SAVE SAVED 0
Imagine the smoky char of the grill mingling with the vibrant flavors of Thailand. This is exactly what you get with this delectable Thai Grilled Shrimp recipe. Plump, juicy jumbo shrimp, marinated in a tantalizing blend of sweet brown sugar, spicy red curry paste, and fragrant herbs, are grilled to perfection and served over a refreshing Thai herb slaw. Get ready for a flavor explosion!
𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
This recipe is incredibly easy to throw together, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual summer get-togethers. With only about 30 minutes of active cooking time (plus marinating), you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in no time. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or simply craving some delicious seafood, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Thai Grilled Shrimp
This isn’t your average grilled shrimp recipe. The complex flavors and textures are what truly sets it apart:
𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
- Bold Marinade: A vibrant Thai curry marinade infuses the shrimp with sweetness, spice, and a hint of coconut creaminess.
- Perfectly Grilled: Grilling the shrimp in their shells ensures they stay juicy and plump, absorbing the smoky grill flavor.
- Refreshing Slaw: A crisp Thai herb slaw, dressed in a light red curry mayo, provides the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the grilled shrimp.
- Easy & Quick: Minimal prep and cook time make this a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
How to Make the Best Thai Grilled Shrimp
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating the most delicious Thai Grilled Shrimp you’ve ever tasted. We’ll cover everything from ingredient selection to grilling techniques, ensuring perfect results every time.
Essential Cooking Tools
Having the right tools can make all the difference in the kitchen. Here’s a list of items that will come in handy for this recipe:
- Outdoor Grill: Essential for that smoky, charred flavor. A gas or charcoal grill works equally well.
- Microplane: Perfect for zesting limes and grating ginger.
- Blender or Food Processor: To create a smooth and flavorful marinade.
- Sharp Knife: For prepping the slaw ingredients.
- Grilling Tongs: To safely handle the shrimp on the grill.
- Mixing Bowls: To combine the marinade and the slaw ingredients.
The Secret’s in the Ingredients
Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is key to achieving the best flavor in this recipe. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Jumbo Shrimp: 1.5 lbs, shell-on, deveined (about 20-24 shrimp). The shells protect the shrimp during grilling and keep them juicy.
- Full-Fat Coconut Milk: 1/2 cup. The creamy base of the marinade adds richness and a subtle sweetness.
- Red Curry Paste: 2 tablespoons. Adds a spicy and aromatic kick. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
- Light Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons. Provides a touch of sweetness to balance the spice.
- Fresh Cilantro: 1/4 cup, roughly chopped, stems reserved for the marinade. Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Limes: 3, juiced, plus extra for serving. The bright acidity of lime juice balances the sweetness and spice.
- Green Cabbage: 1/4 head, thinly shredded. Forms the base of the slaw.
- Thai Basil: 1/4 cup, roughly chopped. Adds a distinctive anise-like flavor.
- Mint: 1/4 cup, roughly chopped. Provides a refreshing, cooling element.
- Shallot: 1 small, thinly sliced. Adds a mild oniony flavor to the slaw.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Contributes a pungent, savory flavor.
- Fresh Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated. Adds a warm, spicy note to the marinade.
- Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup. Forms the creamy base of the slaw dressing. Use a good-quality mayo for the best flavor.
- Honey: 1 teaspoon (optional). For a touch of extra sweetness in the slaw dressing.
- Fish Sauce: 1 tablespoon. Adds umami and a salty depth of flavor to the marinade.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- Peanuts: 1/4 cup chopped (optional). Provides a nice crunch to the slaw.
- Vegetable Oil: For greasing the grill grates.
Step-by-Step Grilling Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create perfectly grilled, flavorful Thai Shrimp:
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
- Prepare the Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely under cold running water. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them brown nicely on the grill. Transfer the shrimp to a large bowl or resealable plastic bag.
- Make the Thai Curry Marinade: In a small blender or food processor, combine the coconut milk, red curry paste, cilantro stems (reserving the leaves for the slaw), minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice (from 2 limes), fish sauce, and brown sugar. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This marinade is a flavor bomb!
- Marinate the Shrimp: Pour the Thai curry marinade over the shrimp in the bowl or bag. Toss well to ensure that each shrimp is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours. Longer marinating times will result in more flavorful shrimp. Do not marinate for longer than 4 hours, as the lime juice can start to break down the shrimp’s texture.
- Prepare the Thai Herb Slaw: While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the slaw. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red curry paste (start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more to taste), lime juice (from 1 lime), and honey (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the shredded green cabbage, thinly sliced shallot, chopped Thai basil, and chopped mint. Toss well to combine. The slaw should be lightly coated with the dressing.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat (around 450-500°F or 230-260°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. You can use a grill brush to clean the grates and a paper towel soaked in oil to grease them. Safety tip: Never spray cooking oil directly onto a hot grill.
- Grill the Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the marinade. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on the preheated grill grates. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the shells are lightly charred. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your shrimp and the heat of your grill.
- Grill the Limes (Optional): For an extra burst of smoky flavor, cut the remaining limes in half and place them cut-side down on the grill during the last few minutes of cooking the shrimp. Grill for 2-3 minutes, or until lightly charred.
- Serve: Remove the grilled shrimp and grilled limes (if using) from the grill. Arrange the Thai herb slaw on a serving platter and top with the grilled shrimp. Squeeze the grilled limes over the shrimp and slaw. Garnish with chopped peanuts (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Grilling Like a Pro
Grilling might seem daunting, but with a few simple tips, you can become a grill master in no time:
- Clean Your Grill: Always start with a clean grill. This prevents food from sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Preheat Properly: Allow your grill to preheat for at least 15 minutes before adding any food. This ensures that the grates are hot enough to sear the shrimp and prevent sticking.
- Oil the Grates: Lightly oil the grill grates before grilling to prevent food from sticking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Grill the shrimp in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding the grill. Overcrowding can lower the temperature and result in unevenly cooked shrimp.
- Use a Thermometer: If you’re unsure whether the shrimp are cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The shrimp should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Let it Rest: While not essential for shrimp, allowing the shrimp to rest for a minute or two after grilling can help to redistribute the juices and make them even more tender.
Flavor Pairings & Serving Suggestions
This Thai Grilled Shrimp is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments:
- Coconut Rice: A fragrant and slightly sweet coconut rice complements the flavors of the shrimp and slaw perfectly.
- Grilled Vegetables: Grilled asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini add a healthy and colorful element to the meal.
- Peanut Sauce: A drizzle of peanut sauce adds extra richness and flavor.
- Spicy Chili Sauce: If you like it hot, serve with a side of sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
- Fresh Spring Rolls: These light and refreshing rolls make a great appetizer.
Make-Ahead Advice
This recipe can be easily prepped ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining:
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
- Marinade: The Thai curry marinade can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Slaw: The Thai herb slaw can be made up to 4 hours in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, keep in mind that the slaw will become softer as it sits, so it’s best to add the dressing just before serving.
- Shrimp: The shrimp can be marinated up to 4 hours in advance.
Variations and Substitutions
Want to customize this recipe to your liking? Here are some variations and substitutions to try:
- Vegan: Substitute the shrimp with grilled tofu or tempeh. Use a vegan mayonnaise substitute for the slaw dressing and omit the fish sauce from the marinade, replacing it with soy sauce or tamari.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to use a gluten-free red curry paste and soy sauce (or tamari) if substituting for fish sauce in the vegan variation.
- Spicier: Add more red curry paste to the marinade or slaw dressing, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Sweeter: Add more brown sugar to the marinade or honey to the slaw dressing.
- Different Herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs, such as coriander or perilla.
- Different Vegetables: Add other vegetables to the slaw, such as shredded carrots or bell peppers.
Summary
This Spicy Thai Grilled Shrimp recipe is a surefire way to bring a taste of Thailand to your backyard BBQ. With its bold flavors, juicy shrimp, and refreshing herb slaw, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. So fire up the grill and get ready to experience a flavor sensation!
Subscribe
0 Comments
Newest
