Why Make This Recipe
Shrimp is a delicious and versatile seafood that cooks quickly. Marinades are a great way to add flavor and keep the shrimp juicy. With just a few ingredients, you can make several tasty marinades ahead of time. This not only makes your meal prep easier but also lets you enjoy variety throughout the week. You can mix and match flavors to suit your mood!
How to Make 4 Easy Shrimp Marinades
Ingredients
- 500 g raw shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 60 g butter (melted)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp parsley (chopped)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp oregano
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ginger (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Directions
-
Garlic Butter Shrimp: Add shrimp to a ziplock bag. Pour in melted butter, garlic, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Seal the bag and mix well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or freeze).
-
Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Place shrimp in a ziplock bag. Add olive oil and all spices. Seal and shake until fully coated. Marinate for 30-60 minutes or freeze.
-
Lemon Herb Shrimp: Add shrimp to a ziplock bag. Pour in lemon juice and olive oil. Add herbs and garlic. Mix well and marinate for 30 minutes.
-
Honey Soy Shrimp: Place shrimp in a ziplock bag. Add soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Mix in garlic and ginger. Seal the bag and massage the marinade. Marinate for 30-60 minutes.
How to Serve 4 Easy Shrimp Marinades
Once your shrimp is marinated, you can grill, sauté, or bake it. Serve with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a fun touch, you can sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.
How to Store 4 Easy Shrimp Marinades
You can store marinated shrimp in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the shrimp in the marinade. It can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before cooking.
Tips to Make 4 Easy Shrimp Marinades
- Ensure shrimp is fully coated in the marinade for the best flavor.
- Try to marinate overnight for richer flavors.
- Adjust spices according to your taste preference. Add more or less for spiciness.
- Use fresh herbs for brighter flavors.
Variation
You can create your own marinades by swapping out herbs and spices. For instance, try adding sriracha for a spicier kick or cilantro instead of parsley for a different taste. Feel free to mix in your favorite condiments too!
FAQs
Can I use cooked shrimp for these marinades?
It is best to use raw shrimp, but if you have cooked shrimp, you can still use the marinades. Just be careful not to marinate too long, as the shrimp may become too salty.
Is it necessary to let the shrimp marinate?
While you can cook shrimp right after seasoning, marinating helps to deepen the flavor and make the shrimp more tender.
Can I make these marinades ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinades in advance and store them in the fridge for a few days or freeze them for later use. Just add the shrimp when you’re ready to cook.

Easy Shrimp Marinades
Ingredients
Method
- For Garlic Butter Shrimp: Add shrimp to a ziplock bag. Pour in melted butter, garlic, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Seal the bag and mix well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or freeze).
- For Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Place shrimp in a ziplock bag. Add olive oil and all spices. Seal and shake until fully coated. Marinate for 30-60 minutes or freeze.
- For Lemon Herb Shrimp: Add shrimp to a ziplock bag. Pour in lemon juice and olive oil. Add herbs and garlic. Mix well and marinate for 30 minutes.
- For Honey Soy Shrimp: Place shrimp in a ziplock bag. Add soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Mix in garlic and ginger. Seal the bag and massage the marinade. Marinate for 30-60 minutes.