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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Skewers (wooden or metal, for grilling) Gather these simple ingredients to make your Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Fresh shrimp is the star here. I love using large shrimp because they hold up well on the grill. You need good olive oil to add richness and depth. Garlic brings a punchy flavor. The zest and juice from the lemon give the dish brightness. Smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness, while oregano brings a warm, herbal note to the dish. Make sure to have salt and pepper on hand. They enhance all the flavors. Fresh parsley adds a vibrant touch at the end, bringing color and freshness to the skewers. You can use wooden or metal skewers, but remember to soak the wooden ones in water. This step prevents them from burning on the grill. With these ingredients ready, you are set to create a dish full of flavor and joy. Enjoy the process! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather a medium bowl. In this bowl, mix together: - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste Whisk these ingredients until they blend well. This creates a tasty and fragrant marinade that will soak into the shrimp. Next, take 1 pound of large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Add these shrimp to your marinade. Toss them gently to ensure every shrimp is coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you want a stronger flavor, you can let it sit for up to 2 hours. Now, it’s time to grill! First, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This helps keep them from burning. Once ready, thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers. Aim for about 4-5 shrimp per skewer. Leave a little space between each shrimp to help them cook evenly. Carefully place the skewers on the grill. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they are done when the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can get tough. After grilling, remove the skewers and let them rest for a minute. This helps keep the juices inside. To make your shrimp really tasty, marinate them for at least 30 minutes. This time lets the flavors soak in well. If you want a stronger flavor, you can marinate them for up to 2 hours. Just remember, do not go over 2 hours. The acid in lemon juice can start cooking the shrimp if left too long. When grilling shrimp, keep an eye on the time. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Shrimp turn pink and opaque when done. Overcooking can make them tough, so check them often. Also, leave space between shrimp on the skewers. This helps them cook evenly and gives them a nice char. For a pretty presentation, place the skewers on a large platter. Add lemon wedges around them for color and flavor. For an extra treat, drizzle olive oil on top or serve with creamy garlic aioli for dipping. Fresh parsley on top gives a nice touch, too. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: Always opt for the freshest shrimp available. Fresh shrimp not only tastes better but also has a firmer texture, making it perfect for grilling. Don't Overcrowd the Skewers: Leave a little space between shrimp on the skewers. This ensures even cooking and prevents steaming, allowing them to grill perfectly. Watch Cooking Time: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them. They are done when they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Enhance Flavor with Marinade: For a deeper flavor, marinate the shrimp for at least 1 hour, or even up to 2 hours. This allows the garlic and lemon to penetrate the shrimp thoroughly. {{image_4}} You can change up the flavor with different spices. Try adding chili powder for heat. Cumin gives a warm touch, while lemon pepper adds zest. A splash of soy sauce can create a nice umami kick. If you love herbs, mix in fresh basil or thyme. You can also use a premade marinade like teriyaki or jerk spice for quick flavor. If shrimp isn’t your thing, you can use chicken. Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Marinate just like the shrimp, cooking until fully done. Tofu is another great choice. Press tofu to remove water, then cut it into cubes. Marinate and grill until golden. Fish like salmon or scallops work well too, just adjust cooking time. Adding veggies makes skewers colorful and healthy. Bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes are great options. Cut them into chunks and toss them with the marinade. For a smoky flavor, try mushrooms or red onions. You can also use asparagus or corn on the cob. Just remember to cut vegetables to match the shrimp size for even cooking. Store leftover grilled shrimp skewers in an airtight container. Make sure to cool them to room temperature first. You can keep them in the fridge for up to two days. If you want to store them longer, try freezing them. Just remember to label your container. To reheat skewers, use the oven or a skillet. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes until warm. If using a skillet, add a splash of water and cover with a lid. This helps keep the shrimp moist. To freeze shrimp, first marinate them as usual. After marinating, place the shrimp in a freezer bag. Squeeze out any air and seal it tight. You can freeze the shrimp for up to three months. When ready to cook, thaw them in the fridge overnight. You can tell shrimp are done when they turn bright pink and opaque. They should curl into a “C” shape. If they are still gray or bend into an “O” shape, they need more time. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and chewy. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. The best way to thaw shrimp is to leave them in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, you can place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, drain and pat them dry before marinating. These shrimp skewers pair well with many sides. Consider serving them with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables. Rice or quinoa also make great options. For a tasty twist, serve them with garlic bread or a zesty dipping sauce like aioli. Adding lemon wedges will enhance the dish's brightness. This blog post covered making delicious Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers. You learned about the ingredients needed, from shrimp to spices. I shared steps to prepare, marinate, and grill the shrimp just right. You also discovered tips to enhance flavors and storage ideas for leftovers. Mix things up with different spices or proteins for fun. Whether grilling for a crowd or a quiet dinner, you can enjoy great flavors. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Delicious grilled shrimp marinated in a zesty lemon garlic sauce, perfect for summer barbecues.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 lemon zest of
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and freshly cracked pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • as needed skewers (wooden or metal, for grilling)

Instructions
 

  • Create the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, finely minced garlic, lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and a generous pinch of salt and cracked pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended, creating a fragrant marinade.
  • Marinate the Shrimp: Carefully add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl, tossing them gently to ensure they are well-coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. For a more intense flavor, you can let it marinate for up to 2 hours.
  • Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.
  • Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, aim for about 4-5 shrimp per skewer, leaving a slight space between each shrimp to ensure even cooking.
  • Grill the Shrimp: Carefully place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side. The shrimp are ready when they turn pink and opaque, taking care not to overcook them as they can become tough.
  • Rest and Garnish: Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute to allow the juices to settle.
  • Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the skewers with finely chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Arrange the skewers beautifully on a large serving platter. Serve with lemon wedges and a creamy garlic aioli for dipping.
Keyword garlic, grilled, lemon, shrimp, skewers