If you like to break away from the traditional, then these Grilled Tandoori Citrus Shrimp are perfect for you. They are tangy, citrusy and packed full of great fire flavor. Let’s go on a journey to understand what Tandoori is and why it is a great way to utilize these shrimp!

One final shot of the served Tandoori Shrimp.

If you want authentic Indian cuisine that tastes just as good as Indian restaurants, then you have to try these tandoori shrimp. They’re loaded with amazing flavors and make a great appetizer or main course!

Why you’ll love this recipe

This succulent shrimp is marinated in a blend of tangy yogurt, zesty citrus, and aromatic spices like cumin and coriander. The citrus adds a bright, refreshing kick, while the tandoori spices bring that authentic Indian flair.

Plus, let’s not forget the primal satisfaction of cooking over an open fire. There’s just something about that smoky, charred flavor that takes these shrimp to a whole new level. If you’re looking for a fun twist on your basic seafood recipes, try this tandoori shrimp!

Opening up the grill basket.

Want more shrimp recipes? Then you’ll love Grilled Shrimp with Garlic Chile Vinaigrette, Rum and Cola Shrimp, Spicy Shrimp with Pineapple Aioli and Skewered Shrimp Al Pastor Recipe.

Tandoori Shrimp Ingredients

Shrimp Ingredients

  • Large Shrimp: Go for fresh shrimp, preferably already peeled and deveined, for the best flavor.
  • Chopped Cilantro: This lively herb brings a fresh kick and aroma to the dish, taking the flavor up a notch. Fresh cilantro is the way to go for the best flavor and texture.
  • Lime Juice: It gives that tangy kick that perfectly balances the savory shrimp and the rich marinade. Squeeze fresh lime for the best zing.
  • Lemon Juice: Like lime juice, lemon also adds that zesty, citrusy pop to the marinade, making the shrimp taste even better. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key for the freshest flavor.

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Marinade Ingredients

  • Tandoori Seasoning: This mix of spices—cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika—gives the shrimp that unique Indian flavor. It’s like garam masala but with a bit more kick. Grab some pre-made tandoori spice blend, or whip up your own.
  • Plain Yogurt: Yogurt forms the base of the marinade, making the shrimp tender and adding a creamy texture. Stick with plain, unsweetened yogurt so that we can avoid any unwanted sweetness. Regular or Greek yogurt both work fine.
  • Orange Juice: It brings a touch of sweetness and citrus flavor to the marinade, complementing the tang of the lemon and lime juices. Freshly squeezed orange juice is the way to go for the best flavor and natural sweetness.

How to Make This Tandoori Shrimp Recipe 

First, grab a bowl and toss in your shrimp. Then, mix in all the marinade ingredients and pop the bowl in the fridge. Let it hang out for about 15 minutes, but no longer than 30.

While your shrimp marinates, get your fire going. Aim for a high temperature of around 400F.

The marinated shrimp getting started over the fire.

About 5 minutes before you’re ready to cook, place your grill grate over the fire. If you’re using a grill basket, give it a light coat of oil before adding the shrimp.

Now, onto the main event! Cook those shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re nice and caramelized. Once they’re done, take them off the heat and let them rest for a minute.

The Tandoori Shrimp after being flipped in the grill basket.

Finally, sprinkle some fresh cilantro over the top of your shrimp and squeeze on some lime and lemon juice for that extra burst of flavor. Then, dig in and enjoy your delicious tandoori citrus shrimp!

In the end, you have some deliciously grilled shrimp with a nice caramelization on the outside. These Grilled Tandoori Citrus Shrimp are amazing, and I highly recommend them for your next fire cook.

Tips for Tandoori Shrimp

  • Make tandoori shrimp skewers by adding the shrimp to metal or wooden skewers. Cook as directed in the recipe. 
  • Add lemon wedges on the side for extra garnish. 

More Shrimp Recipes

How to Store Leftovers & Reheat

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. 

Before reheating, make sure your shrimp comes to room temperature. 

To reheat:

  1. Place a large skillet on medium heat. 
  2. Place leftover shrimp in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until warm. 
An overhead shot of the Tandoori Shrimp.

What to serve with tandoori shrimp

Serve this delicious main dish on a bed of lettuce with a side of naan bread. 

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just make sure it’s completely thawed before cooking. 

Can I use jumbo shrimp?

Absolutely!

WHAT IS A TANDOOR?

To be completely blunt, a tandoor is a clay oven found in Southern Asia and India. So, calling something “tandoori” is not necessarily accurate.

Just like al pastor, Tandoori became a flavor, as did the oven itself. Hence why Spiceology has created the seasoning lovingly titled Tandoori.

So what is Tandoori seasoning, then?

It is really just the flavor of traditional Tandoori Chicken, which is mostly made of spicy peppers, paprika, garlic, citrus, and many more flavors. That is where I am drawing inspiration for these delicious Grilled Tandoori Citrus Shrimp!

Tandoori chicken uses a yogurt marinade. For some, this might come as a shock, but for those who understand food, it is quite inventive.

WHY MARINATE THESE GRILLED TANDOORI CITRUS SHRIMP IN YOGURT?

Yogurt has many amazing properties. Not only is it delicious, but it also has some amazing enzymes that can help to break down protein. 

When you marinate chicken, beef or even shrimp in yogurt, then you end with a tender meat that has absorbed all the other flavors of the marinade.These Grilled Tandoori Citrus Shrimp will not be marinated overnight like traditional tandoori chicken. We will be marinating them for about 15-30 minutes so that they absorb a ton of flavor while not becoming too tender.

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grilled tandoori citrus shrimp

Tandoori Shrimp

Spicy up your backyard grilling with these Grilled Tandoori Citrus Shrimp. Tangy and spicy with a nice creaminess at the end!
Author:Derek Wolf
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 2 people

Ingredients 

Shrimp Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs of Large Shrimp
  • Chopped Cilantro for garnish
  • Lime Juice for garnish
  • Lemon Juice for garnish

Marinade Ingredients:

  • 2.5 tbsp of Tandoori Seasoning
  • ¼ cup of Plain Yogurt
  • 1 tbsp of Orange Juice
  • 1 tbsp of Lemon Juice
  • 1 tbsp of Lime Juice

Instructions 

  • In a bowl, add your shrimp. Add all the marinade ingredients and set in fridge for 15 minutes but no longer than 30 minutes.
  • Preheat your fire to a high temperature of 400F.
  • Add your grill grate onto fire about 5 minutes before cooking. If you’re using a grill basket, oil the basket and add shrimp.
  • Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are well caramelized and tender.
  • Once done, pull off and rest for 1 minute.
  • Top your shrimp with cilantro, lime juice and lemon juice. Enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 461kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 94g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 734mg | Sodium: 559mg | Potassium: 1514mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 367IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 626mg | Iron: 9mg

Derek Wolf

Derek is the driving force behind Over the Fire Cooking. He started cooking with live fire in 2016 and decided to start a social media page so his friends and family could follow the journey. Fast forward to today and Over the Fire Cooking has spread across multiple platforms with millions now following Derek's fire cooking journey. He's a southern fellow who enjoys everything from classic BBQ to Central and South American inspired dishes. Whatever he's cooking up, it's guaranteed to be so freakin' delicious!

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