Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

$- Shrimp and Essential Ingredients - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Marinade Components - Zest and juice of 2 lemons - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon paprika - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice) - Salt and pepper to taste - Recommended Skewers - Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) The main star of this dish is the shrimp. I recommend using large shrimp for the best texture. The shrimp should be peeled and deveined to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the marinade. Next, we have the olive oil, which gives a rich base to the marinade. The lemon zest and juice add bright, tangy flavors. The garlic packs a punch and adds depth. Paprika gives a subtle warmth that balances the dish. If you like spice, consider adding red pepper flakes. Salt and pepper are crucial to enhance all the flavors. They tie the dish together, making every bite tasty. For the skewers, wooden ones need soaking. This prevents burning on the grill. You can also use metal skewers for a quicker option. Finally, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness as a garnish. It makes your dish look vibrant and inviting. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You will need olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. In a bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Then, add the minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Stir this mixture well to combine all the flavors. Next, add the shrimp to the marinade. Make sure each shrimp gets a good coat. This step is key for flavor. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For even better taste, you can leave it for up to 2 hours. While the shrimp marinates, preheat your grill or grill pan. Set it to medium heat. A hot grill is important for cooking the shrimp evenly. After marinating, take the shrimp out. If you use wooden skewers, make sure they soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Now, thread the shrimp onto the skewers. Leave a small space between each shrimp. This helps them cook properly and get that nice char. Place the skewers on the grill. Grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for the shrimp to turn opaque and slightly charred. This means they are done. Once cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a minute. To make these skewers pop, garnish them with fresh chopped parsley. This adds a nice color and flavor. You can also drizzle some extra lemon juice over the top for extra zing. Serve the skewers on a nice platter. Drizzle with a little extra lemon juice and sprinkle with parsley. Add some lemon wedges on the side for a bright touch. This not only looks good but makes it easy for guests to add more lemon if they want. Marinating Time Recommendations Marinating shrimp is key to great taste. For the best flavor, let the shrimp soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, go for up to 2 hours. This extra time lets the lemon and garlic work their magic. Achieving Perfect Grill Marks To get those beautiful grill marks, make sure your grill is hot. Place the skewers on the grill and don’t move them for about 2-3 minutes. This allows the shrimp to sear properly. When it’s time to flip, you’ll see those lovely grill lines. Grill Temperature Insights Cook shrimp over medium heat. A hot grill cooks shrimp quickly and evenly. If it’s too hot, shrimp may burn. If it’s too cool, they’ll take too long. Aim for a sweet spot around 350°F to 400°F. Checking Shrimp Doneness Cook shrimp until they turn opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. They should curl into a nice "C" shape. If they stay straight, they may be overcooked. Adding Herbs or Spices Want to kick up the flavor? Try adding fresh herbs like cilantro or basil. You can also sprinkle in some cumin or oregano for a twist. Just remember to keep it light; the lemon and garlic should still shine. Adjusting for Personal Preferences Make the recipe your own! If you like it spicy, add more red pepper flakes. Prefer a milder taste? Skip the spice altogether. This dish is flexible to suit your taste buds. Pro Tips Marinade Time: For the best flavor, allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 1 hour. This will help the shrimp absorb the zesty lemon and garlic flavors. Skewer Selection: Use flat skewers instead of round ones to prevent the shrimp from spinning while grilling. This ensures even cooking on all sides. Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the shrimp while grilling. They are done when they turn opaque and have a slightly firm texture, usually around 2-3 minutes per side. Serving Suggestion: Pair these skewers with a fresh salad or over a bed of rice for a complete meal that balances the bright flavors of the shrimp. {{image_2}} You can switch up the shrimp for other proteins. Chicken or scallops work great too. If you want veggies, try zucchini or bell peppers. They grill nicely and soak up the flavor. For flavor swaps, consider using lime instead of lemon. It adds a nice twist. Orange juice can also work, giving a sweet touch. You can even add fresh herbs like cilantro for a refreshing zing. If grilling isn't an option, try baking the skewers. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the skewers on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes. This method gives you tender shrimp that are still full of flavor. Another great option is broiling. Set your broiler to high, and place the skewers on an oven-safe dish. Broil for 2-3 minutes on each side. This gives a nice char without needing a grill. Pair your lemon garlic shrimp skewers with fresh sides. A light salad with mixed greens is perfect. You can also serve them with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. Don’t forget the dips! A tangy yogurt sauce or a spicy aioli complements the skewers well. You can also offer lemon wedges on the side for extra flavor. Refrigeration Guidelines After you enjoy your lemon garlic shrimp skewers, store leftovers right away. Place the skewers in an airtight container. They can stay fresh in your fridge for about 2 to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Freezing Tips To freeze, first remove the shrimp from the skewers. Place the shrimp in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Properly stored, they can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to use them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Best Methods to Reheat Skewers Reheat the shrimp skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F. Place them on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, cooking for a few minutes on each side. Avoiding Dry Shrimp To avoid dry shrimp, keep the heat low. Add a little olive oil or lemon juice while reheating. This helps keep the shrimp juicy and flavorful. Freshness of Shrimp Always buy fresh shrimp. If you buy them raw, check the smell. Fresh shrimp should smell like the ocean, not fishy. Store shrimp in the fridge and use them within 1 to 2 days for the best taste. Marinade Storage Tips If you have extra marinade left, store it in an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for up to a week. Use it for other seafood or chicken dishes. Just remember, never reuse marinade after it has touched raw shrimp. You should marinate shrimp for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to soak in. For the best taste, I recommend marinating up to 2 hours. Longer times can enhance the flavor. However, don't go overboard, or the shrimp can become mushy. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. To thaw, place shrimp in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, run them under cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Using frozen shrimp may change the texture slightly. Fresh shrimp gives the best flavor and bite. Lemon garlic shrimp skewers pair well with many sides. I suggest a fresh salad or garlic bread. You can also serve them with rice or couscous for a heartier meal. For drinks, a crisp white wine or lemonade complements the shrimp nicely. In this blog post, we explored all the key steps to make delicious shrimp skewers. We covered essential ingredients, how to marinate shrimp, and grilling techniques. I shared tips to perfect your skewers, plus ideas for variations and serving suggestions. Remember to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. Keeping your shrimp fresh is important for great flavor. With these steps, you can create tasty skewers every time. Enjoy cooking, and don’t be afraid to try new flavors!$

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Delicious grilled shrimp marinated in a zesty lemon garlic sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 40

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 lemons zest and juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
1 to taste salt
1 to taste pepper
1 set skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes)
1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
Add the shrimp to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium heat.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each shrimp for even cooking.
Grill the skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp are opaque and slightly charred.
Remove from grill and let rest for a minute.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve the skewers on a platter drizzled with extra lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh and vibrant look. Add some lemon wedges on the side for an extra pop of color.

Keyword garlic, grill, lemon, shrimp, skewers