Zesty Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers

$To make Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers, you will need: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - Zest of 1 bright lemon - 2 garlic cloves, finely minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Skewers (wooden or metal) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a bright and fresh dish that is easy to make. You can add a few optional ingredients to boost the flavor: - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat - A splash of white wine for depth - Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a twist These additions can make your skewers even more exciting. This recipe serves about four people. If you want to serve more, simply double the ingredients. You can also adjust the shrimp amount based on your guests' appetites. Each skewer holds about two to three shrimp, so plan accordingly. Enjoy your meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This step helps stop them from burning on the grill. It also keeps the skewers strong while cooking. In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add the minced garlic, oregano, and thyme next. Finally, sprinkle in salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until it is well mixed. This marinade adds a bright flavor to the shrimp. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Gently toss the shrimp to coat them completely. Let them sit in the marinade for at least 15 minutes. This short time helps the shrimp soak up the tasty flavors. While the shrimp is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This temperature is key for grilling. It allows the shrimp to cook quickly and evenly while getting that nice char. Once the shrimp have marinated, thread them onto the skewers. Leave a bit of space between each shrimp. This helps them cook well. Place the skewers on the hot grill. Grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque, which shows they are done. After grilling, take the skewers off the grill. Place them on a serving platter. For a nice touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp. This adds color and enhances the taste. Enjoy your Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers with a side salad or grilled veggies! When picking shrimp, look for large ones. They should be firm and moist. A fresh shrimp has a slight ocean smell, not a strong fishy scent. Check for a shiny shell without spots. If buying frozen, ensure they are individually quick-frozen (IQF). This keeps them fresher and easier to use. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This step is key for a good sear. Use a grill brush to clean the grates. For wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This prevents burning. When placing shrimp on the grill, leave space between them. This helps them cook evenly. The marinade makes a big difference. Use fresh herbs when possible for a bright taste. Lemon juice and zest bring zest to the shrimp. Garlic adds a punch of flavor. You can also mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Experiment with different herbs like basil or cilantro for unique twists. Pro Tips Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Marinate for Flavor: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance their flavor and juiciness. Grill at the Right Temperature: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for the best char and cooking results. Check for Doneness: Grill shrimp until they are pink and opaque, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. {{image_4}} To add a kick, mix in some heat. You can use red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Just a pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinade works well. If you want more heat, try a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. This adds a nice balance to the lemon flavor. Adding colorful veggies can enhance your shrimp skewers. Bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes are great choices. Cut them into chunks and add them to your skewers. This not only adds flavor but also makes the dish look amazing. The veggies will soak up the marinade, adding extra taste. Switching herbs can change the whole dish. Try fresh basil, cilantro, or dill. Each herb brings its own flavor profile. For example, basil adds a sweet taste, while cilantro gives a fresh kick. Just chop the herbs finely and mix them into your marinade. This allows you to create a new twist on the classic recipe. To keep your shrimp skewers fresh, let them cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. This prevents air from drying them out. Store the container in the fridge. Use the skewers within two days for the best taste. To reheat shrimp skewers, use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, place them on a plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep moisture. Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds. Check if they are warm. If not, heat in 15-second bursts until hot. For the skillet, heat on medium-low. Add a dash of olive oil and gently warm the skewers. This keeps them juicy and tasty. You can freeze leftover skewers for later meals. Wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap. This helps prevent freezer burn. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, peel and devein them if needed. This way, you still get that fresh taste. The best grill temperature for shrimp skewers is medium-high heat. Aim for around 400°F to 450°F. This helps to cook the shrimp quickly while giving them a nice char. For the best flavor, marinate shrimp for at least 15 minutes. You can let them sit for up to 30 minutes for even more taste. Avoid marinating for too long, as the acid in lemon juice can make the shrimp tough. Yes, you can use an oven! Preheat it to 400°F. Place the skewers on a baking sheet and bake for about 8-10 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. These shrimp skewers pair well with a fresh side salad or grilled veggies. You can also serve them with rice or quinoa for a heartier meal. A wedge of lemon adds a nice touch too! We explored all you need for perfect grilled shrimp skewers. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Don't forget the exciting variations to try. Proper storage can keep leftovers fresh too. Whether you use fresh or frozen shrimp, follow the tips for the best flavor and grilling. Get creative and enjoy this dish at your next meal. Grilled shrimp skewers can impress everyone. Make this recipe your own and have fun cooking!$

Zesty Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Delicious grilled shrimp marinated in a zesty lemon herb mixture, perfect for summer barbecues.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 unit zest of a bright lemon
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
to taste unit salt and freshly ground black pepper
as needed unit skewers (wooden or metal)
for garnish unit fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

If you are using wooden skewers, begin by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until well-blended.
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade and gently toss to ensure each shrimp is coated. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each shrimp.
Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer to a serving platter.
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the skewers before serving.

Notes

Pair with a refreshing side salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Keyword grilled, herb, lemon, shrimp, skewers