Texas Roadhouse Grilled Shrimp Recipe
When you’re craving a taste of summer or want to bring restaurant-quality flavors to your own kitchen, this Texas Roadhouse Grilled Shrimp Recipe delivers in every way. Picture plump, juicy shrimp bathed in a tangy, buttery marinade, grilled to smoky perfection, and finished off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at a backyard gathering or turning them into the star of a weeknight dinner, each bite is a zesty, savory explosion. Get ready to fall in love with this crowd-pleasing seafood favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients work like magic to create the irresistible flavors of this classic dish. Every component in this Texas Roadhouse Grilled Shrimp Recipe brings its own unique twist—adding brightness, depth, or a touch of color that makes the shrimp really pop.
- Shrimp: Fresh large or jumbo shrimp grill beautifully and stay juicy; leave the tails on for presentation and easier handling, or remove them if you prefer.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Skewers make grilling easier and look great on the plate; soak wooden ones to prevent burning.
- Unsalted butter: Melting this rich butter creates the unmistakable silky base of the marinade.
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth texture and helps get those irresistible grill marks.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the marinade with big, bold flavor and appetizing aroma.
- Lemon juice: Brightens up the marinade with a pleasant tang that pairs perfectly with shrimp.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a touch of umami depth you can’t quite put your finger on, but totally crave.
- Light brown sugar: Balances out the acidity and gives just a hint of caramelized sweetness.
- Dried (or fresh) parsley: Brings a pop of color and a fresh, herby lift.
- Paprika (sweet): For color and a gentle warmth without overpowering the shrimp.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor profile with a subtle savory note.
- Salt: Essential for bringing every flavor into sharp focus.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground gives a gentle kick and extra aroma.
- Cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a touch of heat and attitude.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A little extra green at the end makes the whole platter pop.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): A squeeze of lemon takes the flavors over the top right before you dig in.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Grilled Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Begin by making sure your shrimp are ready for their big moment on the grill. If they’re frozen, thaw them completely—either overnight in the fridge or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for about 20 to 30 minutes. Once thawed, make sure they’re peeled and deveined. Leaving the tails on gives that signature look and makes them easier to grab as an appetizer. After rinsing under cold water, pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels; this step helps the marinade cling and ensures the shrimp sear perfectly.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Magical Marinade
It’s time to harness all those delicious flavors! In a medium mixing bowl, combine your melted butter, olive oil, garlic, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, parsley, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne if you want some heat. Whisk until the marinade is silky and that brown sugar dissolves. Take a deep breath and savor the smell—it’s the heart and soul of your Texas Roadhouse Grilled Shrimp Recipe.
Step 3: Marinate the Shrimp
Toss the prepared shrimp into the bowl with your gorgeous marinade. Gently mix them so each piece gets coated in all that buttery, garlicky goodness. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes but not longer than 2 hours. Shrimp are quick to absorb flavor, and over-marinating (especially with acidic lemon juice) can affect the texture, so that 30–60 minute window is perfect.
Step 4: Skewer the Shrimp (Optional but Recommended)
If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them so they don’t burn up on the grill. Thread 4–6 marinated shrimp onto each skewer, either once through the thickest part or twice to lay them flat and keep them from spinning. Leave a little space between each shrimp for even cooking. If no skewers, large shrimp can go right onto the grill grate or into a grill basket.
Step 5: Preheat and Prepare Your Grill
Fire up your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for around 375–450°F. Once hot, clean those grates well with your grill brush, then oil the grates with a high smoke-point oil to prevent sticking. This small prep step pays off big time in flavor and ease when you flip your shrimp.
Step 6: Grill the Shrimp to Perfection
Shake off any extra marinade (set aside to boil for a dipping sauce, if you like) and arrange the shrimp skewers on the hot, oiled grill. Grill for 2–4 minutes per side, depending on shrimp size and grill heat, until they turn luscious pink and opaque, curling into a perfect “C” shape. Don’t stray far—overcooked shrimp go rubbery fast! For best results, use a thermometer for an internal temp of 145°F.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Slide the grilled shrimp off the heat and onto a fresh platter. Let them rest for a minute to lock in the juices. Toss on a little fresh parsley and serve up with generous lemon wedges for squeezing. Now sit back and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Texas Roadhouse Grilled Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A big handful of freshly chopped parsley brings a garden-bright color and freshness, while lemon wedges add a lovely citrusy zing right at the table. You could also sprinkle a pinch of extra paprika or a touch of flaky sea salt, giving these grilled beauties a restaurant-worthy finish.
Side Dishes
This Texas Roadhouse Grilled Shrimp Recipe shines alongside so many classic sides. Fluffy, buttery rice or seasoned potatoes soak up the delicious marinade, while steamed or grilled veggies add balance and crunch. For a true Texas Roadhouse experience, don’t skip the warm dinner rolls or a loaded baked potato!
Creative Ways to Present
Try threading your shrimp with slices of colorful bell pepper or zucchini for extra flair. For parties, serve skewers in a tall glass for easy grabbing, or remove the shrimp from the skewers and toss them over a big chopped salad, or onto tacos with crunchy slaw. This recipe is endlessly flexible—have fun making it your own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover shrimp, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Place a paper towel in the bottom of the container to catch any excess moisture and keep them from getting soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked shrimp for up to two months! Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. This makes it easy to grab just a few at a time for quick meals or snacks.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat your Texas Roadhouse Grilled Shrimp Recipe gently. A quick sauté in a hot pan with a little butter or a minute in the microwave (covered, with a splash of water) will warm them without making them tough or rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work just fine. Make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating—they’ll soak up the flavors just as well as fresh.
Is it ok to leave the tails on the shrimp?
Yes! Leaving the tails on looks great for presentation and makes them easy to grab and eat by hand. But if your family prefers tail-off, feel free to take them off—totally up to you.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of grilling?
Of course! Arrange the marinated shrimp on a baking sheet and broil them for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. The flavor won’t be quite as smoky, but the Texas Roadhouse Grilled Shrimp Recipe still shines in the oven.
How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?
Be sure to oil your grill grates well, and always start with dry, marinated shrimp. Don’t move them too soon—let one side sear before flipping, and they’ll release easily.
Can I use the leftover marinade as a sauce?
Yes, but for safety, you must bring it to a full rolling boil for at least 3–5 minutes to kill any bacteria from the raw shrimp. Then feel free to drizzle it over the shrimp or serve on the side for dipping!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about the way this Texas Roadhouse Grilled Shrimp Recipe brings people together—whether it’s for a casual gathering or a quick family meal, it never fails to impress. Give it a try, and watch these incredible, garlicky, lemony shrimp disappear faster than you can fire up your grill. Happy grilling!
PrintTexas Roadhouse Grilled Shrimp Recipe
Learn how to recreate the delicious Texas Roadhouse Grilled Shrimp at home with this easy recipe. Juicy shrimp marinated in a flavorful blend of butter, garlic, and spices, then grilled to perfection for a mouthwatering dish.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 53 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1.5 lbs large or jumbo shrimp (about 20–30 count per pound), peeled and deveined, tails on or off (your preference)
For the Signature Marinade:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced (about 1.5 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1 medium lemon)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet, not smoked, for color and mild flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: If your shrimp are frozen, thaw them completely. Ensure they are peeled and deveined. Rinse and pat dry.
- Whisk Up the Magical Marinade: Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl and whisk together.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add shrimp to the marinade, toss to coat, refrigerate for 30-60 minutes.
- Skewer the Shrimp (Optional but Recommended): Thread shrimp onto skewers.
- Preheat and Prepare Your Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat, oil the grates.
- Grill the Shrimp to Perfection: Grill shrimp for 2-4 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Rest and Serve: Garnish with parsley, serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp is properly thawed and patted dry for best results.
- Do not over-marinate shrimp to avoid a mushy texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste for the marinade.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 240mg
Keywords: Texas Roadhouse, Grilled Shrimp, Marinated Shrimp, BBQ Shrimp