Colossal Grilled Shrimp Harissa

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

These colossal grilled shrimp are infused with a vibrant harissa marinade and cooked to juicy perfection on the grill. The marinade combines spicy harissa paste, fresh lemon juice, and seasoning to create a bold flavor that clings to the shells as they grill. Perfect for summer barbecues or special occasions, these shrimp are tender, smoky, and easy to make in under 30 minutes after marinating. Serve them up with light sides or skewer them for a stunning party dish everyone will remember.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Recipe Author Maria
Updated as of Fri, 04 Jul 2025 18:21:36 GMT
Colossal Grilled Shrimp with Harissa Marinade. Bookmark
Colossal Grilled Shrimp with Harissa Marinade. | foodbymary.com

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

Get your grills ready for this grilled shrimp with very large succulent shrimp that have been marinated in flavorful harissa, then grilled to perfection. They're super tender and huge on flavor.

Grilled Shrimp with Harissa Marinade Ingredients

  • Shrimp: 2.5 pounds colossal shrimp in shells
  • Harissa: 1/4 cup harissa paste, homemade or store-bought
  • Lemon Juice: Juice from 1 lemon
  • Seasonings: Salt and pepper to taste, optional garlic or Italian seasoning

How to Make Grilled Shrimp with Harissa Marinade

Make the Harissa Marinade:
Whisk together harissa paste, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until fully blended.
Marinate the Shrimp:
Add shrimp to a bowl or sealable bag. Rub in the marinade thoroughly. No need to peel shrimp before grilling.
Refrigerate:
Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours. For smaller shrimp, marinate 20 minutes to 1 hour.
Preheat Grill:
Heat grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Grill the Shrimp:
Place shrimp on grill and cook 4–5 minutes per side until opaque and firm. Use skewers if preferred.
Serve:
Remove from grill and serve hot with your choice of sides.
Colossal Grilled Shrimp with Harissa Marinade. Bookmark
Colossal Grilled Shrimp with Harissa Marinade. | foodbymary.com

Storage & Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. Refrigerate promptly after cooking to preserve freshness.

A plate of grilled shrimp with a harissa marinade. Bookmark
A plate of grilled shrimp with a harissa marinade. | foodbymary.com

Patty's Perspective

The name for these shrimp is no joke. They are truly Colossal. When we first walked up to them at The Fresh Market, I mistakenly thought they were lobster tails. They really do look like lobster tails because they are so huge. Great for a few foodie friends to enjoy. Grilled shrimp is one of my favorite things in the world, and the harissa marinade really took these to a new level.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use smaller shrimp instead of colossal ones?

Yes, you can use any size shrimp. Adjust grilling time and marinating duration accordingly to avoid overcooking smaller shrimp.

→ Do I need to peel the shrimp before grilling?

No, grilling shrimp in their shells helps retain moisture and adds flavor. You can peel after cooking if preferred.

→ How long should I marinate the shrimp?

For colossal shrimp, marinate up to 4 hours. For smaller shrimp, 20 minutes to 1 hour is usually enough.

→ Can I use store-bought harissa?

Absolutely. Homemade or store-bought harissa both work well. Choose one that matches your spice preference.

→ What sides go well with grilled harissa shrimp?

Light salads, grilled vegetables, couscous, or crusty bread all pair well with the bold flavors of the shrimp.

→ How can I tell when the shrimp are done?

The shrimp should turn opaque and firm. An internal temperature of 145°F ensures they are fully cooked.

Colossal Grilled Shrimp Harissa

Colossal shrimp marinated in harissa and grilled to bold, juicy perfection for your next summer gathering.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
10 minutes
Overall Time
25 minutes
Recipe Author: Maria

Dish Category: Main Dishes

Recipe Difficulty: Medium Effort

Cuisine: American

Serves: 6 Serving Size (12 colossal shrimp)

Dietary Options: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

What You’ll Need to Cook

→ For the Marinade

Ingredient 01 1/4 cup harissa paste
Ingredient 02 Juice of 1 lemon
Ingredient 03 Salt to taste
Ingredient 04 Black pepper to taste

→ For the Shrimp

Ingredient 05 2.5 pounds colossal shrimp, in shells

Steps to Prepare

Step 01

Whisk together harissa paste, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until fully combined.

Step 02

Place the shrimp in a large bowl or sealable bag. Pour the marinade over the shrimp and mix thoroughly to coat.


A plate of grilled shrimp with a harissa marinade.
Step 03

Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours. For smaller shrimp, reduce marination to 20 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 04

Heat grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 05

Grill shrimp 4–5 minutes per side until opaque and firm. Optionally skewer shrimp before grilling.


Colossal Grilled Shrimp with Harissa Marinade.
Step 06

Remove from grill and serve hot with your choice of sides.

Extra Cooking Tips

  1. Grilling shrimp in their shells locks in moisture and boosts flavor.
  2. For extra flavor, use metal skewers or soaked wooden skewers when grilling.
  3. Internal temperature should reach 145°F for properly cooked shrimp.
  4. Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Must-Have Tools

  • Outdoor grill
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs
  • Zipper-top bag or large bowl for marinating
  • Metal or wooden skewers (optional)

Allergen Information

Always check ingredient labels for allergens and seek expert advice if uncertain.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp)

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are for guidance and aren’t a replacement for professional advice.
  • Calories Count: 290
  • Fats: 10 grams
  • Carbs: 4 grams
  • Proteins: 42 grams