Thai Chili Lemongrass Grilled Shrimp
Let’s Talk About Flavor Explosion!
Ever dreamt of shrimp that transports you right to a Thai street food market with every bite? Thai Chili Lemongrass Grilled Shrimp is your ticket to a fiesta of bold flavors and tantalizing aromas that will have your taste buds dancing. This quick, zesty dish is a perfect blend of spice and citrus, making it hard to resist diving in for seconds (or thirds!).
Why Make This Recipe
There’s a lot to love about this grilled shrimp, and here are a few reasons to whip it up tonight:
- Quick and Easy: You can marinate while you sip your favorite drink. Hello, multitasking!
- Simple Cleanup: Less mess means more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pots and pans.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love shrimp (and they’ll feel fancy eating skewers). Bonus points if you get them involved in the grilling!
Ingredients:
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons lemongrass, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili paste
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix the lemongrass, chili paste, fish sauce, lime juice, and vegetable oil to create a marinade.
- Add the shrimp to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Skewer the shrimp and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked through and charred.
- In a separate pan, stir-fry the cooked rice with basil until heated through.
- Serve the grilled shrimp over the rice, garnished with lime wedges.
How To Make Thai Chili Lemongrass Grilled Shrimp (Overview)
Making this dish is totally a breeze! Start by crafting your zesty marinade in a bowl. Then, let the shrimp soak in that deliciousness. While they’re getting all cozy in the marinade, heat up the grill and prepare for some charred goodness! Just a few minutes on those skewers, and you’ll have mouthwatering shrimp ready to be devoured. And don’t forget to stir-fry that rice with basil—it takes it from basic to bomb! Pro Tip: Letting the shrimp marinate overnight makes the flavor even better. Who doesn’t love that?
How To Serve Thai Chili Lemongrass Grilled Shrimp
This dish looks amazing plated up! The shrimp will have a lovely char with a glistening shine from the marinade, and the rice will be speckled with vibrant green basil. Squeeze that lime wedge over the top for a burst of freshness! Pair it with a simple side salad for some crunch, or maybe some grilled veggies to add that extra color.
How To Store Thai Chili Lemongrass Grilled Shrimp
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining Thai Chili Lemongrass Grilled Shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, toss them in the freezer, and they’ll keep for about 3 months. When it’s time to dive back in, simply reheat in a pan on medium heat until warm. Easy peasy!
Tips To Make Thai Chili Lemongrass Grilled Shrimp
- Don’t skip the marinade time! The longer the shrimp sit, the more flavor they soak up (30 minutes is the minimum, but overnight is even better).
- Use skewers! This keeps your shrimp from falling through the grill. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
- Adjust the spice levels! If you’re daring, add more chili paste for a fiery kick, or tone it down for the kiddos.
Variations
Want to switch it up? You can easily swap the shrimp for tofu or chicken if you’re feeling adventurous. Add in some tropical fruits like mango or pineapple for an extra layer of sweetness. Feeling vegan? Use chickpeas or your favorite veggies instead!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating for the best flavor.
2. What can I substitute for fish sauce?
Try soy sauce or coconut aminos for a vegetarian-friendly option.
3. Can I marinate shrimp overnight?
Yes! Overnight marinating makes those flavors even richer, so go for it!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Thai Chili Lemongrass Grilled Shrimp
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix the lemongrass, chili paste, fish sauce, lime juice, and vegetable oil to create a marinade.
- Add the shrimp to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Skewer the shrimp and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked through and charred.
- In a separate pan, stir-fry the cooked rice with basil until heated through.
- Serve the grilled shrimp over the rice, garnished with lime wedges.