Zesty Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup olive oil For this dish, I always start with large shrimp. They grill well and stay juicy. You will need three cloves of garlic. Mince them finely for the best flavor. Fresh lemon juice is key, so squeeze it right before you use it. Don’t forget the lemon zest; it adds a bright taste. Finally, use good-quality olive oil to help the marinade stick. - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste Seasonings make this dish shine. Paprika gives color and a mild flavor. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. Always adjust the amount to match your taste. Don’t skip salt and pepper; they help bring out all the flavors. - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) Garnish is more than just a pretty finish. Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Serve lemon wedges on the side. They give an extra burst of flavor when squeezed over the shrimp. This combination makes the dish look and taste amazing. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You need minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, paprika, and red pepper flakes. In a medium bowl, whisk them together until fully mixed. This blend gives the shrimp a great taste. For more flavor, let the marinade sit for a few minutes. It helps the spices blend well. Once your marinade is ready, add the shrimp to the bowl. Make sure each shrimp gets coated well. This step is key to great flavor. Let the shrimp marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but you can go up to 2 hours if you want a stronger taste. The longer they sit, the better they soak up those tasty flavors. Before grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This will prevent them from burning. Next, carefully thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers. If using metal skewers, there’s no need for soaking. Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them; they can become rubbery. After grilling, let the skewers rest for a minute. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp! To ensure you cook shrimp perfectly, watch for color and texture. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when done. They should curl into a C shape, not an O. This shape means they are cooked just right. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so be careful. You can customize the spice levels in this recipe. If you prefer more heat, add more red pepper flakes. For a milder flavor, cut back on them. You can also mix in other seasonings, like cumin or coriander. Fresh herbs can add a nice taste too, such as chopped parsley or cilantro. Marinating shrimp for at least 30 minutes helps enhance the flavor. If you marinate for longer, up to 2 hours, the shrimp will soak in more taste. You can also swap olive oil for other oils, like avocado or sesame oil, for a different flavor twist. Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: The longer you marinate the shrimp, the more flavorful they become. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but 2 hours will give you a deeper flavor profile. Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly; watch them closely. Remove them from the grill as soon as they turn pink and opaque to avoid a rubbery texture. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and lemon juice enhance the overall taste of the dish. Whenever possible, opt for fresh over bottled for the best flavor. Serve with a Twist: Pair the grilled shrimp with a refreshing salad or serve over rice for a complete meal. A touch of extra lemon juice just before serving can elevate the dish! {{image_2}} You can easily swap shrimp for other seafood. Try scallops or fish like salmon. Both work great with the lemon garlic flavor. If you prefer land-based options, chicken is a fantastic choice. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and follow the same marinating steps. For a vegetarian twist, use firm vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Just cut them into chunks and marinate as you would the shrimp. Mixing herbs can change the taste of your dish. Add fresh cilantro or basil for a new twist. These herbs bring a bright flavor that complements the lemon well. You can also play with other citrus fruits. Lime or orange juice can add a unique touch to your marinade. Each one brings its own zest and freshness, making every bite exciting. Grilling is not the only way to cook your shrimp. Baking or broiling can also yield delicious results. Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the shrimp on a baking tray. They need about 8-10 minutes to cook through. If you prefer stovetop grilling, use a grill pan. Heat it over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This method gives you a nice char without the outdoor grill. To keep your grilled shrimp fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out or absorbing other smells. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Keep in mind that shrimp lose some flavor and texture over time. When it comes to reheating, you have a few options. You can use a microwave, but be cautious. Heat the shrimp in short bursts to avoid overcooking. If you prefer, you can also reheat them on the stovetop. Use low heat and add a splash of olive oil to keep them moist. This method helps maintain their flavor and texture. If you want to save shrimp for later, freezing is a great option. Place the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, simply place the frozen shrimp in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can run them under cold water for a few minutes. This method helps keep them juicy and ready for reheating. You should marinate shrimp for at least 30 minutes. This time gives the shrimp a good flavor boost. If you have more time, let them sit for up to 2 hours. Longer marination enhances the taste and makes them more tender. Just remember, don’t over-marinate. If you do, the acid from the lemon juice can make the shrimp mushy. Yes, you can make this dish in advance. To do this, marinate the shrimp as normal. After marinating, you can store them in the fridge for up to 2 hours. If you want to prepare them even earlier, you can freeze the marinated shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge before grilling for best results. This way, you save time on busy days. Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp works well with many dishes. Here are some great sides to consider: - A fresh green salad - Grilled veggies like zucchini or bell peppers - Rice or quinoa for a filling meal - Garlic bread to soak up extra sauce - A light white wine to enhance the meal These pairings will balance the zesty flavor of the shrimp and make your meal shine! In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp. We covered essential ingredients like shrimp, garlic, and lemon juice. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for perfectly cooked shrimp, and suggested variations. Remember, marinating enhances flavor, and you can experiment with different proteins and spices. Keep leftovers safe and know how to reheat them right. Enjoy this tasty dish with great sides. Happy cooking!$

Zesty Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp

A flavorful shrimp dish marinated in a zesty lemon garlic sauce and grilled to perfection.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 quarter cup fresh lemon juice
1 zest of 1 lemon
1 quarter cup olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 half teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
to taste salt and pepper
to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
to serve lemon wedges

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, making sure they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Carefully thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers. If using metal skewers, no soaking is needed.
Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them as they can become rubbery.
Once cooked, remove the skewers and let them rest for a minute.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra punch of flavor.

Notes

Marinate shrimp for longer for more flavor.

Keyword garlic, grilled, lemon, seafood, shrimp