Garlic Herb Shrimp Skewers

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 garlic cloves, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Juice of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste - Wooden or metal skewers To make garlic herb shrimp skewers, you need fresh, simple ingredients. First, get 1 pound of large shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. This means the shell and the dark vein are removed. Clean shrimp cook better and taste great. Next, you need 3 tablespoons of olive oil. This adds richness and helps the herbs stick to the shrimp. You also need 4 garlic cloves. Mince them well to release their strong flavor. Garlic adds a wonderful aroma to the dish. Now, let’s add some herbs. You need 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley and 1 tablespoon of fresh cilantro. Chop these finely. These herbs will bring freshness to the skewers. Don't forget the seasonings! You’ll need 1 teaspoon of dried oregano for a bit of earthiness. You also need 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. This adds a bright note to the shrimp. Finally, juice one lemon. The juice will give the skewers a nice tang. Add salt and pepper to taste for flavor. Lastly, use wooden or metal skewers. If you pick wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This keeps them from burning on the grill. With these ingredients, you are ready to make tasty garlic herb shrimp skewers. {{ingredient_image_1}} Soaking wooden skewers If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent burning. If you skip this, the skewers may char on the grill. Preparing the marinade In a bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, and 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, and the juice of 1 lemon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This marinade brings bold flavor to the shrimp. Coating the shrimp with marinade Take 1 pound of cleaned shrimp and add them to the marinade. Toss the shrimp gently to ensure they are fully coated. You want every shrimp to soak up that delicious mix. Recommended marinating time Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes. This allows the shrimp to absorb the flavors well. Avoid marinating too long; shrimp can become mushy if left too long. Pre-heating the grill Before you start cooking, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This step is crucial for getting a nice sear on the shrimp. Cooking times and techniques Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, leaving space between each shrimp. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side. You know they are done when the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the grill and let them rest for a minute before serving. This helps keep them juicy. For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients. You can swap dried herbs for fresh ones if needed. Want a bolder taste? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for spice. For a citrus twist, try lime juice instead of lemon juice. If you're short on time, let the shrimp marinate for just 15 minutes. Even a quick soak adds nice flavor. You can grill these skewers or use your oven. To bake, set your oven to 400°F. Place the skewers on a baking sheet. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. For stovetop cooking, use a grill pan. Heat it over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. When choosing skewers, metal skewers are sturdy and heat up quickly. Wooden skewers need soaking. If not soaked, they might burn. Aim for about 30 minutes of soaking for the best results. These skewers pair well with fresh salads or rice. A light cucumber salad balances the richness of the shrimp. You can also serve them with garlic bread for a complete meal. For a lovely presentation, place the skewers on a platter. Garnish with lemon wedges and sprigs of fresh herbs. This simple touch adds color and makes your dish pop. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Depth: For an even richer flavor, marinate the shrimp for up to an hour. This allows the herbs and garlic to penetrate the shrimp more deeply. Skewer Safety: If using wooden skewers, soaking them for at least 30 minutes before grilling will prevent them from burning on the grill. Even Cooking: Make sure to leave a little space between each shrimp when threading onto the skewers. This ensures that all sides cook evenly. Rest Before Serving: Let the skewers rest for a minute after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, making the shrimp more tender and flavorful. {{image_2}} You can put a twist on garlic herb shrimp skewers with fun flavor combos. For a kick, try spicy garlic shrimp skewers. Just add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinade. This gives a heat that balances well with the garlic. Another great option is the citrus herb variation. Add orange or lime zest to the mix. This gives your skewers a bright, fresh taste. You can even squeeze extra citrus juice over the skewers just before serving. It makes each bite burst with flavor. Feel free to swap the shrimp for other seafood. Scallops or fish work well too. Just adjust the cooking time based on what you choose. If you want a vegetarian option, use firm tofu or large mushrooms. They soak up the marinade nicely and grill well too. You can also mix in different herbs. Basil or dill can replace parsley or cilantro. This keeps the dish fresh and exciting. Experiment with what you have at home. You can grill or bake these shrimp skewers. Grilling gives a smoky flavor that enhances the dish. The high heat cooks the shrimp quickly, keeping them juicy. Baking is great for an indoor option. It’s easy and just as tasty. You won't get the same char, but you can still enjoy the flavors. Bake them at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes. This makes for a nice, tender bite. Both methods yield delicious results. Choose based on your mood or kitchen setup! To store your garlic herb shrimp skewers, let them cool to room temperature. Place the skewers in an airtight container. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps them fresh and safe to eat. When you reheat the skewers, use the oven or a skillet. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F. Place the skewers on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. If using a skillet, add a touch of olive oil. Cook on medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, turning them once. This helps keep the shrimp moist. To freeze uncooked shrimp skewers, first prepare them as you would for grilling. Place the skewers on a baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours, or until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. This method helps prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to cook, thaw the skewers in the refrigerator overnight. You can also use a quicker method by placing the bag in cold water for about 30 minutes. Avoid using hot water, as it may start cooking the shrimp. Once thawed, marinate and cook as directed. You cook shrimp skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This time works best for large shrimp. When shrimp turn pink and opaque, they are ready. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender. If you use smaller shrimp, reduce the cooking time. Always check the shrimp as they cook, since heat can vary. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water. After thawing, pat them dry before marinating. Using frozen shrimp can save time, and they often taste great. Just ensure they are peeled and deveined. Many sauces go well with shrimp skewers. Here are some popular options: - Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt butter, add minced garlic, and let it simmer. - Lemon Aioli: Mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of mustard. - Chimichurri: Blend parsley, garlic, red pepper flakes, vinegar, and olive oil for a fresh kick. Feel free to try your own favorite sauces too! Each adds a unique flavor to your skewers. In this blog post, we explored how to create delicious shrimp skewers from ingredients to cooking methods. You learned to prepare and marinate the shrimp, and I shared tips for cooking and serving. The variations and storage tips provide flexibility, ensuring your meal can adapt to your needs. Remember, using fresh herbs and the right cooking method enhances flavor. Try different marinades and dipping sauces to find your favorite. Enjoy making perfect shrimp skewers that will impress your friends and family.$

Garlic Herb Shrimp Skewers

Delicious shrimp marinated in garlic and herbs, grilled to perfection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 unit Juice of 1 lemon
to taste Salt and pepper
as needed Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
Add the cleaned shrimp to the marinade and toss to ensure they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, leaving a little space between each shrimp for even cooking.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for a minute before serving.

Notes

Serve the skewers on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for an extra pop of color.

Keyword grill, herbs, seafood, shrimp, skewers