Party Shrimp Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that’s practically guaranteed to wow your guests and disappear in minutes, look no further than Party Shrimp. This vibrant appetizer stars plump, succulent shrimp marinated in a sweet, tangy, and herby blend, then quickly broiled to perfection. With a perfect balance of savory spices, zesty citrus, and just a hint of sweetness, each bite tastes like a celebration. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, a family holiday, or a casual Friday night, Party Shrimp brings a festive pop of flavor to any gathering!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Party Shrimp is that magic happens with just a handful of pantry staples and a pound of fresh shrimp. Each ingredient plays a purposeful role, layering in flavors that complement the shrimp’s natural sweetness while adding just the right amount of zest and color.

• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the spices and herbs stick to the shrimp for even flavor.
• Brown sugar: Lends a whisper of sweetness that caramelizes under the broiler and balances out the savory elements.
• Lemon juice: Punches up freshness and brightens the marinade, complementing the seafood perfectly.
• Garlic clove (thinly sliced): Infuses every bite with aromatic depth and a little kick.
• Paprika: Provides warmth, mild spice, and a lovely, reddish tint.
• Italian seasoning: Introduces a medley of dried herbs for a savory, Mediterranean feel.
• Dried basil: Layers in additional herbal aroma and green flecks for color.
• Pepper: Adds just enough sharpness to perk up the other flavors.
• Uncooked shrimp (peeled and deveined): The true star of the show, ready to soak up all those delicious seasonings.

How to Make Party Shrimp

Step 1: Mix the Marinade

Grab a medium bowl or a shallow dish and add the olive oil, brown sugar, lemon juice, sliced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and black pepper. Give it all a good stir! This magical marinade is what turns ordinary shrimp into the unforgettable Party Shrimp everyone craves, and that touch of brown sugar makes all the difference for a perfectly balanced bite.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Toss your peeled and deveined shrimp into the bowl, gently folding them so each piece is well coated. This is where the flavor transformation begins! Cover the dish and let the shrimp hang out in the fridge for 2 hours. Trust me, friends, this extra marinating time infuses every bite with herby, garlicky, lemony goodness. Don’t rush it if you want the full Party Shrimp experience.

Step 3: Get Ready to Broil

Once your shrimp are well-marinated, preheat your broiler and set your oven rack about 4 inches from the heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd the pan! Spacing them out ensures they cook quickly and evenly, resulting in that signature pop of juiciness and lightly caramelized surface.

Step 4: Broil to Perfection

Broil the shrimp for 3 to 4 minutes per side, flipping them gently once. Watch closely, since broilers can vary and shrimp cook fast — you want them pink and just opaque in the center. The aroma when they start to caramelize is nothing short of irresistible. This is the moment Party Shrimp truly comes to life!

How to Serve Party Shrimp

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of green, while a few lemon wedges on the side make for an extra splash of zesty brightness. For that ultimate party platter feel, I love adding colorful toothpicks or tiny skewers so guests can easily grab their own Party Shrimp.

Side Dishes

Party Shrimp pairs amazingly with simple sides like a crisp salad, garlic bread, or even a cheesy risotto. For a party spread, offer alongside roasted veggies, a creamy dip, or a tangy slaw. These easy options let the shrimp truly shine, but help round out the meal if you’re serving hungry guests.

Creative Ways to Present

Try threading your broiled Party Shrimp onto mini skewers with cherry tomatoes or olives for a festive look. Or, pile them high in a martini glass lined with lettuce for a sophisticated touch. You can even tuck them into lettuce cups or serve over tiny crostini for an easy-to-eat bite — these fun presentations make any gathering feel like an instant celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Party Shrimp left over (which is a big “if” at my house!), pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. They’ll stay delicious for up to two days, ideal for quick snacking or tossing into salads.

Freezing

While freshly broiled shrimp are best, you can freeze Party Shrimp if needed. Arrange the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to a month, ready for a quick defrost when a seafood craving hits.

Reheating

For the juiciest results, gently rewarm Party Shrimp in a skillet over low heat or pop them in a low oven for just a few minutes; microwave only if you’re in a pinch to avoid rubbery shrimp. If frozen, let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Party Shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before marinating. This helps the flavorful marinade cling to every surface, ensuring maximum taste with every bite.

How long should I let the shrimp marinate?

For the best flavor payoff, give your Party Shrimp a full two hours in the fridge. If you’re tight on time, even 30 minutes will add noticeable flavor, but the longer marinade is worth the wait!

What size shrimp works best?

Medium to large shrimp (26–30 per pound) are ideal because they’re big enough to stay juicy under the broiler, yet still cook quickly. Smaller shrimp can be used, but you’ll need to reduce the cooking time accordingly.

Is it possible to grill the shrimp instead of broiling?

Definitely! Skewer the marinated shrimp and grill them over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes per side. You’ll achieve a delightful smoky char that’s just as party-worthy as the oven method.

Can I make Party Shrimp ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the shrimp up to a day in advance, then broil just before serving. This makes Party Shrimp a brilliant make-ahead option when you want to focus on entertaining instead of cooking.

Final Thoughts

Party Shrimp truly delivers on both flavor and festive flair, turning any get-together into something a little more special. You’ll love how effortless yet impressive this recipe is. Next time you want to treat your friends or family, give Party Shrimp a try — I can practically guarantee there won’t be a single one left!

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