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Flavorful Smoky Charred Shrimp Recipe with Easy Zesty Corn Salsa

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This recipe features smoky charred shrimp paired with a fresh, zesty corn salsa, delivering a perfect balance of smoky richness and bright tangy freshness. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s ideal for summer gatherings or a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (wild-caught if possible)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of half a lime
  • 2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 3 ears, or frozen corn thawed)
  • 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • ½ small red onion, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
  3. Toss the shrimp in the marinade until evenly coated and let sit for 15-20 minutes.
  4. While the shrimp marinates, combine corn kernels, red bell pepper, jalapeño, red onion, and cilantro in a large bowl.
  5. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, season with salt and pepper, and stir gently to mix. Set aside.
  6. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  7. Arrange shrimp on the grill or pan in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side until opaque with char marks.
  8. Plate the shrimp alongside spoonfuls of the zesty corn salsa. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedge if desired.
  9. Serve with warm tortillas or over cilantro-lime rice for a heartier meal.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper charring. Pat shrimp dry before marinating to avoid steaming. Marinate shrimp for 15-20 minutes only to prevent texture changes. Frozen shrimp should be fully thawed and patted dry before use. The corn salsa flavors improve if made a few hours ahead. For a smoky heat boost, add more jalapeño or chipotle powder. If no grill is available, cook shrimp in a hot skillet or broil in the oven while watching closely.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoky shrimp, charred shrimp, corn salsa, summer recipe, easy shrimp recipe, grilled shrimp, zesty salsa, quick dinner