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- Large shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined) - Garlic (4 cloves, finely minced) - Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup) - Juice and zest of 2 fresh lemons - Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon) - Dried oregano (1 teaspoon) - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - Skewers (wooden or metal) - Fresh parsley (for garnish) Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. I always choose large shrimp because they hold up well on the grill. Make sure they are peeled and deveined for easy eating. Garlic brings flavor, while extra virgin olive oil adds rich taste and helps the spices stick. The juice and zest of fresh lemons brighten the dish. For the seasonings, smoked paprika gives a warm kick. Oregano adds an earthy note. Salt and pepper balance everything. If you want to make this dish your own, you can play with the spices. Don't forget the skewers! If you use wooden ones, soak them for 30 minutes to avoid burning. I like to add fresh parsley as a garnish. It looks pretty and adds a fresh taste. For the full recipe, check the detailed cooking steps I provided. To start, you will need to make the marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of olive oil, the juice and zest of 2 lemons, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mix gives the shrimp a bright and zesty flavor. Be sure to mix well so every ingredient blends nicely. Next, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade. Stir gently to coat each shrimp fully. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let the shrimp marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This step is crucial. It allows the shrimp to soak up all the wonderful flavors from the marinade. While the shrimp marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, with about 4-5 shrimp per skewer. Make sure to leave a small gap between each shrimp for even cooking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. You want the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery. Once done, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for about a minute. This helps the juices settle. You can garnish with fresh parsley and a bit more lemon juice if you like. For the full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy your delicious lemon garlic shrimp skewers! To make perfect lemon garlic shrimp skewers, avoid overcooking the shrimp. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on each side. Another key tip is to ensure even heat on the grill. If some parts are hotter than others, some shrimp will cook faster. This can lead to uneven texture. To fix this, preheat your grill properly and spread the shrimp out for even cooking. Presentation is key to a great dish. Serve your skewers on a colorful platter. Add fresh lemon wedges for a pop of color. The bright yellow will contrast nicely with the shrimp. For an extra touch, drizzle more lemon juice over the skewers. This adds a fresh zing. You can also garnish with finely chopped parsley. This not only looks good but adds a fresh flavor. Pair your shrimp skewers with a fresh salad. A simple green salad works well. You can also serve grilled vegetables. This adds color and nutrition to your meal. For a heartier option, consider rice or quinoa. These grains can soak up the delicious lemon garlic flavor. They make your meal more filling and satisfying. For the full recipe, check out the Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers recipe. {{image_4}} You can easily change the taste of your lemon garlic shrimp skewers. One fun way is to add chili flakes for some heat. This small change makes a big flavor difference. You can also mix in fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. These herbs bring a fresh taste that brightens the dish. Experiment with your favorite spices to find your perfect flavor. If you want to mix things up, try using chicken or tofu instead of shrimp. Chicken pieces work well when marinated in the same lemon garlic sauce. Just ensure they cook fully to a safe temperature. Tofu absorbs flavors beautifully, making it a great vegan option. Simply press the tofu to remove excess water, then cut it into cubes for skewering. You don't have to use a grill to make these skewers. You can oven-bake or broil them instead. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through. Broiling works fast too. Just place the skewers in the broiler for 2-3 minutes per side. This method gives you a nice char without needing a grill. Check out the Full Recipe if you want to try these variations! After enjoying your lemon garlic shrimp skewers, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to 2 days. Make sure the container seals well to prevent any odors from the fridge from seeping in. If you want to save some skewers for later, you can freeze them. Place the cooked skewers in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay good for up to 2 months. Be sure to label the bag with the date, so you know when you made them. When you're ready to eat your frozen skewers, reheat them well. The oven works best for even heating. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet. You can also reheat them on the grill for a few minutes. This keeps the flavor fresh and helps maintain their tasty texture. For skewers, I recommend using large shrimp. You can choose fresh or frozen shrimp. Large shrimp hold up well on the grill and cook evenly. They also absorb the marinade flavors nicely. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a mild scent. This helps ensure you get the best taste and texture in your dish. It’s best to soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes. This step helps prevent burning on the grill. If you skip this, the skewers may catch fire. Soaking also keeps them from splintering. I always recommend this simple step for perfect results. You can tell shrimp is cooked when it turns pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes per side on the grill. Overcooking shrimp can make them tough, so keep an eye on them. When they curl into a C shape, they’re done. I love using this simple method to check for doneness. You learned how to make delicious shrimp skewers in this post. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. Remember, marinating shrimp enhances their flavor, making each bite better. Always avoid overcooking for the best texture. You can also switch up the flavors with spices or different proteins. These skewers are easy to store and reheat, perfect for meal prep. Try this recipe for a tasty treat that everyone will love!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Savor the delightful flavors of Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers with this easy recipe! Perfect for grilling season, these delicious skewers combine juicy shrimp marinated in a zesty lemon-garlic blend, enhanced with smoked paprika and oregano. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy dinner, they are quick to prepare and sure to impress. Click through for step-by-step instructions and tips to create a mouthwatering dish that captivates your taste buds!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Juice and zest of 2 fresh lemons

1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a hint of warmth

1 teaspoon dried oregano for herbal notes

Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

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

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for an aromatic garnish)

Instructions
 

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.

    Gently add the shrimp into the bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, to fully infuse the shrimp with flavor.

      While the shrimp marinates, preheat your outdoor grill or a stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat.

        Once the grill is hot, thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, placing about 4-5 shrimp per skewer. Ensure you leave a slight gap between each shrimp to promote even cooking.

          Carefully place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp have turned a vibrant pink and are opaque throughout, making sure not to overcook.

            After grilling, transfer the skewers off the heat and allow them to rest for 1 minute to let the juices settle.

              For a fresh finishing touch, garnish the skewers with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley and a light drizzle of extra lemon juice, if you enjoy an added citrus kick.

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the skewers on a vibrant platter with lemon wedges alongside for added zest, ensuring an inviting and appetizing display.

                  Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 4