Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 garlic cloves, minced - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Wooden or metal skewers When making Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers, gathering the right ingredients is key. I love using large shrimp because they hold up well on the grill. The fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor that is hard to resist. Olive oil keeps the shrimp moist and helps with grilling. Honey gives a nice touch of sweetness, while smoked paprika adds depth. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors, and fresh parsley gives a pop of color on the plate. Make sure you have wooden or metal skewers ready. If you use wooden skewers, soak them first to prevent burning. Enjoy this fresh and tasty dish with friends and family! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by whisking together the marinade ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything mixes well. Next, add the shrimp and toss until they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This time lets the shrimp soak up all those fresh flavors. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 20 minutes. This step helps prevent them from burning on the grill. After soaking, take the shrimp out of the fridge. Now, thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers. Place about 4 to 5 shrimp on each skewer, leaving a little space between each. This space allows the heat to cook them evenly. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Once it's nice and hot, place the skewers on the grill. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them! The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when they are done. Avoid overcooking, or they will become tough. When finished, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute before serving. To make your shrimp really shine, adjust the garlic and lemon flavor to your taste. Love garlic? Add more minced cloves. Prefer a zesty kick? Increase the lemon juice or zest. I suggest marinating the shrimp for at least 30 minutes. You can go up to an hour for deeper flavor. Just don’t let them sit too long, or the shrimp can become mushy. Getting the grill temperature right is key. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps the shrimp cook evenly. Avoid overcooking by keeping an eye on them. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. You know the shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. This keeps them tender and juicy. For a pretty presentation, serve the skewers on a platter. Add lemon wedges and sprinkle chopped parsley on top. This makes the dish pop! Pair the shrimp with sides like grilled veggies or a fresh salad. These add color and texture to your meal. Enjoy the fresh and tasty flavors! Pro Tips Perfectly Marinated: For the best flavor, marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes, but not longer than 1 hour to avoid a mushy texture. Skewer Technique: When skewering shrimp, ensure they’re not too tightly packed; this allows for even cooking and prevents steaming. Temperature Check: Use medium-high heat on the grill to achieve a nice char without overcooking the shrimp, which should only take 2-3 minutes per side. Garnishing: Enhance visual appeal by garnishing with fresh parsley and serving with lemon wedges to add a pop of color and freshness. {{image_2}} You can easily change the taste of your lemon garlic grilled shrimp skewers. For a spicy kick, add some chili flakes to the marinade. This will give your shrimp a nice heat. You might find that the spicy shrimp skewers are a fun twist for a summer BBQ. Another great option is to infuse herbs into your marinade. You can use fresh thyme or oregano. These herbs add a fresh taste and aroma. They make the shrimp skewers feel gourmet without much extra work. Try mixing in herbs for a unique flavor. If you want to switch things up, try using chicken or tofu instead of shrimp. Chicken skewers can be just as tasty when marinated in the same lemon garlic mix. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly. Tofu is a great choice for a vegetarian option. It absorbs flavors well and gets a nice texture when grilled. Seafood lovers can also try scallops instead of shrimp. They grill quickly and pair well with lemon and garlic. You can even use a mix of shrimp and vegetables for a colorful and healthy dish. After enjoying your lemon garlic grilled shrimp skewers, you may have some leftovers. Here’s how to store them properly. - Refrigeration guidelines: Place the leftover skewers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. This keeps the shrimp fresh and safe to eat. - Freezing recommendations: If you want to keep the shrimp longer, freeze them. Wrap the skewers tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheating grilled shrimp can be tricky. You want to keep them tasty and not rubbery. - Best methods for reheating grilled shrimp: The microwave works, but it may dry out the shrimp. Instead, use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help keep moisture in. Heat them up for a few minutes, turning gently. - Avoiding loss of texture and flavor: To keep the shrimp juicy, avoid cooking them too long. Just warm them until they’re heated through. Also, consider adding a bit of olive oil or lemon juice when reheating for extra flavor. You should marinate shrimp for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This time allows the shrimp to soak up all the delicious flavors. If you want a stronger taste, marinating for a full hour works best. Just remember, don't go too long. Over-marinating can make shrimp mushy. You can use either wooden or metal skewers. Wooden skewers are great but must be soaked in water for 20 minutes before grilling. This keeps them from burning. Metal skewers are a good choice too. They heat up quickly and can be reused. Plus, they don't need soaking. If you're looking for ease, metal is the way to go. Yes, you can cook shrimp skewers in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place your skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway through for even cooking. Just like on the grill, look for that perfect pink color. Enjoy your shrimp skewers, no grill needed! This article covered how to make delicious shrimp skewers. You learned about the key ingredients, like shrimp and garlic, and how to marinate them for the best flavor. We walked through grilling steps, plus tips for perfecting your dish. Variations let you explore different flavors. Don’t forget storage tips for leftovers. Enjoy these skewers on any occasion. They are simple and tasty, making them a great choice for any meal. Try them out, and you'll impress your guests!$

Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Delicious grilled shrimp marinated in lemon and garlic, perfect for a summer barbecue.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 lemon zest
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and pepper
to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
as needed wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss until well coated. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 20 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer, leaving a little space between each.
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve the shrimp skewers on a platter with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley for a vibrant look. Enjoy them with a side of grilled veggies or a fresh salad!

Keyword garlic, grilled, lemon, shrimp, skewers