Grilled Harissa Shrimp
Grilled Harissa Shrimp offers a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors, making it an irresistible dish for seafood lovers. The rich, smoky heat from the harissa paste is complemented by the natural sweetness of honey and the freshness of lemon.
This quick marinade infuses the shrimp with bold flavors, while grilling brings out a delicious char. Serve with a side of lemon wedges for a burst of citrus that elevates the dish even further.
Whether served as a starter or a main, these Grilled Harissa Shrimp are sure to impress with their vibrant flavors and simple preparation, making them an ideal choice for a weeknight meal or summer grilling.
Grilled Harissa Shrimp Ingredients
Harissa paste brings a bold, smoky heat to the shrimp, while honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances the spice. Lemon juice provides a refreshing tang, brightening the marinade and enhancing the shrimp’s natural flavor. Olive oil ensures a tender texture and helps the spices adhere. The shrimp, grilled to perfection, absorb the marinated flavors, creating a delicious contrast of char and juiciness. Optionally, tomatoes bring a burst of freshness, complementing the richness of the shrimp with each bite.
Grilled Harissa Shrimp: A Flavor-Packed Dish with Bold Heat
Grilled Harissa Shrimp combines the smoky, spicy punch of North African harissa paste with the sweetness of honey and a tangy lemon twist. It’s a deliciously simple dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for grilling season. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or main course, this recipe is sure to delight anyone who enjoys a little heat with their seafood. Below are some helpful tips, serving suggestions, and answers to common questions about this vibrant dish.
Recipe Tips
- Adjust Spice Levels to Taste
Harissa can vary in heat, so it’s important to taste your marinade before adding the shrimp. If you prefer a milder dish, start with a small amount of harissa paste and increase as needed. If you’re a fan of extra spice, feel free to add more or mix in some chili flakes for an added kick. - Marinate for Maximum Flavor
While 15-20 minutes of marinating is enough to infuse the shrimp with flavor, you can let them sit for up to an hour if you have the time. The longer the shrimp marinate, the deeper the flavors will develop, especially from the combination of harissa and honey. Just be careful not to leave the shrimp too long, as the acidic lemon juice could start to “cook” them. - Prevent Shrimp from Sticking to the Grill
To prevent your shrimp from sticking to the grill, make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high and oiled. You can also brush the shrimp with a bit of olive oil before grilling. Additionally, be sure to use well-soaked bamboo skewers to avoid burning, and thread the shrimp through the thickest part to ensure even cooking.
What to Serve with Grilled Harissa Shrimp
- Couscous with Lemon and Herbs
A light and fluffy couscous dish seasoned with fresh lemon juice and herbs such as parsley or cilantro makes an excellent side for Grilled Harissa Shrimp. The neutral flavors of couscous provide a perfect balance to the spicy shrimp, while the herbs add a fresh contrast that brightens the meal. - Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes complement the smoky, spicy shrimp perfectly. Toss the vegetables with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling, and serve alongside the shrimp for a complete, colorful plate. The charred veggies bring a deliciously earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the heat of the harissa. - Greek Yogurt Sauce
A cooling Greek yogurt sauce made with garlic, cucumber, and a dash of lemon juice is a fantastic accompaniment. The creaminess of the yogurt contrasts the bold heat from the harissa, providing a refreshing, tangy dip that enhances the shrimp’s flavor and adds a soothing touch to the dish.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of seafood for this recipe?
Yes! While shrimp works wonderfully with the harissa marinade, you can use this recipe with other seafood like scallops, fish fillets, or even lobster. Just adjust the cooking time according to the thickness and type of seafood you’re using. - Can I make the marinade in advance?
Absolutely. You can prepare the harissa marinade a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even more flavorful when you’re ready to use it. - How can I make this dish less spicy?
If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of harissa paste in the marinade or substitute with a mild chili paste or paprika. You can also add more honey and lemon juice to balance the heat. - Can I grill this shrimp indoors?
Yes! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop. Just ensure that your kitchen is well-ventilated, as grilling indoors can produce smoke. Alternatively, you can broil the shrimp in the oven for a similar charred effect.
This Grilled Harissa Shrimp recipe is a flavorful and versatile option for your next meal, whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd. With these helpful tips, pairing ideas, and answers to common questions, you’re sure to enjoy this deliciously spiced dish!
Grilled Harissa Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound large peeled and deveined shrimp
- ¼ cup harissa paste
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice plus additional lemon wedges for serving
- Kosher salt
- Bamboo skewers
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes optional
Instructions
- Preparation
- Marinate the Shrimp
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the harissa paste, honey, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of kosher salt. Add the shrimp to the bowl, tossing them to ensure they are fully coated with the marinade. Allow the shrimp to marinate for about 15-20 minutes as you prepare the grill. If grilling indoors, make sure the area is well-ventilated, as grilling may produce smoke.
- Skewer the Shrimp
- Thread the shrimp onto bamboo skewers, carefully inserting the skewer through the thickest part of the shrimp and the tail. Optionally, alternate the shrimp with cherry or grape tomatoes for added flavor and color.
- Grill the Shrimp
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp for approximately 3 minutes per side, or until they are lightly charred and fully cooked through. Serve the grilled shrimp with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
- This straightforward recipe results in a dish that showcases the bold, aromatic qualities of harissa while maintaining the freshness of the shrimp. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, the grilled shrimp offer a delightful balance of flavors.
