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- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Zest and juice of 2 fresh lemons - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped - Skewers (wooden or metal, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes) To make these lemon garlic shrimp skewers pop, you need fresh and quality ingredients. The star of the show is the shrimp, which should be large and juicy. The olive oil brings richness and helps the flavors stick. Fresh lemons add bright zest and tang. Garlic gives a warm and savory flavor. The spices give this dish a kick. Red pepper flakes add heat, while smoked paprika adds depth. Salt and black pepper enhance everything, making it all come together. For a finishing touch, fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Don't forget about the skewers! If you use wooden skewers, soaking them in water prevents burning. You can find the full recipe above for more details. To make the marinade, take a medium mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine: - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Zest and juice of 2 fresh lemons - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper, to taste Whisk all the ingredients well until they blend into a smooth mixture. The olive oil and lemon juice create a bright flavor that enhances the shrimp. Next, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Make sure each shrimp is coated well. Use a spoon or spatula for this. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the shrimp to soak in all the zesty flavors. While the shrimp marinate, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This ensures that the shrimp cook evenly and get a nice char. After marinating, remove the shrimp from the fridge. Thread them onto skewers, leaving a little space between each one. This helps them to cook well without steaming. Once your grill is hot, place the skewers on it. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for a vibrant pink color and a firm texture. Avoid cooking them too long; overcooked shrimp can become tough. After grilling, take the skewers off the heat. Let them rest for about 1 minute. This helps the juices soak back into the shrimp. For a final touch, sprinkle with finely chopped parsley before serving. For the full experience, check out the Full Recipe. To prevent overcooking shrimp, watch the color closely. Shrimp turn pink when done. Cook them for just 2-3 minutes per side. If they curl tightly, they may be overcooked. Marinate your shrimp for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors soak in and makes them tasty. Keep your marinade cold while the shrimp soak. This keeps them fresh. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This helps prevent burning on the grill. When grilling, keep your grill at medium-high heat. This ensures even cooking and a nice char. Always keep an eye on your shrimp. They can cook quickly and need your attention. For a stunning display, serve the skewers on a large platter. Add lemon wedges for a splash of color and flavor. A small drizzle of olive oil adds shine, too. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the skewers before serving. This adds a pop of green and freshness. For an extra touch, you can arrange them in a circle or on a bed of greens to impress your guests. {{image_4}} You can swap shrimp for other proteins. Try chicken or tofu for a twist. Each option brings a unique flavor. You can even use fish like salmon. For garlic, try shallots or garlic powder. Both add nice depth without overpowering the dish. Herbs can brighten this dish. Fresh basil or cilantro adds a great touch. You can also add citrus zest, like lime or orange, for a fruity kick. Flavor-infused oils work wonders too. Try using garlic or chili oil for added taste. Marinades can change the flavor game. Mix in a splash of soy sauce or honey for a sweet touch. These skewers shine in many meals. Serve them in soft tacos with fresh veggies. Toss them on a salad for a light meal. You can also serve them over rice or quinoa for a filling dish. Add a squeeze of lemon on top for extra zing! For a fun twist, serve with a dipping sauce like spicy mayo or garlic aioli. You can find the full recipe to explore all these variations! To store leftover shrimp skewers, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap each skewer in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. This helps keep them fresh. When you reheat, use a skillet or your grill. Heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Place the skewers in the pan or on the grill for about 1-2 minutes per side. This method keeps the shrimp juicy and flavorful. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them rubbery. Shrimp skewers stay tasty for 2 days in the fridge. If you freeze them, they can last for about 3 months. However, for the best flavors, try to eat them within a month. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. Enjoy your shrimp skewers fresh for the best taste! Perfectly cooked shrimp have a few clear signs. First, they turn a bright pink color. Next, they curl into a C-shape. Lastly, they become opaque in color. If the shrimp are gray or rubbery, they are overcooked. Keep an eye on them while grilling. Cooking time is usually about 2-3 minutes per side. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them properly. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight. If you need to thaw them faster, place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes. Avoid using hot water, as it can cook the shrimp. Once thawed, rinse them under cold water before marinating. Lemon garlic shrimp skewers pair well with many dishes. Here are some great side options: - Rice: Serve over white or brown rice for a filling meal. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch and balance. - Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers work well. - Pasta: Toss with olive oil and herbs for a light pasta dish. - Bread: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the extra marinade. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe. These sides enhance the meal and make it special! In this blog post, we covered everything you need for lemon garlic shrimp skewers. We discussed the key ingredients, from shrimp to spices. Then, I laid out easy steps for marinating and grilling. You learned tips for cooking and presenting your skewers. We explored variations and storage options for leftovers. Perfectly cooked shrimp should be pink and firm. With these skills, you can impress anyone. Enjoy your cooking adventures and create tasty meals!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Get ready to savor the flavors of summer with these zesty lemon garlic shrimp skewers! This simple and delicious recipe features succulent shrimp marinaded in a vibrant mix of lemon, garlic, and spices, then grilled to perfection. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an outdoor gathering, these skewers are sure to impress. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your grilling game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Zest and juice of 2 fresh lemons

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to your spice preference)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a touch of earthiness

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice with the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, along with salt and black pepper. Whisk everything together thoroughly until well-blended.

    Marinate the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Use a spoon or spatula to ensure each shrimp is evenly coated with the zesty mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes; this step is crucial for allowing the flavors to deepen and infuse into the shrimp.

      Preheat the Grill: While the shrimp is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, allowing it to reach the right temperature for a perfect sear.

        Assemble the Skewers: Once marinated, remove the shrimp from the refrigerator. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, ensuring a little space is left between each one to promote even cooking. This will help avoid steaming and ensure a nice char.

          Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn a vibrant pink color and are opaque throughout. Be careful not to overcook them, as this can make the shrimp tough.

            Rest the Shrimp: After grilling, remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for about 1 minute. This will help the juices redistribute for maximum flavor.

              Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the grilled shrimp with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the skewers on a large platter with lemon wedges on the side for an added zesty touch. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil just before serving for a glossy finish.