Get ready for a mouthwatering treat with these delicious Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic-Lemon Marinade. Succulent shrimp brushed with a tangy and flavorful marinade, then grilled to perfection – it’s a surefire way to impress your taste buds and everyone around you. The combination of garlic and lemon creates a zesty punch that perfectly complements the tender shrimp. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply craving a mouthwatering seafood dish, these skewers are an absolute must-try. So fire up the grill and get ready to experience the tantalizing flavors of these Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic-Lemon Marinade.
Ingredients
Grilled shrimp skewers with garlic-lemon marinade are a delicious and flavorful seafood dish that is perfect for summer barbecues or dinner parties. To make these mouthwatering skewers, you will need the following ingredients:
Shrimp
First and foremost, you will need some fresh shrimp. Choose medium- or large-sized shrimp, as they work best for skewers. Make sure to clean and devein the shrimp before marinating them.
Garlic
Garlic is an essential ingredient in the marinade. It adds a rich and savory flavor to the shrimp. Mince the garlic cloves finely to ensure that the flavor is evenly distributed throughout the marinade.
Lemon
Lemon juice provides a bright and tangy taste to the shrimp skewers. Juice one or two lemons, depending on their size and the amount of juice required. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferred for the best flavor.
Olive Oil
Olive oil acts as a base for the marinade and helps to infuse the shrimp with flavor. Use extra virgin olive oil for its robust and fruity taste. It also adds a smooth and luscious texture to the marinade.
Salt and Black Pepper
Salt and black pepper are simple yet crucial seasonings that enhance the taste of the shrimp. They bring out the natural flavors of the seafood and provide a balanced and well-rounded taste.
Fresh Parsley
Fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness and a vibrant green color to the shrimp skewers. Chop the parsley finely and add it to the marinade for an added layer of flavor.
Wooden Skewers
Wooden skewers are required to thread the marinated shrimp for grilling. Soak the wooden skewers in water for approximately 30 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Marinade Preparation
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to prepare the marinade for the shrimp skewers. Follow the simple steps below:
Mince Garlic
Take the cloves of garlic and finely mince them using a sharp knife. The smaller the garlic is minced, the better it will distribute its flavor throughout the marinade.
Juice Lemon
Cut the lemon in half and squeeze out the juice using a citrus juicer or by hand. Make sure to remove any seeds that may fall into the juice.
Combine Garlic, Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper
In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together to create a well-blended marinade base.
Add Chopped Parsley
Finely chop the fresh parsley and add it to the marinade mixture. Stir well to ensure that the parsley is evenly distributed throughout the marinade.
Mix Well
Thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. The marinade should have a smooth and even consistency, with all the flavors fully blended.
Preparing the Shrimp
Once you have prepared the marinade, it’s time to get the shrimp ready for grilling. Follow these steps to ensure that the shrimp are clean and ready to absorb the flavors of the marinade:
Clean and Devein the Shrimp
Before marinating the shrimp, it is crucial to clean and devein them properly. Rinse the shrimp under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Using a sharp knife or shrimp deveiner, remove the black vein that runs along the back of each shrimp.
Pat the Shrimp Dry
After cleaning the shrimp, gently pat them dry using paper towels. Removing the excess moisture will help the marinade to stick to the shrimp better and prevent them from becoming waterlogged.
Skewer the Shrimp
Take the cleaned and dry shrimp and thread them onto the wooden skewers. It is best to place the shrimp onto the skewers through the tail and up through the body, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Skewering the shrimp not only makes grilling easier but also adds an appealing presentation to the dish.
Marinating the Shrimp
Now it’s time to infuse the shrimp with the delicious flavors of the garlic-lemon marinade. Follow these steps to marinate the shrimp:
Place the Skewered Shrimp in a Shallow Dish
Arrange the skewered shrimp in a shallow dish that can hold them in a single layer. This will ensure that each shrimp is thoroughly coated with the marinade.
Pour the Marinade over the Shrimp
Pour the prepared garlic-lemon marinade over the skewered shrimp, making sure that all sides are coated. Use a spoon or a basting brush to spread the marinade evenly, ensuring that each shrimp is thoroughly covered.
Ensure All Sides Are Coated
Gently turn the skewered shrimp to ensure that each side is evenly coated in the marinade. This will help to guarantee that every bite of the grilled shrimp is bursting with flavor.
Let the Shrimp Marinate for 30 Minutes to 1 Hour
Allow the shrimp to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This will provide ample time for the shrimp to soak up the flavors of the marinade, resulting in a more flavorful and tender outcome.
Preheating the Grill
Before cooking the shrimp skewers, it is essential to preheat the grill to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking. Follow these steps to preheat your grill:
Preheat the Grill to Medium-High Heat
Turn on your grill and set it to medium-high heat. This will provide enough heat to cook the shrimp quickly while still allowing them to retain their moisture and tenderness.
Grilling the Shrimp
With the grill preheated, it’s time to cook the marinated shrimp to perfection. Follow these steps to ensure that your shrimp skewers are cooked perfectly:
Oil the Grill Grates to Prevent Sticking
Before placing the shrimp skewers on the grill, lightly oil the grates using a brush or a paper towel dipped in a high-smoke-point oil such as canola or vegetable oil. This will prevent the shrimp from sticking to the grill while cooking.
Place the Shrimp Skewers on the Preheated Grill
Carefully place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill. Be gentle when handling the skewers to prevent the shrimp from falling off or getting damaged.
Cook for 2-3 Minutes per Side
Grill the shrimp skewers for approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the shrimp and the heat of the grill. The shrimp should turn opaque and become slightly charred on the outside.
Flip the Skewers and Cook for an Additional 2-3 Minutes
After cooking one side of the shrimp skewers, gently flip them over using tongs or a spatula. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side until the shrimp are cooked through and no longer translucent.
Remove from Grill when Shrimp are Opaque and Cooked Through
Once the shrimp have turned opaque and are cooked through, carefully remove them from the grill. Be cautious when handling the hot skewers to avoid getting burnt.
Garnishing and Serving
The grilling process is complete, and your shrimp skewers are ready to be garnished and served. Follow these steps for the finishing touches:
Remove Shrimp from Skewers
Carefully slide the cooked shrimp off the skewers using a fork or tongs. This will make it easier for your guests to enjoy the succulent shrimp without the need for any additional utensils.
Sprinkle with Fresh Parsley
To add a final burst of freshness and a pop of color, sprinkle the cooked shrimp with freshly chopped parsley. The vibrant green parsley will complement the flavors of the garlic-lemon marinade and add an appealing aesthetic to the dish.
Serve Hot
It’s time to enjoy your grilled shrimp skewers! Serve them immediately while they are still hot and fresh off the grill to fully savor their succulent texture and delectable flavors.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to enhance your grilled shrimp skewers with garlic-lemon marinade:
Soak Wooden Skewers in Water for 30 Minutes Before Grilling
To prevent the wooden skewers from burning on the grill, soak them in water for approximately 30 minutes before threading the shrimp onto them. This will help to keep the skewers from becoming charred during the grilling process.
Add Additional Spices for Extra Flavor
For an extra kick of flavor, consider adding additional spices to the marinade. Paprika or cayenne pepper can add a subtle heat to the shrimp, enhancing their overall taste. Experiment with different spices to suit your personal preferences.
Serve with a Side of Grilled Vegetables or a Salad
Complement your grilled shrimp skewers with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad. The smoky flavors from the grill will add depth to the vegetables, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Grilled shrimp skewers with garlic-lemon marinade are a simple yet impressive dish that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. The combination of succulent grilled shrimp, zesty garlic, and tangy lemon creates a burst of flavors that is perfect for any occasion.
Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue or planning a dinner party, these shrimp skewers are sure to be a hit. The easy-to-follow steps for preparing the marinade and grilling the shrimp make this recipe ideal for both experienced and novice cooks alike.
So fire up your grill, prepare the marinade, thread the shrimp onto skewers, and get ready to indulge in juicy, flavorful shrimp straight off the grill. The aroma and taste of these grilled shrimp skewers with garlic-lemon marinade will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy!
