Garlic Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Alright, so picture this: you’re at a backyard barbecue with your friends, and you casually mention you’ve conjured up some smoky, lemon-garlic shrimp skewers that will basically make everyone question their entire grilling strategy. Sound good? Let’s make it happen! 🍤🔥

These Garlic Shrimp Skewers are the zest way to eat shrimp. Lemon provides a bright counterpoint to the strong, smoky flavor of the paprika.

Fresh herbs—here, a generous amount of parsley—are a lovely touch. The basics here are pretty standard for a shrimp dish: protein-rich, with a foundation of shrimp, olive oil, and garlic.

The real trick is in the seasoning. These skewers are so tasty you’ll want to make another batch straightaway.

Garlic Shrimp Skewers Recipe Ingredients

• Shrimp: High in protein, low in calories and fat, rich in omega-3.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats, adds richness and moisture.
• Garlic: Boosts immune health, aromatic flavor, anti-inflammatory.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavor, rich in vitamin C, aids digestion.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky depth, rich in antioxidants, enhances color.
• Fresh Parsley: Vitamin K booster, brightens taste, fresh and herbaceous.

Garlic Shrimp Skewers Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Wooden or metal skewers

How to Make this Garlic Shrimp Skewers Recipe

1. In a big bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.

2. Add peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, ensuring they are coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

3. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them to cook. This ensures they do not catch fire and burn while cooking.

4. Set the grill to preheat on medium-high.

5. Skewering the marinated shrimp is what we’re doing here! You’re going to push the shrimp onto the skewer right through its not-so-attractive, thicker end and then slide it down past its more delicate, tail end. This pushes more of the shrimp into the skewer and makes for a more secure hold. Plus, the shrimp have lots of flavor inside and out, and since we’re not grilling them to death, they’ll still pretty much taste like shrimp when they’re done.

6. Put the skewers on the grill that was preheated, then do this for each skewer: cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then flip each one and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more. The shrimp are done when they look pink and are no longer translucent.

7. While they cook, brush the shrimp with the leftover marinade now and then for an extra flavor boost.

8. Once the skewers have cooked, take them off the grill and place the shrimp on a serving platter.

9. Chop fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the shrimp. Then, and only then, will the shrimp be ready to eat.

10. Serve the shrimp skewers with garlic as an appetizer or a delicious meal alongside your favorite sides.

Garlic Shrimp Skewers Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large bowl
2. Measuring spoons
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Garlic press or mincer
6. Zester or grater
7. Spoon (for mixing)
8. Cling film or lid for bowl
9. Refrigerator
10. Grill
11. Wooden or metal skewers
12. Basting brush
13. Tongs
14. Serving platter

FAQ

• What kind of shrimp is best for this recipe?It is suggested that one use large shrimp because they are big enough to handle easily when skewering.
• Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden ones?Indeed, both wooden and metal skewers perform admirably. When using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for 30 minutes; otherwise, they may catch fire when you place them on the grill.
• Is it okay to use bottled lemon juice?The best flavor comes from fresh lemon juice, but in a pinch, you can use bottled lemon juice.
• How long should I marinate the shrimp?Let the shrimp soak in the marinade for a minimum of 15 minutes or for a maximum of 1 hour. The longer the shrimp sit in the marinade, the more flavorful they will be.
• What temperature should I grill the shrimp at?For optimal cooking, the grill should be set to medium-high heat, about 400°F (200°C). This is the pregrilling stage.
• Can I substitute dried parsley for fresh parsley?Certainly, but cut it back to 1 teaspoon, as dried herbs are a lot more potent.
• How can I tell when the shrimp are done?The shrimp are finished when they are pink and opaque, with a slight char on the edges, usually taking 2-3 minutes per side.

Garlic Shrimp Skewers Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substituting avocado oil or melted butter for olive oil gives a richer flavor.
Lime juice can be substituted for lemon juice, giving a slightly different citrus flavor.
Regular paprika or cayenne pepper can replace smoked paprika, but don’t expect them to deliver the same smoky flavor.
Fresh cilantro can be used in place of fresh parsley for a unique cilantro flavor twist, or if cilantro isn’t available, dried parsley can be used.

Pro Tips

1. Use Fresh Shrimp For the best flavor and texture, try to use fresh shrimp instead of frozen. If using frozen, ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before marinating.

2. Enhanced Marinade Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick or a tablespoon of honey for a touch of sweetness to complement the smoky paprika.

3. Optimize Grill Marks When grilling, place the skewers in the hottest area of the grill for those sought-after grill marks. Turn them only once to prevent the shrimp from drying out.

4. Control the Heat Monitor the grill temperature closely. Shrimp cook fast and can become tough if overcooked. It’s essential to maintain medium-high heat for even cooking.

5. Rest Before Serving After removing the shrimp from the grill, let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, enhancing the overall flavor and juiciness.