How to Make Grilled Pesto Shrimp Recipe at Home

Grilling is a summertime favorite, and pesto shrimp is one of the easiest appetizers. This recipe is delicious and simple so that you can enjoy it year-round.

Grilling is easy to cook and eat, but you can only grill so much before you get tired of the same old recipes.

Grilling doesn’t have to be boring. You can spice up your grilling routine by adding grilled pesto shrimp. This recipe will show you how to make this tasty appetizer at home.

Why Do We Call It Grilled Pesto Shrimp

“Grilled Pesto Shrimp” is a dish we’ve been making at home for many years. It’s a great way to get creative with fresh ingredients. Sometimes I use other herbs instead of basil, like thyme, oregano or cilantro. And sometimes, I substitute shrimp for fish. It’s really up to you.

We love making this dish because it’s perfect for a potluck, family gathering, or potluck dinner. The sauce is versatile, and it goes with just about anything.

Our version includes garlic, red pepper flakes, a hint of lemon, fresh basil, and a pinch of crushed red pepper. We also like to use nice and firm seafood, so the sauce doesn’t “melt away”. And you can use any size of shrimp you want.

This recipe was inspired by my husband, who loves to grill! But feel free to use a different method if you prefer. Remember to soak the wood chips for at least 30 minutes before grilling.

Cooking of Shrimp with the Marinated Pesto Recipe

If the marinade is too strong, you may notice a burning smell while grilling. If it is too weak, it will not protect the shrimp when cooked. In general, you should choose a medium-strength marinade.

Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour. The longer the shrimp is in the marinade, the more flavor it will gain.

Shrimp

Two types of shrimp are available to buy in the grocery store – American and Oriental. The American shrimp are giant and have a more delicate texture, while the Oriental are more petite and plumper, with firmer flesh. Generally speaking, Asian shrimp have a richer flavor than the American variety and are easier to peel.

Pesto

It’s essential to choose a good pesto recipe. The most crucial ingredient in pesto is basil, but the recipe should also contain good olive oil, garlic, pine nuts and parmesan cheese.

Marinating

When preparing the shrimp for grilling, you must marinate them by covering them with the pesto sauce for 30 minutes. While this gives the shrimp a flavorful taste, remove excess liquid from the sauce before grilling. To do this, drain the excess fluid from the sauce using a colander. You can also use paper towels to squeeze out any remaining liquid.

Cooking

Preheat your grill to medium heat and place the shrimp on the hot grill. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. After grilling, season the shrimp with salt and pepper and serve. 

What to Serve with Pesto Shrimp

Shrimp and cheese are a classic pairing, but shrimp served with pesto, and garlic is one of my absolute favorites. This recipe will allow you to impress your dinner guests.

This pesto shrimp recipe only takes 30 minutes to make. It has the perfect combination of flavors and textures.

The shrimp is tender and juicy, and the pesto provides a savory sauce that perfectly complements the creamy goodness of the cheese.

Shrimp with Pesto and Tomatoes

These grilled shrimp are delicious and super easy. The pesto sauce provides the perfect flavor for the shrimp, and the tomatoes add extra acidity and freshness.

Shrimp with pesto and tomatoes is one of those dishes that tastes great and looks beautiful on the plate. You’ll love how it comes together!