Healthy Redrock Grilled Shrimp Recipe: Longhorn Steakhouse Copycat with Low-Carb Option

Craving the iconic taste of Longhorn Steakhouse’s Redrock Grilled Shrimp? Look no further! This delightful and healthy copycat recipe brings the restaurant experience right to your kitchen. It’s an incredibly simple dish to master, yet delivers a complex, vibrant flavor that will impress anyone. We’re talking plump, juicy jumbo shrimp, perfectly marinated in a secret blend of spices and zesty lime, then grilled to perfection and lightly brushed with a touch of BBQ sauce for that irresistible smoky-sweet finish. Served alongside a smart combination of white rice and cauliflower rice, this meal offers a balanced, lighter option without sacrificing an ounce of taste or satisfaction. Prepare yourself for a flavorful journey that’s surprisingly easy and incredibly rewarding.

This healthy rendition of Redrock Grilled Shrimp is not just delicious but also incredibly mindful of your dietary goals. For those following programs like Weight Watchers, this copycat comes in at a mere 4 points per serving. And if you’re looking for an even lighter option, skipping the rice makes it a zero-point meal, proving that healthy eating can be both satisfying and incredibly flavorful. It’s the perfect guilt-free indulgence for any day of the week, promising a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss or the high calorie count.

Why You Should Try This Redrock Grilled Shrimp Recipe

There’s absolutely no reason to hold back from indulging in this fantastic Redrock Grilled Shrimp recipe. Shrimp, by nature, is simply delicious and stands out as one of the most flavorful and versatile protein sources available. Beyond its incredible taste, this recipe is remarkably quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you want a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen. In just a few minutes, you can have a dish that tastes like it came straight from a high-end restaurant.

Its versatility is another huge plus. While traditionally served as a satisfying main course on a fluffy bed of rice, these grilled shrimp skewers are equally delectable on their own, perhaps as a sophisticated appetizer or a light, protein-packed snack. Moreover, shrimp is a lean protein, packed with essential nutrients like iodine, selenium, and B vitamins, making it an excellent choice for a healthy diet. This copycat version specifically focuses on maintaining that healthy profile by reducing carb content through the innovative use of cauliflower rice alongside traditional white rice, offering a fulfilling meal that supports your wellness goals. It’s a win-win: incredible flavor, quick preparation, and a healthy boost!

Mastering the Marinade for Redrock Grilled Shrimp

The true secret to this deceptively simple Redrock Grilled Shrimp recipe lies in perfecting the marinade. A well-crafted marinade doesn’t just add flavor; it also tenderizes the shrimp and ensures every bite is infused with a delicious depth. For our signature blend, we carefully select ingredients that create a harmonious balance of savory, spicy, and zesty notes.

Our key ingredients include fragrant garlic powder, which provides a foundational savory aroma, and fresh cilantro, adding a bright, herbaceous freshness that complements seafood wonderfully. For a touch of heat that awakens the palate without overpowering it, we incorporate a hint of cayenne pepper. The essential zesty tang comes from fresh lime juice, which also helps to “cook” the shrimp slightly (a process known as ceviche-style marinating, though we’ll still grill them) and brighten all the other flavors. Finally, a hint of light BBQ sauce is added not just for its smoky-sweet complexity but also to help achieve that beautiful caramelization on the grill. This thoughtful combination ensures that each jumbo shrimp absorbs maximum flavor, resulting in a truly unforgettable Redrock Grilled Shrimp experience.

Servings: 2

Preparation time: 15 minutes (plus 15 minutes marinating)

Cooking time: 5-6 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need for Redrock Grilled Shrimp

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this incredible Longhorn Steakhouse copycat. We prioritize freshness and quality to ensure the best possible flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for both the succulent shrimp and its perfect, health-conscious accompaniments:

• 300 g. jumbo shrimp, cleaned, peeled, and deveined (ensure they are large for grilling)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced, for stronger flavor)
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 lime, freshly squeezed (about 2 tablespoons of juice)
• 1 tablespoon light BBQ sauce (choose a low-sugar variety for health benefits)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish and added freshness)

For the Accompaniments:

• ¼ cup raw white rice, 60 g. (for traditional texture and flavor)
• 2 cups cauliflower rice, 200 g. (for a significant reduction in carbs)
• A tiny bit of olive oil or cooking spray for sautéing cauliflower rice

Equipment:

• Skewers (if using wooden, remember to soak them!)
• Grill (outdoor or indoor grill pan)
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepans for rice

How to Make Redrock Grilled Shrimp: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious Redrock Grilled Shrimp copycat is a straightforward process, designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. Follow these steps for perfectly grilled shrimp every time:

1. Prepare and Marinate the Shrimp: First, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill is heating, take your cleaned, peeled, and deveined jumbo shrimp and place them in a medium-sized bowl. Season generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix thoroughly, ensuring every piece of shrimp is evenly coated with the spices. This step is crucial for developing a deep flavor profile. Next, squeeze the juice of one fresh lime over the seasoned shrimp. The acidity of the lime juice not only adds a bright, zesty kick but also begins to subtly tenderize the shrimp. Let the shrimp marinate for approximately 15 minutes. This short marination time is perfect for shrimp, allowing the flavors to penetrate without “cooking” them too much with the acid.

2. Prepare the Rice Accompaniments: While your shrimp are marinating, prepare your rice. Cook the white rice according to the package instructions; typically, this involves boiling it in water until fluffy and tender. For the cauliflower rice, heat a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray in a separate non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking, as it can become mushy. This combination provides the satisfying texture of traditional rice with a significant reduction in carbohydrates.

3. Skewer the Shrimp: Once marinated, carefully thread the shrimp onto your skewers. If you are using wooden skewers, make sure you’ve soaked them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to prevent burning on the grill. Thread the shrimp through both the head and tail ends, creating a gentle “C” shape, ensuring they are evenly distributed on each skewer. This method helps the shrimp cook evenly and prevents them from spinning freely on the skewer. Don’t crowd the shrimp too tightly; leave a little space between each piece to allow for proper heat circulation and even cooking.

4. Grill the Shrimp Skewers: Carefully place the shrimp skewers onto your preheated grill. Grill for approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Shrimp cook very quickly, so watch them closely. They are done when they turn opaque pink and curl into a firm “C” shape. Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to tough, rubbery shrimp. The goal is tender, juicy perfection with a lovely char from the grill. For an indoor grill pan, ensure it’s smoking hot before adding the shrimp for a good sear.

5. Apply BBQ Glaze: During the final minute of grilling, use a basting brush to generously coat the shrimp with the light BBQ sauce. This step adds an extra layer of smoky-sweet flavor and allows the sauce to caramelize slightly on the hot grill, creating a beautiful glaze and a delightful texture. Flip the skewers once after brushing to ensure both sides get a touch of that delicious, slightly sticky BBQ coating.

6. Serve Immediately: Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked and glazed, remove the skewers from the grill. Carefully slide the shrimp off the skewers, or serve them directly on the skewers, alongside the prepared white rice and cauliflower rice. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro and an extra lime wedge for a burst of fresh flavor, if desired. Enjoy this healthy, homemade Longhorn Steakhouse Redrock Grilled Shrimp!

Delicious Variations and Smart Substitutions for Your Grilled Shrimp

While the classic Redrock Grilled Shrimp is undeniably delicious, feel free to get creative and customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few exciting variations and smart substitutions:

1. Tropical Mango Sauce: Elevate your shrimp with a delightful tropical twist by preparing a homemade mango sauce. Combine finely diced ripe mango, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, a handful of chopped fresh cilantro, and a dash of spicy chili (like finely minced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes) for a vibrant, sweet, and spicy sauce. This sauce adds a refreshing, exotic flavor that perfectly complements the grilled shrimp, making it ideal for summer gatherings or when you want to transport your taste buds to a sunny beach.

2. Savory Teriyaki Marinade: For a different flavor profile, consider using a teriyaki marinade instead of the BBQ sauce. A good teriyaki marinade typically features soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), mirin (sweet rice wine), a touch of sugar or honey, grated ginger, and garlic. This blend will give your shrimp a rich, umami-packed, sweet, and savory glaze that’s deeply satisfying. It’s a fantastic option if you prefer an Asian-inspired flavor for your grilled seafood.

3. BBQ Pineapple Shrimp Skewers: Introduce a touch of delightful sweetness and acidity by grilling fresh pineapple alongside your shrimp. Simply cut fresh pineapple into thick wedges or cubes and thread them onto separate skewers, or alternate them with the shrimp on the same skewers. The grilling process caramelizes the natural sugars in the pineapple, creating juicy, slightly charred pieces that offer a wonderful contrast to the savory, spicy shrimp. The combination of succulent shrimp and sweet, smoky pineapple is truly irresistible.

4. Alternative Grains and Veggies: If you’re looking to further experiment with your accompaniments, there are many options beyond white and cauliflower rice. For a higher protein, gluten-free grain, try quinoa, which offers a fluffy texture and nutty flavor. You could also create a vibrant shrimp salad with a base of fresh mixed greens, crunchy vegetables like bell peppers and cucumber, and a light vinaigrette. Other fantastic low-carb sides include grilled asparagus, roasted broccoli, or sautéed spinach, all of which pair beautifully with the marinated grilled shrimp.

Pro Tips for Perfect Redrock Grilled Shrimp Every Time

Achieving restaurant-quality grilled shrimp is easy with a few simple tricks. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your Redrock Grilled Shrimp turns out perfectly succulent and flavorful:

1. Selecting the Perfect Shrimp: The foundation of a great shrimp dish is, of course, the shrimp itself. Always choose jumbo shrimp that are firm to the touch and have a nice, translucent pinkish-gray color (if raw). Opt for deveined and peeled shrimp for convenience, or if buying whole, ensure you clean them thoroughly yourself. Fresh is always best, but high-quality frozen shrimp (thawed properly in the refrigerator) can also yield excellent results. Avoid shrimp with black spots or a strong ammonia smell, as these are signs of spoilage.

2. Optimal Marinating Time: For shrimp, less is often more when it comes to marinating, especially with acidic ingredients like lime juice. While a quick 15-minute marinade is sufficient to infuse flavor, for optimal taste penetration and a slightly more tender texture, allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 60 minutes. Marinating shrimp for too long in an acidic mixture can start to “cook” them, making them mushy before they even hit the grill.

3. Soaking Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden or bamboo skewers, it’s absolutely essential to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling. This crucial step prevents them from catching fire or charring excessively on the hot grill, ensuring your shrimp cook evenly without the distraction of burnt skewers. Metal skewers are a great reusable alternative that doesn’t require soaking.

4. Preheating the Grill is Key: Always ensure that your grill is thoroughly preheated to medium-high heat before placing the shrimp on it. A hot grill ensures a quick, beautiful sear on the outside of the shrimp, locking in their natural juices and preventing them from sticking to the grates. If the grill isn’t hot enough, the shrimp may steam rather than grill, resulting in a less desirable texture and appearance.

5. Mastering the Cooking Time: Shrimp cook incredibly quickly, making timing critical to avoid overcooking. For jumbo shrimp, typically 2-3 minutes per side is all it takes for them to turn opaque pink and curl into a firm “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp become tough, rubbery, and lose their delicate flavor. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the grill as soon as they are perfectly cooked. A good visual cue is when they are just opaque all the way through, with no translucent spots remaining.

6. Garnish and Serve with Flair: The presentation can truly enhance the dining experience. Before serving, sprinkle your grilled shrimp with a generous amount of fresh chopped cilantro for vibrant color and fresh flavor. A final squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten the entire dish, and a drizzle of extra light BBQ sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who love more heat can add a professional finishing touch. Serve immediately while the shrimp are still warm and tender.

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