Pan Grilled Paprika Shrimp are quick cooking yet loaded with flavor! This recipe combines succulent shrimp with a savory marinade of olive oil, sweet paprika, garlic powder, and fresh cilantro, resulting in a dish that is as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you serve them as a tasty appetizer or as the star of a main course, these shrimp are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Pan Grilled Paprika Shrimp is one of my favorite recipes to pull out when I need a quick dinner and easy meal. There's something about the combination of flavors that never fails to impress me. The sweet paprika and garlic powder create a warm, inviting aroma that fills my kitchen and gets my stomach rumbling.
What I love most about this pan grilled shrimp recipe is its versatility. I can serve the shrimp as an appetizer with a side of creamy avocado dip, or turn them into a full meal by pairing them with a salad or rice or piling them onto tortillas with my favorite toppings.
Plus, there's just something so satisfying about that sizzle when the shrimp it the pan. It's like a little hint that dinner is almost ready and that something delicious is about to hit my plate. So if you're looking for a quick meal with much flavor that's sure to please everyone at the table, give these pan seared shrimp a try. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
Ingredients
- Shrimp – Look for larger shrimp or jumbo shrimp that have been cleaned and deveined. I like to leave the tails on for this recipe.
- Olive Oil – Or use your favorite light, neutral-flavored oil. I prefer extra-virgin olive oil in this shrimp recipe.
- Salt – Sea salt or Kosher salt enhances the flavors of the shrimp and other seasonings.
- Black Pepper – Freshly ground pepper adds a subtle kick to the dish.
- Sweet Paprika – Sweet paprika gives the shrimp a warm, smoky flavor and a beautiful color. For an enhances smokiness, use smoked paprika.
- Garlic Powder – Garlic powder adds a savory depth of flavor to the shrimp. You can use fresh minced garlic cloves but use with caution as it has a tendency to burn and become bitter.
- Fresh Cilantro - Fresh chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness and color. Cilantro complements the other flavors in the shrimp marinade but you can use other fresh herbs if desired..
See recipe card below for exact ingredients and instructions.
Instructions

- Clean the raw shrimp, leaving the tails on. Pat dry with a paper towel.

2. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with the oil and seasonings. Let sit for about 5 minutes.

3. Heat a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. Place shrimp in the hot pan and cook in a single layer for 2-3 minutes.

4. Flip the shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes more. Garnish with additional cilantro and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Hint: Cook the shrimp in a single layer. This will help them to get those beautiful grill marks.
Variations
- Spicy – Add red pepper flakes or chili powder to the marinade for an extra kick of heat. Serve with your favorite spicy sauce.
- Citrus – Add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice to the marinade for a citrus juice zing. Serve with lemon wedges.
- Smoky – Use smoked paprika or cajus seasoning instead of sweet paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor.
- Coconut Shrimp – Dip the marinated shrimp in shredded coconut before grilling for a tropical twist.

Serving Suggestions
- Serve the shrimp on a platter with toothpicks and a side of dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce, aioli, cocktail sauce, or a squeeze of lemon.
- Serve the shrimp over a bed of rice with healthy side dishes like air fryer broccoli or Parmesan zucchini for a light and complete meal.
- Fill warm tortillas with the grilled shrimp to make shrimp tacos. Add toppings like shredded cabbage, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime for a delicious taco night.
- Toss the shrimp with cooked pasta, olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese for a simple yet satisfying pasta dish.
- Add the grilled shrimp to a bed of lettuce and other veggies for a delicious shrimp salad. Pair with a citrusy dressing for a refreshing twist.

Leftovers/ Storage
To store leftover paprika shrimp, allow them to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate and use the shrimp within 2 days.
To reheat the leftovers, heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil or butter. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Top Cooking Tips
- For best results, use a cast iron grill pan. It allows you to achieve a nice sear on the shrimp, giving them a delicious charred flavor. Plus, cast iron heats evenly and retains heat well, ensuring that your shrimp cook evenly. A regular cast iron skillet or stainless steel pan can also be used for this pan-seared shrimp recipe.
- Before adding the shrimp, preheat the grill pan over medium-high heat. This ensures that the pan is hot enough to sear the shrimp and prevents them from sticking.
- Shrimp cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. They are done when they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Use fresh shrimp and spices for the best flavor.
- Marinate the shrimp for at least 5 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate. This will ensure that every bite is flavorful and delicious.
- Shrimp are best when served immediately after cooking. If you need to keep them warm, cover them with foil and place them in a warm oven until ready to serve.
More Shrimp Recipes
- Crispy Panko Fried Shrimp Recipe
- Old Bay Shrimp - The Easiest Spiced Shrimp Cocktail Recipe!
- Air Fryer BBQ Shrimp
- Shrimp Linguini with Asparagus - One Pan Recipe
- Chicken and Shrimp Stir Fry from Cookin' with Mima.

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RECIPE
Pan Grilled Paprika Shrimp
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cleaned and deveined shrimp I leave the tail on.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Clean shrimp is necessary so only the tail is on and pat dry with a pepper towel.
- Add the shrimp to a medium size bowl and add olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder and cilantro. Combine well an dlet sit for 5 minutes.
- Heat a pan on medium high heat, Once the pan is hot add shrimp, making sure to spread out in a single layer. Cook on each side for 2-3 minutes until seared and a pink color. Flip and repeat on the other side.
- Garnish with more cilantro if desired and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Nutrition
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