Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

$- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Skewers (preferably soaked wooden or metal) The key to making these Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers is in the fresh, high-quality ingredients. Start with large shrimp. They are easy to handle and cook quickly. Peel and devein them for a clean bite. Next, gather your main flavor boosters. Olive oil adds richness, while garlic packs a punch. The zest and juice of one lemon brighten the dish. I love using fresh lemon juice; it makes the skewers taste vibrant. For seasoning, smoked paprika gives a nice depth. Balance it with salt and pepper. If you enjoy heat, add red chili flakes for a kick. Finally, fresh parsley not only adds color but fresh flavor too. Don't forget your skewers! Wooden skewers need soaking in water for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent burning on the grill. Metal skewers can be used without soaking. These simple ingredients create a dish that is quick, tasty, and perfect for any occasion. {{ingredient_image_2}} Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes. This keeps them from burning on the grill. If you're using metal skewers, make sure they are clean and ready to go. In a big bowl, whisk together: - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional) This marinade adds a fresh and zesty flavor to the shrimp. Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Make sure to coat each shrimp well. Cover the bowl and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This time helps the shrimp soak up all the tasty flavors. While the shrimp are marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Once marinated, thread the shrimp onto the skewers. Remember to leave a small gap between each shrimp to help them cook evenly. Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side. The shrimp should look pink and opaque. Don't cook them too long, or they will become rubbery. To get the best shrimp, avoid overcooking. Shrimp turn rubbery when cooked too long. Aim to grill shrimp just until they are pink and opaque. For great results, heat your grill to medium-high. This temperature helps cook the shrimp evenly without drying them out. Want to add more flavor? Consider using fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. You can also try spices like cumin or dill to switch things up. Adjust the marinade to fit your taste. If you like it spicy, increase the red chili flakes. For a milder version, skip them altogether. To make your dish look stunning, garnish it with fresh parsley. A few lemon wedges on the side add a bright touch. Serve the skewers on a bed of mixed greens for a fresh contrast. This not only looks good but also adds health benefits to your meal. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: If time permits, marinate the shrimp for 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked shrimp, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 120°F (49°C) when done. Experiment with Skewers: Try using different types of skewers, like rosemary or lemon verbena, for added flavor during grilling. Watch the Grill Temperature: Maintain a medium-high heat on the grill to ensure the shrimp cook quickly and evenly without becoming tough. {{image_4}} You can switch things up by using scallops or chicken instead of shrimp. Both options give a different taste and texture. Just follow the same marinating steps. If you prefer vegetarian meals, try grilled vegetables on skewers. Zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms work well. They soak up the marinade's flavors nicely. Want to mix it up? Add different citrus juices like lime or orange instead of lemon. This twist adds a fun zing to your dish. You can also play with spices. Try adding cumin or coriander for a unique flair. Each spice brings its own special taste, making your skewers even more exciting. Combine shrimp with other ingredients for more flavor. Cherry tomatoes or bell peppers make great partners. They add color and sweetness. You can also create mixed skewers by adding other seafood options. Think about combining shrimp with fish or scallops. This makes for a delicious variety and a feast for the eyes! To keep your leftover lemon garlic shrimp skewers fresh, place them in an airtight container. This method helps lock in moisture and flavor. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, make sure they cool completely before sealing. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, the best way to reheat them is on the grill. This method keeps the shrimp juicy and tasty. Heat your grill to medium and warm the skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side. If you use a microwave, place the skewers on a microwave-safe plate. Heat them for 30 seconds at a time until warm. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry them out. You can freeze both marinated and cooked shrimp skewers. For marinated skewers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They will last up to three months in the freezer. If you freeze cooked skewers, let them cool first. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, and remove as much air as you can. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight. For best results, reheat them on the grill instead of the microwave. You can tell shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque. The shrimp will curl into a C shape. If they are gray or translucent, they need more time. Avoid overcooking, as this makes them rubbery. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just remember to thaw them first. The best way is to leave them in the fridge overnight. You can also run them under cold water for a quick thaw. Adjust cooking time slightly if they are still very cold. These skewers go great with fresh salads. You can try a simple green salad or a citrus salad. Grains like rice or quinoa also work well. For dipping, consider a garlic aioli or a spicy cocktail sauce. If you don’t have smoked paprika, try regular paprika. You can also use cayenne for heat. Another option is to mix regular paprika with a bit of cumin for a different flavor. Marinated shrimp can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 hours. If you need to keep them longer, it’s best to freeze them. This keeps them fresh until you are ready to grill. Lemon garlic shrimp skewers are easy, tasty, and fun to make. You need fresh shrimp, a few spices, and some lemon. Key steps are soaking skewers, mixing the marinade, and grilling. Don’t overcook the shrimp for the best taste. You can mix things up by trying different proteins or flavors. Enjoy leftovers by storing and reheating or even freezing them for later. With this guide, you can create a delicious meal that impresses everyone. Happy grilling!$

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Delicious shrimp marinated in a zesty lemon garlic sauce and grilled to perfection.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped
as needed skewers (preferably soaked wooden or metal)

Instructions

Prepare the Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, immerse them in water for at least 30 minutes. This will help prevent them from burning on the grill.
Make the Marinade: In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. If you like a bit of spice, stir in the red chili flakes.
Marinate the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp into the bowl with the marinade, ensuring each shrimp is generously coated. Cover and let them marinate for a minimum of 15 minutes to absorb all those delightful flavors.
Preheat the Grill: While the shrimp are marinating, heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Assemble the Skewers: Once marinated, carefully thread the shrimp onto the skewers. Remember to leave a little gap between each shrimp to ensure even cooking.
Grill the Shrimp: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Be cautious not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery if left on the heat too long.
Serve: Once grilled, remove the skewers from the grill and arrange them on a serving platter.
Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of additional lemon juice for that extra zing, if desired.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve the skewers on a bed of mixed greens and accompany with lemon wedges on the side for guests to add their preference of zest!

Keyword garlic, grilled, lemon, shrimp, skewers