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- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1/4 cup olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon The main star here is the shrimp. You want large shrimp so they stay juicy. The olive oil adds richness and helps the flavors blend. Fresh garlic gives a bold taste that pairs well with lemon. Zest and juice from the lemon brighten the dish and add a fresh kick. - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste For seasoning, smoked paprika brings a warm, smoky note. Red pepper flakes add heat, but you can skip them if you prefer mild flavors. A bit of salt and pepper rounds out the taste, making all the flavors pop. - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) To finish, I love adding fresh parsley. It gives a nice green color and fresh taste. Lemon wedges are perfect for squeezing on top, adding extra brightness with every bite. This dish not only tastes great but looks beautiful on the plate. - In a bowl, mix together 1/4 cup olive oil, 4 cloves minced garlic, the zest of 1 lemon, and the juice of 1 lemon. - Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste. - Stir the mixture well until it is smooth. - Now, add 1 lb large shrimp, which are peeled and deveined, into the bowl. - Toss the shrimp gently in the marinade to coat them evenly. - Cover the bowl and let the shrimp marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 2 hours. - If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes. This helps stop them from burning. - While the skewers soak, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. - After marinating, take the shrimp and thread them onto the skewers. Leave a little space between each shrimp for even cooking. - Place the skewers onto the hot grill. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. - The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them; this keeps them tender. - Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and place them on a serving platter. - Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. To know when shrimp are done, look for a few signs. Perfectly cooked shrimp turn pink and opaque. They also curl into a C shape. If they curl into an O shape, they are overcooked. Avoid overcooking by timing your grill. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. For richer flavor, let shrimp marinate longer. I recommend marinating for 1-2 hours. This allows the shrimp to soak up all the tasty garlic and lemon. You can also try other seasonings. Consider using fresh herbs like cilantro or basil. A touch of cumin or lemon pepper adds a nice twist. When serving, arrange skewers on a large platter. This makes a colorful display. Scatter fresh parsley over the shrimp for a pop of color. Serve with lemon wedges on the side. This adds freshness and brightness to each bite. For a fun touch, you can also serve on wooden boards or slate tiles. {{image_2}} You can easily swap shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works well with this recipe. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Marinate just like the shrimp. Fish is another great choice. Try salmon or swordfish for a richer flavor. Adjust cooking times since these proteins may take longer. Adding herbs and spices can change the dish. Try fresh basil or thyme for a new twist. You can also add a pinch of cumin for warmth. If you love heat, use cayenne pepper instead of red pepper flakes. This will give you a spicy kick. Experiment with your favorite seasonings for a unique taste. If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the shrimp. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil. Place the skewers on the sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. You can also cook shrimp skewers on the stovetop. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the skewers and cook just like on a grill. This method gives you great grill marks and flavor. To keep your leftover shrimp skewers fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to cool them down first. They can last in the fridge for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. You can reheat shrimp skewers in the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. If using a microwave, heat them on a plate for 1-2 minutes. This is faster, but may make them a bit soggy. To freeze shrimp skewers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, you can run them under cold water for about 30 minutes. This keeps them safe and tasty. You should marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let them sit for up to 2 hours. This longer time helps the shrimp soak up the lemon and garlic flavors. You want the shrimp to taste great, so don’t rush this step! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water until thawed. After thawing, pat them dry before adding to the marinade. This step helps the marinade stick better. Lemon garlic shrimp skewers pair well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Garlic bread - Grilled vegetables - Rice pilaf - Fresh salad - Couscous These sides will complement the shrimp perfectly and make your meal more filling. Enjoy! In this guide, we covered the simple steps to make delicious shrimp skewers. We looked at key ingredients like shrimp and a zingy marinade. Marinating adds flavor, and grilling gives a nice char. I shared tips for perfect cooking and fun ways to serve. Remember, you can swap shrimp for other proteins or change up the spices. Keep leftovers fresh and reheat easily. With these insights, you’ll impress your family and friends with perfect skewers every time. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Fire up your grill and get ready to enjoy delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers! This simple recipe combines juicy shrimp with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and a hint of smoky paprika for a mouthwatering meal. Perfect for your next barbecue or family dinner, these skewers are quick to prepare and packed with flavor.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/4 cup olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.

    Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Gently toss to coat the shrimp evenly. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for more flavor.

      Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

        While the grill is heating, soak wooden skewers in water for 15 minutes to prevent burning. If using metal skewers, skip this step.

          Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each shrimp for even cooking.

            Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.

              Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer to a serving platter.

                Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

                  Prep Time: 35 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Servings: 4