If you want to impress your family and friends with something bold, smoky, and bursting with garlicky goodness, this Garlic Smoked Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a quick and easy way to elevate simple shrimp into a flavor-packed dish that feels both rustic and refined. The smoky aroma combined with the zing of red chili flakes and fresh parsley makes every bite absolutely crave-worthy, whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a main course, or a fun lunch option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two steps of cooking shrimp outdoors on a white marbled surface. On the left, a woman's hand wearing a black glove is seasoning raw shrimp in a clear glass bowl; the shrimp is white with light seasoning visible on it. On the right, many shrimp are arranged closely in a curved line in a black skillet, cooking outside with some greenery and a white fence in the background. The skillet sits on a wooden board with text printed on it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Garlic Smoked Shrimp Recipe is how it comes together with just a handful of essential ingredients. Each one has a clear role—bringing out the shrimp’s natural sweetness, layering in smoky, spicy, and fresh flavors, and adding a touch of richness and color that makes the dish pop on the plate.

1.5 lbs Whole Shrimp peeled & deveined: Fresh or frozen shrimp works great; just make sure they’re clean and ready to absorb all those wonderful flavors.
3 tbsp Minced Garlic: The true star of the show—garlic infuses the shrimp with its unmistakable aroma and depth.
3 tbsp Olive Oil: Helps everything cook evenly and melds the garlic right into the shrimp.
1.5 tbsp SPG (Salt, Pepper, Garlic blend): Adds the perfect seasoning balance—no need for extra salt or pepper.
1.5 tsp Red Chili Flakes: For a gentle kick that pairs beautifully with the smoky flavor.
Charred Lemon: A squeeze brightens and balances the smoky richness.
Chopped Parsley: Adds fresh color and a hint of herbal brightness.
Toasted Bread: Perfect for soaking up the garlicky, smoky oils left in the pan.

How to Make Garlic Smoked Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Seasoning the Shrimp

Start by slathering your peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil and then sprinkle generously with SPG seasoning. This simple step ensures each shrimp is coated evenly, creating a delicious base layer of flavor that will develop beautifully during cooking.

Step 2: Arranging and Preparing the Skillet

Place your shrimp in a cold skillet in a circular pattern. Then, combine the minced garlic with olive oil and pour this fragrant mixture evenly over the shrimp. Sprinkle the red chili flakes on top for a subtle heat. Create a large divot in the center of the skillet and fill it with extra oil—this will be your smoky hotspot.

Step 3: Heating Up the Skillet

Preheat a medium-high heat fire to about 350°F for direct cooking. Once the skillet is ready, place it on the heat and allow the shrimp to cook undisturbed for about 90 seconds. You’ll notice the tails turning pink and the oil shimmering—this means you’re on the right track.

Step 4: Adding the Smoke

Grab a smoldering coal from your fire and drop it right in the skillet’s oil-filled center. Quickly cover with a lid. The smoke will infuse the shrimp in just 90 seconds, turning them beautifully opaque and locking in the smoky, garlicky flavor that makes this Garlic Smoked Shrimp Recipe stand out.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Carefully remove the coals and garnish the skillet with freshly chopped parsley, wedges of charred lemon, and toasted bread. Serve immediately so everyone can enjoy the luscious garlic oil and smokiness with every bite.

How to Serve Garlic Smoked Shrimp Recipe

The image shows a woman’s hand pouring a yellowish sauce with herbs over a pan of thick white batter that has risen and formed soft bubbles on top. In the center of the batter there is a browned spot surrounded by creamy white texture. The pan is cast iron and sits on a wooden board with black and orange text. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes take this dish to the next level by adding texture, color, and pops of brightness. Chopped parsley gives a lively green contrast while charred lemon wedges not only look beautiful but add a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

This garlic smoked shrimp pairs wonderfully with crusty toasted bread to sop up all the garlicky oil. It also makes a fantastic topping for creamy polenta, serves beautifully alongside simple steamed vegetables, or can be tossed into a crisp green salad for a light, flavorful meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, serve the shrimp right in your skillet on the table for a rustic, communal feel. Alternatively, serve over a bed of couscous or as a delightful filling inside warm pita or tortilla wraps for a fun twist. The possibilities with this Garlic Smoked Shrimp Recipe are endless.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The shrimp remain flavorful for up to 2 days, making it easy to enjoy as a quick lunch or add into salads the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover shrimp in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to a month. To keep the best texture and flavor, gently reheat rather than cook from frozen directly.

Reheating

Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep them tender and prevent overcooking. You can also pop them briefly in the oven or microwave, but avoid high heat to maintain that juicy, smoky flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning to ensure the best texture and flavor absorption.

What if I don’t have a skillet suitable for smoking?

You can use a cast iron skillet or any heavy-bottomed pan that can withstand high heat and hold a lid tightly. Alternatively, try adding a bit of smoked paprika for that smoky flavor if you can’t add coals.

Can I adjust the spiciness in the Garlic Smoked Shrimp Recipe?

Definitely! You can reduce or omit the red chili flakes if you prefer a milder dish, or add more if you like extra heat.

Is this recipe suitable for outdoor cooking only?

While it’s designed for use with an open flame or grill, you can replicate the flavors indoors by using a stove-top smoker or even a covered pan with some smoked spices.

What kind of bread works best as a side?

Crusty, rustic breads like sourdough or baguette are perfect for soaking up the flavorful oils. You can toast them lightly for extra crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Smoked Shrimp Recipe is a total winner for anyone who loves bold flavors with minimal fuss. It’s quick to make, packed with smoky garlic goodness, and always impresses at the table. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy those warm, perfectly cooked shrimp with all the garlicky, smoky love they deserve.

Garlic Smoked Shrimp Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.4 from 53 reviews

Author: Patricia
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and flavorful garlic smoked shrimp recipe perfect for a delicious dinner or appetizer, featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a skillet with garlic, olive oil, and smoky spices.

Ingredients

Shrimp

1.5 lbs Whole Shrimp, peeled & deveined
3 tbsp Minced Garlic
3 tbsp Olive Oil
1.5 tbsp SPG (Salt, Pepper, Garlic seasoning)
1.5 tsp Red Chili Flakes

Garnish

Charred Lemon
Chopped Parsley
Toasted Bread

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Season the Shrimp: Slather your shrimp in olive oil and generously season with SPG to ensure each piece is well coated for enhanced flavor.
Arrange and Prepare: Arrange shrimp in a circle inside a cold skillet. Mix the minced garlic with olive oil and pour over the shrimp. Sprinkle red chili flakes on top, leaving a large divot filled with oil in the center of the skillet.
Preheat Grill: Preheat a medium-high fire to around 350°F for direct cooking to create the perfect heat for smoking the shrimp.
Initial Cook: Place the skillet on the heat and cook the shrimp for 90 seconds until the tails turn pink and the oil begins to simmer, indicating the shrimp are partially cooked.
Add Smoking Coal: Take a smoldering coal from the fire and place it in the oil-filled divot in the middle of the skillet. Once it starts smoking, cover the skillet with a lid to trap the smoke and cook for another 90 seconds until the shrimp become opaque white.
Final Steps and Serve: Remove the coals carefully, garnish the shrimp with chopped parsley, charred lemon slices, and toasted bread. Serve immediately and enjoy the smoky, garlicky flavors.

Notes

Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
SPG seasoning can be adjusted to taste or substituted with your preferred seafood seasoning.
Be cautious handling hot coals for safety.
Serve with additional lemon wedges if desired.
Ideal to serve with toasted rustic or sourdough bread to soak up the flavorful oil.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American