a fancy smoker
• Garlic and onion powders offer convenience while delivering consistent flavor throughout
• Cayenne pepper adds a gentle heat that builds without overwhelming
• Dried herbs like oregano and thyme contribute aromatic complexity
• Butter forms the base of the finishing sauce that takes these shrimp over the top
• Fresh garlic in the butter sauce delivers a more vibrant flavor than powder alone

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl until they form a reddish paste. The marinade should be thick enough to cling to the shrimp rather than pool at the bottom. Make sure to whisk thoroughly to incorporate the spices evenly throughout the oil base.

Marinate the Shrimp

Toss the cleaned shrimp in the marinade until each piece is fully coated. The marinade should cover every part of the shrimp for maximum flavor penetration. Keep the marinating time between 20 to 30 minutes this is critical as longer times can result in mushy shrimp due to the acid in the lemon juice.

Preheat and Prepare

Get your grill hot before cooking around 375°F to 400°F is ideal. This temperature creates the perfect balance between cooking the shrimp through and developing those coveted grill marks and char flavor. A properly oiled grate prevents the delicate shrimp from sticking and tearing.

Skewer Technique

Thread shrimp onto skewers leaving small gaps between each piece. This spacing allows heat to circulate around each shrimp ensuring even cooking. If using wooden skewers soak them for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Master the Grill Timing

Cook the shrimp for exactly 2 to 3 minutes per side watching for the visual cues of doneness. Perfectly cooked shrimp form a C shape while overcooked shrimp curl into a tight O shape. The exterior should have light char marks while the flesh turns from translucent gray to opaque pink.

Create the Flavor Finish

Prepare the garlic butter while the shrimp cook so its warm and ready when needed. Gently heat the butter just until melted then add garlic and cook just until fragrant about 45 seconds. Cooking the garlic too long will create bitterness.

Bookmark

The secret to this recipe is in the timing. I learned through countless summer cookouts that even 30 seconds too long on the grill can transform perfect shrimp into rubbery disappointments. My husband now calls me the "shrimp whisperer" after I showed him how to watch for that perfect moment when the shrimp turns from translucent to just opaque.

Make-Ahead Options

The marinade can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This actually allows the flavors to meld and intensify. However only add the shrimp 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. The acid from the lemon juice begins breaking down the proteins in the shrimp immediately and leaving them too long will result in a mushy texture that no amount of perfect grilling can save.

Serving Suggestions

These grilled shrimp make an impressive appetizer served on their own with the garlic butter for dipping. For a complete meal serve them over a bed of cilantro lime rice with grilled vegetables on the side. They also work beautifully in tacos with a simple slaw and avocado or tossed with pasta and extra garlic butter for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special. For a true Texas Roadhouse experience pair with their famous rolls and cinnamon butter.

Substitutions Guide

If you dont have a grill a grill pan works wonderfully for this recipe. You can even use a regular skillet in a pinch though you wont get those beautiful char marks. Frozen shrimp can substitute for fresh just thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating. The marinade flavors can be adjusted to your taste prefer more heat? Double the cayenne. Want it milder? Skip it entirely. For a different flavor profile substitute lemon with lime juice and add a teaspoon of cumin for a Mexican inspired variation.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should I marinate the shrimp?

Marinate the shrimp for 20-30 minutes in the refrigerator. Avoid marinating longer than this, as the acidic lemon juice in the marinade can begin to 'cook' the shrimp, altering their texture.

→ Can I cook these shrimp without a grill?

Yes! While grilling gives the best smoky flavor, you can also cook these shrimp in a grill pan on the stove, under a broiler for 2 minutes per side, or in a hot skillet with a little oil until pink and opaque.

→ How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking?

Shrimp cook very quickly. They're done when they turn from translucent gray to opaque pink and form a 'C' shape. If they curl into a tight 'O' shape, they're overcooked. This typically takes just 2-3 minutes per side.

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water, then pat them dry before applying the marinade to ensure proper flavor absorption.

→ What sides pair well with these grilled shrimp?

For an authentic Texas Roadhouse experience, serve with seasoned rice, steamed vegetables, or a baked potato. A simple green salad or corn on the cob also makes excellent accompaniments to these flavorful grilled shrimp.

→ Can I make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely. Simply omit the cayenne pepper from the marinade for a milder flavor profile that still maintains the signature Texas Roadhouse taste. You can also reduce the amount of black pepper if desired.