Texas Roadhouse Grilled Shrimp

The sizzling, smoky aroma of perfectly grilled shrimp with that distinctive Texas Roadhouse seasoning is enough to make your mouth water instantly. Texas Roadhouse Grilled Shrimp brings the beloved restaurant experience right into your kitchen, combining succulent seafood with bold, southwestern flavors. This restaurant-quality dish balances tender, juicy shrimp with a perfect char and that signature seasoning blend that Texas Roadhouse fans crave. You’ll learn how to achieve that ideal grill mark while keeping the shrimp plump and flavorful, plus discover the secrets to that craveable seasoning that makes this dish unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something undeniably satisfying about recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home, and this Texas Roadhouse Grilled Shrimp recipe delivers on all fronts. The contrast between the slightly crispy, charred exterior and the tender, juicy interior creates a textural experience that’s absolutely irresistible.

What makes this recipe truly special is its accessibility—you don’t need professional equipment or hard-to-find ingredients to achieve restaurant-quality results. The marinade infuses the shrimp with layers of flavor that penetrate deep while the cooking technique ensures they remain succulent rather than rubbery.

The versatility of these grilled shrimp is another major selling point. They work beautifully as an appetizer, a protein topper for salads, or as the star of your main course alongside classic Texas Roadhouse-inspired sides. Plus, the entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Texas Roadhouse Grilled Shrimp:

• 1½ pounds (680g) large shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined with tails on
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon (5g) brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon (2.5g) cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon (2.5g) ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
• ¼ teaspoon (1g) ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons (8g) fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

The key to authentic Texas Roadhouse shrimp lies in selecting large, high-quality shrimp. Fresh is ideal, but frozen and properly thawed works excellently too. The combination of paprika, cayenne, and cumin creates that signature southwestern flavor profile, while the brown sugar helps achieve beautiful caramelization on the grill.

Pro Tips

Perfect Shrimp Selection and Preparation: For the most authentic Texas Roadhouse Grilled Shrimp experience, choose large shrimp (16-20 count per pound). Ensure they’re fully deveined but leave the tails on for that restaurant presentation and added flavor during grilling. Pat the shrimp completely dry before marinating—this is crucial for proper seasoning absorption and prevents steaming instead of grilling.

Marinade Timing Matters: Unlike meat, shrimp shouldn’t marinate for too long. The acid in the lemon juice begins breaking down the protein quickly, potentially resulting in mushy shrimp. For optimal texture, marinate for exactly 30 minutes—long enough to infuse flavor but not so long that the texture is compromised. If you need to prep ahead, combine all marinade ingredients separately and only add the shrimp when you’re 30 minutes from grilling.

Grilling Technique: The secret to achieving that distinctive Texas Roadhouse char while maintaining juicy shrimp is high heat and quick cooking. Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to 450°F (232°C) before adding the shrimp. Place them perpendicular to the grates to create those coveted grill marks. Most importantly, watch them closely—shrimp cook in 2-3 minutes per side, and overcooked shrimp become tough. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque with slight char marks.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and cumin. Whisk together until everything is thoroughly incorporated. This aromatic mixture is the foundation of the Texas Roadhouse Grilled Shrimp flavor profile, so take your time to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the oil base.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Add your peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade bowl, making sure each piece gets coated evenly. Gently toss them with your hands or a spatula to ensure complete coverage. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for exactly 30 minutes. This timing is crucial—long enough to infuse flavor but not so long that the acid in the lemon juice begins to “cook” the shrimp.

Step 3: Preheat Your Grill
While the shrimp are marinating, prepare your grill for direct high heat (about 450°F or 232°C). If you’re using a gas grill, preheat all burners on high with the lid closed for 10-15 minutes. For a charcoal grill, light the charcoal and wait until the coals are glowing red with a light coating of white ash. For indoor cooking, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat until it’s very hot.

Step 4: Grill the Shrimp
Remove the shrimp from the marinade and thread them onto skewers if desired (this makes them easier to flip). Place them on the preheated grill surface, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque with visible grill marks. You’ll notice them curling into a loose C-shape when perfectly cooked—a tight curl indicates overcooking.

Step 5: Finish and Serve
Transfer your Texas Roadhouse Grilled Shrimp to a serving platter and immediately drizzle with melted butter while still hot. This butter finish is a signature touch that adds richness and helps the seasonings adhere. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. For the full Texas Roadhouse experience, serve them alongside a loaded baked potato and fresh vegetable sides.

Variations

Blackened Texas Roadhouse Shrimp: For a deeper, more intense flavor profile, create a blackening version of the Texas Roadhouse shrimp by doubling the paprika and adding 1 teaspoon of blackening seasoning to the marinade. Cook these in a cast-iron skillet over high heat instead of grilling for that characteristic blackened crust. The intense seasoning creates a beautiful contrast with the tender shrimp interior, perfect for those who enjoy bolder flavors.

Garlic Butter Texas Roadhouse Shrimp: Transform this recipe into a garlic butter lover’s dream by reducing the spices by half and doubling the garlic in the marinade. After grilling, toss the shrimp in a sauce made from 4 tablespoons of butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of white wine, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. This variation creates a luxurious, restaurant-quality dish that’s reminiscent of both Texas Roadhouse and classic scampi preparations.

Cajun-Style Texas Roadhouse Shrimp: For a spicy twist, replace the original seasoning with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning in the marinade. After grilling, toss the shrimp with a mixture of melted butter, thinly sliced green onions, and a splash of hot sauce. This variation brings together the Texas Roadhouse technique with classic Cajun flavors, creating a cross-regional American seafood experience that’s perfect for spice enthusiasts.

Storage and Serving

Texas Roadhouse Grilled Shrimp are best enjoyed immediately after cooking when they’re at their juiciest and most flavorful. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap them loosely in foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as this can quickly turn the shrimp rubbery.

For an impressive appetizer presentation, serve your grilled shrimp on a sizzling hot plate with a side of the restaurant’s signature cocktail sauce—mix ½ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons horseradish, a squeeze of lemon, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Add lemon wedges and fresh parsley for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Turn this into a complete Texas Roadhouse-inspired meal by serving the shrimp alongside their famous rolls with cinnamon butter, a loaded baked potato, and steamed vegetables. For a lighter option, place the grilled shrimp atop a fresh Caesar salad or use them to create an elevated shrimp taco with cabbage slaw and chipotle cream sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Texas Roadhouse recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly! Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a colander under cool running water for quick thawing. Just ensure they’re completely thawed and patted dry before marinating for best results.

What’s the best way to prevent overcooked, rubbery shrimp?
Watch them closely while grilling! Texas Roadhouse Grilled Shrimp are done when they turn pink, opaque, and form a loose “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked. For large shrimp, this typically means 2-3 minutes per side over high heat.

How can I make this recipe if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! Use a cast-iron grill pan over high heat for similar results. Alternatively, broil the shrimp on the top rack of your oven for 2 minutes per side, or sauté them in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side.

What sides pair best with Texas Roadhouse Grilled Shrimp?
For an authentic experience, serve with Texas Roadhouse-style seasoned rice, a loaded baked potato, or their famous sweet potatoes. Steamed vegetables or a side salad with ranch dressing also make excellent accompaniments.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier or milder?
Absolutely! For spicier shrimp, increase the cayenne pepper to 1 teaspoon or add ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder version, reduce the cayenne to just a pinch or omit it entirely, focusing instead on the paprika and garlic flavors.

Conclusion

This Texas Roadhouse Grilled Shrimp is comfort food with a touch of elegance — bringing together the bold flavors of southwestern seasoning with the natural sweetness of perfectly grilled seafood. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary dinner into a special occasion, yet remains simple enough for weeknight cooking. Whether you’re recreating a restaurant favorite or just looking for a foolproof shrimp recipe, this Texas-inspired classic delivers restaurant-quality results that will have everyone reaching for seconds. The combination of smoky char, tender texture, and that signature spice blend creates a memorable meal that’s bound to become a regular in your cooking rotation.

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