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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons) - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for garnish When making Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp, each ingredient plays a key role. The large shrimp provide a firm texture, while the garlic gives a strong, savory kick. Fresh lemon juice brings bright acidity, enhancing the shrimp's natural flavors. The lemon zest adds a fragrant layer that lifts the dish. Extra-virgin olive oil keeps the shrimp moist and adds richness. Smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness, perfect for grilling. The red pepper flakes give a hint of heat, which you can adjust based on your taste. Finally, sea salt and black pepper enhance all these flavors. Fresh parsley not only adds color but also freshness. Lemon wedges are perfect for squeezing just before eating, giving an extra zesty punch. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to create a delicious meal that impresses! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering your ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, combine: - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons) - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Next, season the mixture with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Whisk everything together until it blends well. This simple marinade packs a lot of flavor. Now it’s time for the shrimp. Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp into the marinade. Make sure every piece is coated well. This step is key for flavor. After coating, cover your bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you want more flavor, let it sit for up to 2 hours. This extra time helps the shrimp absorb the zesty marinade. Before grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Aim for a temperature of about 375°F to 400°F. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This helps stop them from burning. Next, carefully thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers. If you use metal skewers, you can skip the soaking. Make sure the shrimp are evenly spaced. This will help them cook evenly. Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You will know they are done when they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery, ruining your dish. Once cooked, transfer the skewers to a serving plate. Let them rest for a minute. This short wait allows the juices to settle. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a zesty kick. Enjoy your tasty Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp! How long should you marinate shrimp for best flavor? I recommend marinating shrimp for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, you can let them soak for up to 2 hours. This longer time will give you a richer taste. Do you want to adjust spice levels? You can add more or less red pepper flakes. Start with 1/2 teaspoon for mild heat. Add more if you like it spicy! How can you prevent shrimp from sticking? Make sure your grill is hot enough before you add the shrimp. You can also brush the grill with oil before grilling. This helps the shrimp slide off easily. How do you check shrimp doneness without overcooking? Look for the color change. When shrimp turn pink and opaque, they are done. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on each side. Be careful not to leave them on too long! What are some presentation ideas for serving? You can arrange the shrimp skewers on a nice platter. Add lemon wedges around the shrimp for color. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a vibrant touch. What side dishes should you serve with grilled shrimp? Try grilled vegetables or a fresh salad. These complement the dish well and add more flavor to your meal! Pro Tips Marinating Time: For the best flavor, let the shrimp marinate for at least 1 hour. This allows the garlic and lemon to penetrate the shrimp, enhancing the overall taste. Grilling Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This helps achieve a nice sear on the shrimp without overcooking them. Don’t Overcook: Keep a close eye on the shrimp while grilling. They only need about 2-3 minutes per side. Once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done! Serving Suggestions: Serve the grilled shrimp with a side of fresh salad or grilled veggies. The freshness complements the zesty shrimp perfectly! {{image_4}} You can switch up the flavors in your Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp. Try using fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or dill. Each herb brings a unique twist. You can also add spices like cumin or coriander for a warm touch. If you want to explore citrus, try lime or orange juice. They will give a different, bright taste. Grilling is fun, but broiling works too. Broiling shrimp cooks them from above, giving them a nice char. If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the shrimp in the oven. Just set it to 400°F and place your shrimp on a baking sheet. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are pink and opaque. If you want to change things up, you can use other seafood. Scallops or fish like salmon work well with lemon and garlic. For a protein option, try chicken or pork. They can soak up the marinade just like shrimp. If you prefer vegetarian choices, consider using firm tofu or mushrooms. They can mimic the flavors of shrimp with the right seasoning. To keep your grilled shrimp fresh, refrigerate them right away. Place them in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps them safe to eat. Make sure to let the shrimp cool down before sealing them up. You can freeze grilled shrimp for future meals. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This keeps them tasty for a long time. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw shrimp in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat. This keeps the shrimp tender and avoids rubbery texture. Grilled shrimp can last in the fridge for up to three days. Always check for signs of spoilage. If they smell off or have a slimy feel, it's best to toss them. Fresh shrimp should smell like the ocean, not fishy. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in the fridge overnight or submerge them in cold water for about 30 minutes. Once thawed, peel and devein them if needed. Frozen shrimp can taste great too, especially when marinated well. Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Grilled vegetables, like zucchini and bell peppers - A fresh green salad with vinaigrette - Rice or quinoa for a filling option - Garlic bread for a tasty crunch - Pasta with light sauce to soak up the flavors To avoid overcooking shrimp, pay attention to their color. Cook them for just 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. If you see they curl up tightly, they are likely overcooked. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the grill as soon as they are done. In this article, we explored how to make delicious Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp. We covered the key ingredients, from fresh shrimp to bold seasonings. I shared detailed steps for marinating and grilling to ensure perfect flavor and texture. You can even adjust spices and use various cooking methods. Finally, I offered tips for storage and serving that keep your shrimp tasty. With these strategies, you can enjoy a flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and share. Happy cooking!

Zesty Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp

A flavorful grilled shrimp dish marinated in lemon, garlic, and spices.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
  • 0.25 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
  • to taste Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • for serving Lemon wedges

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, extra-virgin olive oil, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Season the marinade generously with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Whisk together until well blended.
  • Add the peeled and deveined shrimp into the marinade, ensuring each shrimp is thoroughly coated with the flavorful mixture. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes. For an even richer flavor, you can marinate for up to 2 hours.
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F). If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent charring on the grill.
  • Carefully thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers. If using metal skewers, there's no need for soaking. Ensure the shrimp are spaced evenly for optimal cooking.
  • Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be mindful not to overcook, as shrimp can become tough and rubbery if left on the grill too long.
  • Once cooked, transfer the skewers to a serving plate and allow them to rest for a minute.
  • Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve alongside lemon wedges to squeeze on top for an extra zesty kick.

Notes

Serve with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Keyword garlic, grilled, lemon, seafood, shrimp