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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - Zest of 1 medium lemon - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for some heat) - Fresh parsley for garnish - 8 wooden skewers (soaked in water) For the perfect lemon garlic shrimp skewers, you need fresh ingredients. Large shrimp are best. They hold flavor well and cook evenly. Make sure to peel and devein them for a clean bite. Garlic adds a wonderful aroma and taste. Use fresh minced garlic for the best flavor. Extra virgin olive oil keeps the shrimp moist. It also helps the spices stick. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. The zest adds even more lemony goodness. Smoked paprika gives a hint of smokiness. Dried oregano brings an earthy flavor. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the dish. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. They give a nice kick without overpowering the shrimp. Finally, fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste. Don’t forget the skewers! Soaking wooden skewers in water prevents burning. This simple step makes grilling safer and easier. For the full recipe, check out the details above. - In a medium mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like heat. - Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp in the marinade. Make sure each shrimp gets coated well. - Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let the shrimp marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This really helps the flavors sink in. - Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This step is key for a nice sear on the shrimp. - Carefully skewer the marinated shrimp onto the soaked wooden skewers. Leave a little space between each shrimp. This helps them cook evenly. - Once the grill is hot, place the skewers on it. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Watch them closely. They should turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them tough. - When done, remove the skewers from the grill. Place them on a large serving platter. - Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright touch. You can also add lemon wedges for a tangy kick. Feel free to check out the Full Recipe for more details! To ensure your shrimp are just right, look for a few signs. Properly cooked shrimp turn pink and opaque. They also curl slightly into a C shape. Avoid overcooking shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Cook them for just 2-3 minutes per side on a hot grill. You can add more depth to the marinade. Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. A dash of honey can give it a sweet touch. For a tangy kick, try a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. Marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let them sit for up to two hours for a stronger flavor. Pair your lemon garlic shrimp skewers with fresh salad or rice. Grilled vegetables also add color and taste. You can serve the skewers on a large platter for gatherings. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley for a vibrant look. This makes the dish not only tasty but also beautiful. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your shrimp skewers easily. Try using fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. You can also mix in spices like cumin or coriander for a different taste. For a sweet twist, add honey or brown sugar to your marinade. If you like heat, use sriracha or chili powder for a spicy kick. These variations let you make your skewer dish unique each time! You have choices when it comes to cooking shrimp skewers. Grilling is a classic method that gives a smoky taste. Make sure your grill is hot before adding the skewers. If you prefer indoor cooking, you can use a stovetop grill pan. This method works well and keeps the shrimp juicy. Baking in the oven is another option. Just set it to 400°F and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Each method has its charm, so pick what suits you best! Cooking for special diets? No problem! For a gluten-free option, ensure your marinade is free of soy sauce or other gluten sources. You can also use coconut aminos as a substitute. If you follow a low-carb diet, skip any sweeteners in the marinade. For those with allergies, you can swap shrimp for chicken or tofu. These swaps keep the dish delicious while meeting your dietary needs. To keep your grilled shrimp skewers fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge right after they cool down. They stay tasty for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. When reheating shrimp, you want to keep them juicy. The best way is to use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of olive oil to help regain moisture. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overheat. This can dry them out. Yes, you can freeze grilled shrimp skewers! Make sure they are in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This keeps their quality high. You should marinate shrimp for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to soak in. If you have more time, marinating for one to two hours can deepen the taste. Just remember not to exceed two hours. The acid in lemon juice can change the shrimp's texture if left too long. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. To thaw shrimp, place them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Fresh shrimp often have a better taste and texture, but frozen shrimp works well too. If using frozen shrimp, check the label for any added ingredients. Many sides go well with lemon garlic shrimp skewers. Here are some popular choices: - Grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers - Rice or quinoa for a hearty base - Salads with fresh greens and a light dressing - Garlic bread to soak up extra juices These sides complement the dish and enhance your meal experience. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe for serving suggestions. In this guide, we explored how to make delicious lemon garlic shrimp skewers. We covered key ingredients like shrimp, garlic, and lemon. I shared step-by-step instructions for marinating and grilling the shrimp. You learned tips for perfect cooking and serving suggestions. We also looked at variations, storage, and FAQs. Enjoy making these shrimp skewers at your next gathering. They’re easy to prepare and full of flavor!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Savor the taste of summer with these Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers! This quick and easy recipe features tender shrimp marinated in a delightful mix of garlic, lemon, and spices, grilled to perfection in just minutes. Perfect for any occasion, these skewers are sure to impress your guests. Ready to elevate your grilling game? Click through to explore the full recipe and bring some zest to your next meal!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Zest of 1 medium lemon

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)

Fresh parsley, roughly chopped (for garnish)

8 wooden skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)

Instructions
 

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you desire some heat. Use a whisk to blend the ingredients together until thoroughly combined.

    Add the peeled and deveined shrimp into the marinade and gently toss to ensure each shrimp is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes; this will enhance the flavors of the shrimp.

      While the shrimp is marinating, preheat your grill (or a grill pan) to medium-high heat.

        Carefully thread the marinated shrimp onto the soaked wooden skewers, making sure to leave a bit of space between each piece to allow for even cooking and good grill marks.

          Once the grill is hot, place the skewers on it and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Watch them closely to avoid overcooking, which can make them tough.

            After grilling, gently remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a large serving platter.

              Finally, garnish the shrimp skewers with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and serve immediately. Consider providing extra lemon wedges on the side to allow guests to add a tangy kick to their skewers.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4