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Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a bright, fresh, and irresistible summer dish featuring juicy shrimp marinated with vibrant herbs and spices. Ready in under 40 minutes, they offer a perfect balance of smoky char and fresh flavors, ideal for quick dinners or outdoor gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Marinade

  • 1 lb medium to large fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or basil)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soaked in water for 30 minutes prior to use)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the shrimp: Place peeled and deveined shrimp into the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes but no more than 30 minutes to keep the shrimp tender.
  3. Thread the shrimp onto skewers: Carefully thread 4-5 shrimp per skewer, leaving slight space between each shrimp to ensure even cooking and easier flipping on the grill.
  4. Preheat and oil the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high and brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking, ensuring a perfect sear and grill marks on the shrimp.
  5. Grill the shrimp skewers: Place skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque with a beautiful char.
  6. Serve and enjoy: Remove the skewers from the heat and serve immediately to savor the shrimp at their juiciest and most flavorful.

Notes

  • Don’t over-marinate shrimp; 15-30 minutes is ideal to avoid mushy texture.
  • Choose shrimp of uniform size for even cooking.
  • Use metal skewers when possible as they conduct heat and help cook shrimp from inside out.
  • Keep the grill hot for quick cooking and juicy shrimp.
  • Flip skewers only once to develop great sear marks.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled shrimp, shrimp skewers, summer recipes, quick dinner, healthy seafood, outdoor cooking