Print

Flavorful Firecracker Grilled Shrimp Recipe with Easy Creamy Jalapeño Aioli

firecracker grilled shrimp - featured image

A quick and easy grilled shrimp recipe with a bold, smoky firecracker marinade paired with a creamy, spicy jalapeño aioli that balances heat and sweetness perfectly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed from frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Juice of half a lime
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 fresh jalapeño, seeded and finely minced (leave seeds in for more kick)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry 1 pound (450g) of large shrimp. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon honey, juice of half a lime, and salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Toss the shrimp in the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not marinate longer than 30 minutes.
  4. While shrimp marinates, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, minced jalapeño, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon honey, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Chill until serving.
  5. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, about 5-6 per skewer, leaving space between each.
  6. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
  7. Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and have a nice char.
  8. Remove shrimp from skewers and serve with a generous dollop of creamy jalapeño aioli. Garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges if desired.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before marinating to ensure better sear. Do not marinate shrimp longer than 30 minutes to avoid mushy texture. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. The aioli can be made dairy-free by using vegan mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Watch shrimp closely while grilling; they cook quickly and are done when they curl into a loose ‘C’ shape.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled shrimp, firecracker shrimp, jalapeño aioli, summer BBQ, quick shrimp recipe, spicy shrimp, creamy aioli