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Grilled Harissa Shrimp

Grilled harissa shrimp, brined and marinated shrimp grilled to perfection ~ succulent and smoky with a spicy kick. Perfect for summer grilling season.

Finished grilled harissa shrimp skewers.

We love grilling season and while it's usually meat, chicken and veggies we're throwing on the grill, occasionally we do shrimp.  It's so easy and delicious with a quick harissa marinade.  

Close up of grilled shrimp.

Why this grilled harissa shrimp recipe works

Brining shrimp in bowl.

Simple, brining the shrimp first.  A quick soak in water with salt and sugar guarantees a tender shrimp.  Shrimp cooks quick and if overcooked, it becomes a little tough and rubbery. 

You know what I'm talking about.  A brine will keep them moist and give you a little wiggle room in case you overcook a little.  Moist shrimp with a firm texture is the goal.

What is harissa?

Tube of harissa paste.

Harissa is a North African fiery and garlicky chili pepper paste.  While recipes vary, it's usually made from chilis blended into a thick paste with garlic, olive oil, caraway, cumin and coriander. 

I buy it in a tube and have also seen it in jars.  Check the spice aisle or ask store personnel, you might have to go to a specialty store that specializes in Middle Eastern foods, like I do. 

What is a good substitute for harissa?

If you can't find harissa or are out of it, you really can use most any chili-based hot sauce or paste.  Some options include berbere spice paste, peri-peri sauce, sriracha and sambal oelek chili paste. 

It all varies by heat level, so pick to suit your taste and adjust accordingly.  I don't find harissa too fiery, it packs some heat with tons of flavor.

How to make grilled harissa shrimp

Three photo collage of marinated shrimp and skewers ready for grilling.

Just a few easy steps:

  1. Brine the shrimp for 30 minutes.
  2. Pat the shrimp dry and toss in harissa mixture and marinate for 15 minutes.
  3. Thread shrimp on wooden skewers that have been soaked in water.
  4. Cook about 2 minutes a side on a hot grill.

Finished shrimp skewers.

The shrimp has that smoky grill taste with a nice kick of heat from the harissa, and not at all rubbery thanks to the brining beforehand.  Serve as an appetizer or the main dish with a summer salad or maybe some grilled veggies.  This is summer cooking at it's best.  Enjoy ~ Kelly🍴🐦

Grilled shrimp on white serving platter.

You might also like these recipes for the summer grilling season:

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Grilled Harissa Shrimp skewers

Grilled Harissa Shrimp

Grilled harissa shrimp, brined and marinated shrimp grilled to perfection ~ succulent and smoky with a spicy kick. Perfect for summer grilling season.
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: North African
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 263kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound large shrimp, shelled, deveined and tails removed (24 large shrimp)
  • ¼ cup kosher salt
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 quarts (8 cups) water
  • 2 tablespoons harissa paste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cumin

Instructions

  • Soak wooden skewers in water and set aside.
  • Prepare brine. In large bowl, combine salt, sugar and water. Stir until dissolved. Add shrimp and let brine on countertop at room temp for 30 minutes.
  • In meantime, make harissa marinade. In large bowl combine harissa paste, olive oil, salt, pepper and cumin. Remove shrimp from brine and pat dry. Add to harissa marinade and toss to coat. Let sit for 15 minutes.
  • Heat grill to medium-high heat. Skewer 6 shrimp on each of 4 skewers. Grill shrimp skewers for about 2 minutes a side until just cooked through. Remove shrimp from skewers and serve.

Recipe Notes

If you can’t find harissa or are out of it, you really can use most any chili-based hot sauce or paste.  Some options include berbere spice paste, peri-peri sauce, sriracha and sambal oelek chili paste. 
It all varies by heat level, so pick to suit your taste and adjust accordingly.  I don’t find harissa too fiery, it packs some heat with tons of flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 263kcal Carbohydrates: 27g Protein: 23g Fat: 8g Saturated Fat: 1g Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 5g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 183mg Sodium: 7600mg Potassium: 337mg Fiber: 1g Sugar: 26g Vitamin A: 56IU Vitamin C: 1mg Calcium: 82mg Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe? Please comment, rate it and share! And mention me on Instagram @thehungrybluebird or tag #thehungrybluebird so I can see!
 

 

 

5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)
Recipe Rating




Meathead

Sunday 28th of July 2019

Shrimp never had it so good.