Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers

$To make Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers, gather these items: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Skewers (soaked in water if wooden) Fresh herbs brighten the dish. I love using parsley and basil for their fresh taste. The lemon juice and zest add a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with shrimp. Garlic brings a warm, savory touch. When mixing your marinade, adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. A little extra salt can enhance the shrimp's natural sweetness. Choosing the right shrimp is key. Look for large, fresh shrimp. They should have a slight ocean smell, not a strong fishy odor. If buying frozen shrimp, select ones that are flash-frozen. This keeps them fresh longer. Always peel and devein the shrimp before cooking. This step helps in both taste and presentation. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to make the marinade. In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and the zest of 1 lemon. Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley, and 1 tablespoon of chopped basil. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, along with salt and pepper to taste. This mix will bring out bright flavors in the shrimp. Next, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl. Stir well to coat each shrimp evenly in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step is key! The longer the shrimp sit in the marinade, the more flavor they will absorb. Before grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent burning. Now, thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers. Leave a little space between each shrimp for even cooking. Grill the skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque, with slight char marks. Once done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Enjoy your flavorful lemon herb shrimp skewers! To get great grill marks, keep these tips in mind. First, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A hot grill helps sear the shrimp quickly. Next, place the skewers down at a 45-degree angle. This angle creates those nice grill marks. Do not move the shrimp for the first two to three minutes. This helps them stick to the grill, which gives you those beautiful lines. Flip the skewers gently using tongs. You want to see a nice char on each side. Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers shine with bright flavors. Lemon juice and zest give a fresh taste. Garlic adds depth, while parsley and basil brighten the dish. You can mix in other herbs, like thyme or cilantro, for fun twists. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinade. This adds heat without overpowering the shrimp. You can also try different oils, such as avocado oil, for a unique flavor. Make your dish pop with great presentation. Start by arranging the skewers on a large platter. Add fresh lemon slices around the edges. This adds color and hints at the flavors inside. Sprinkle extra herbs on top for a vibrant touch. Serve with a side of tzatziki or garlic yogurt sauce for dipping. This adds a creamy element that pairs well with the shrimp. For a fun touch, use colorful skewers or serve on a wooden board for a rustic look. Pro Tips Marinade Time: For the best flavor, let the shrimp marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours if you have the time. This allows the herbs and lemon to infuse into the shrimp. Skewer Safety: If using wooden skewers, always soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. This will help keep your shrimp perfectly cooked without charred skewers. Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. They are done when they turn pink and opaque, usually around 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking can result in rubbery shrimp. Presentation Matters: When serving, arrange the skewers on a platter and garnish with lemon slices and fresh herbs. This not only looks appealing but also enhances the dining experience. {{image_2}} You can swap shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works well, too. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Beef, like sirloin, also tastes great. You can even try fish, like salmon or tilapia. These options bring new flavors to the skewers. Adjust cooking times to fit your protein choice. Always check that meat is cooked through. Mix up the marinade for fun. Use lime juice instead of lemon for a zesty twist. Add some soy sauce for a savory kick. You can also try a spicy marinade with chili paste or sriracha. Experiment with your favorite herbs, like cilantro or thyme. Each change can give you a whole new dish. Serve your skewers with tasty sides. A fresh salad complements the flavors well. Try a quinoa salad tossed with veggies. You can also pair the skewers with rice or couscous. For a dip, tzatziki or garlic yogurt sauce adds a nice touch. Arrange the skewers on a platter for a beautiful presentation. Add lemon slices and herbs for color. After cooking, let the shrimp skewers cool down. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to two days. Make sure they are tightly sealed to keep the flavors fresh. I recommend not storing them with the sauce, as that can make the shrimp soggy. If you want to save leftovers for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the shrimp skewers cool completely. Wrap each skewer in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze them for up to three months. Remember to label the bag with the date so you know when to use them. To reheat, the best method is using the oven or grill. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the skewers on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. If using a grill, heat it to medium. Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side. This keeps the shrimp juicy and tasty. Avoid using the microwave, as that can make the shrimp rubbery. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in the fridge overnight or run them under cool water. This will help them cook evenly. Frozen shrimp may need a bit more time to marinate. You should marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the shrimp to soak up all the flavors. If you have more time, you can marinate them for up to 2 hours. Just remember not to marinate too long. Over-marinating can make the shrimp tough. Shrimp skewers go well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette - Grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers - Creamy tzatziki sauce for dipping - Garlic bread for a tasty contrast - Rice or quinoa for a filling meal These sides will complement the bright flavors of the lemon herb shrimp skewers perfectly. Enjoy your meal! In this blog post, we explored key ingredients, marinating shrimp, and grilling tips. I shared ways to perfect your grill marks, showcase flavors, and present your dish beautifully. Remember, you can swap proteins or marinades for fun variations. Proper storage extends your leftovers, making meals last. With these ideas, you can grill shrimp skewers that impress. Enjoy experimenting, and have fun while cooking!$

Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers

Delicious shrimp skewers marinated in a zesty lemon herb mixture, perfect for grilling.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 zest lemon
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and pepper
skewers (soaked in water if wooden)

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
Add the shrimp to the bowl and ensure they are evenly coated in the marinade. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, make sure they've soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each shrimp for even cooking.
Grill the shrimp skewers for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, and are slightly charred.
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Notes

Arrange the shrimp skewers on a platter and garnish with extra lemon slices and fresh herbs for a vibrant look. Serve with a side of tzatziki or garlic yogurt sauce for dipping.

Keyword grill, herbs, lemon, shrimp, skewers