In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, chili powder, lime juice, red pepper flakes, and olive oil. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a smooth, flavorful marinade.
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, tossing gently to coat them evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Don’t marinate for too long because the lime juice can “cook” the shrimp and make them mushy.
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the shrimp directly on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque with a slight char. Keep an eye on them because shrimp cook very quickly.
If you don’t have a grill, a cast-iron skillet or grill pan works perfectly. Heat the pan over medium-high heat, add the shrimp, and sear them 2–3 minutes per side until cooked. You’ll still get that delicious sear and juicy texture.