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For these lemon garlic shrimp skewers, you need just a few key ingredients: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons high-quality olive oil - Zest and juice from 2 freshly juiced lemons - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for at least 30 minutes) - Fresh parsley, roughly chopped (for garnish) These ingredients work together to create a fresh and bright flavor. The shrimp absorbs the lemon and garlic well, making each bite delicious. You can add a few optional ingredients to enhance the dish: - A splash of white wine for extra depth - Fresh herbs like thyme or cilantro for more aroma - Lemon slices for grilling, which adds extra zest These ingredients can give your skewers a unique twist. Feel free to experiment based on your taste! When buying shrimp, look for these signs of freshness: - Shrimp should smell clean, like the ocean. - The shells should be shiny and firm, not slimy. - Choose shrimp with a slight translucence and a pink hue. Buying from a trusted source ensures you get the best quality. Fresh shrimp will make your dish taste even better. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you need to make the marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the zest and juice of 2 lemons, and 4 cloves of finely minced garlic. Add in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Finish with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This mix will give your shrimp a fresh and zesty flavor. Next, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Use a spoon to coat each shrimp well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 30 minutes. For a stronger taste, you can marinate them for up to 2 hours. The longer they sit, the more flavor they absorb. While the shrimp marinates, it’s time to prepare your grill. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat until it’s hot. After the shrimp have marinated, carefully thread each piece onto skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each shrimp for even cooking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side. They are ready when they turn opaque and have nice char marks. Once cooked, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for one minute. This helps keep the flavors locked in. Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a bright and fresh look. You can also drizzle some extra lemon juice over the skewers to enhance their flavor. To cook shrimp just right, you need to watch the time. Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn from gray to pink and opaque. If they curl up tightly, you may have cooked them too long. Remove them from heat as soon as they are done. This keeps them tender and juicy. Make sure your grill is hot before cooking. This helps the shrimp get nice grill marks and stay juicy. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes first. This keeps them from burning. Space the shrimp well on the skewers. Avoid overcrowding so the heat can circulate evenly. To boost the lemon garlic flavor, add some fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. You can also mix in a bit of honey for sweetness. For heat, try a dash more red pepper flakes. A splash of white wine in the marinade adds depth. Experiment with different spices to make the dish your own. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: For the best flavor, allow the shrimp to marinate for up to 2 hours. The longer the marination, the more the shrimp will absorb the delicious lemon and garlic flavors. Skewer Safely: If using wooden skewers, don't forget to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling. This prevents them from burning and ensures your shrimp stay secure during cooking. Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your shrimp while grilling. They cook quickly and are done when they turn opaque and curl slightly. Overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture. Garnish with Freshness: Right before serving, add a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. This adds a vibrant color and a fresh burst of flavor to your dish. {{image_4}} If you love heat, try spicy lemon garlic shrimp skewers. Add red pepper flakes to the marinade for a kick. You can increase the amount to suit your taste. For even more spice, mix in some hot sauce. This gives a nice tang and warmth. The spicy version pairs well with a cool dip, like yogurt or sour cream. Add colorful veggies to your skewers for more flavor and nutrition. Bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes work great. Simply cut them into bite-sized pieces. Alternate shrimp and veggies on the skewers. This not only looks pretty but also adds a nice crunch. Grilling these together enhances the flavors of both. You can cook shrimp skewers in the oven or under a broiler if you don’t have a grill. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. Broiling is faster; just watch closely. Either method gives you tasty skewers. After enjoying your lemon garlic shrimp skewers, you might have some left. To store them, let the skewers cool down to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days. Remember to keep them covered to avoid drying out. When you want to enjoy leftover shrimp skewers, reheating is key. Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. Cook the skewers for about 2-3 minutes, turning often. This keeps the shrimp tender and tasty. You can also use the microwave. Heat them in 30-second bursts but be careful not to overcook. If you want to keep your shrimp skewers longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each skewer in plastic wrap tightly. Then, place them in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight before reheating. This helps maintain their flavor and texture. Marinate shrimp for at least 30 minutes. For best flavor, go for 2 hours. This time lets the shrimp soak up the lemon and garlic goodness. When you marinate, the shrimp absorb all those tasty spices. It makes each bite burst with flavor. 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. Once thawed, pat them dry. This helps the marinade stick better. Frozen shrimp work well, but fresh shrimp give more flavor. These skewers pair well with many sides. Try serving them with rice, salad, or grilled veggies. You can also add crusty bread to soak up the juices. For a light meal, serve with a fresh green salad. The bright flavors of the skewers will shine with these sides. Cook shrimp until they turn opaque and firm. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side on the grill. The shrimp should look pink and slightly curled. If you cut one, it should be white inside with no gray. Overcooked shrimp become tough, so keep an eye on them! In this post, we explored lemon garlic shrimp skewers, from key ingredients to grilling tips. The marinade brings out the shrimp's flavor while pairing well with veggies. You learned about storage and reheating methods, too. My final thoughts? This dish is simple and tasty. Experiment with spices and cooking methods to make it your own. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Deliciously marinated shrimp skewers with a zesty lemon and garlic flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons high-quality olive oil
  • 2 whole freshly juiced lemons (zest and juice)
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for desired heat)
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • as needed Skewers
  • as needed Fresh parsley, roughly chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
  • Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, making sure each piece is completely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, but for even more intense flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.
  • As the shrimp marinates, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat until hot and ready for cooking.
  • Once marinated, carefully thread each shrimp onto the skewers, ensuring to leave a little space between each shrimp to promote even cooking and prevent overcrowding.
  • Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and develop attractive char marks.
  • After cooking, remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for one minute to lock in the flavors.
  • Before serving, generously sprinkle the skewers with freshly chopped parsley for a bright finish.

Notes

For wooden skewers, soak in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Keyword garlic, grilled, lemon, shrimp, skewers