Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp

$For this recipe, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you'll need: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons high-quality olive oil - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - Zest of 1 medium lemon - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Lemon wedges for serving These ingredients come together to create a bright and zesty flavor that enhances the shrimp. Using high-quality olive oil makes a big difference in taste. It adds richness and depth. Look for extra virgin olive oil. It has a fresh and fruity flavor. This oil is perfect for your marinade. The best oils come from the first cold pressing of olives. Always check for quality labels when you shop. Fresh herbs bring life to your dish. They add bright flavors that dried herbs cannot match. In this recipe, fresh parsley is key. It adds a crisp, green taste that complements the lemon. Always choose fresh herbs over dried when possible. They make your grilled shrimp not just tasty, but also beautiful. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you need to make the marinade. Gather a medium mixing bowl. In this bowl, whisk together: - 3 tablespoons high-quality olive oil - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - Zest of 1 medium lemon - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Mix all the ingredients until they blend well. This step is key for rich flavor. You want each shrimp to soak up this delicious mix. Next, it’s time to marinate the shrimp. Carefully add 1 pound of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp into the bowl with the marinade. Toss them gently so every shrimp gets covered. This is where the magic begins. Once coated, cover your bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This allows the flavors to soak in, making your shrimp tasty and juicy. Before grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you use a grill pan, heat it on the stovetop until hot. If you have wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to stop them from burning. Now, thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers. Place them close, but don’t overcrowd. When your grill is ready, place the skewers on it. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want them to turn opaque and firm. Watch them closely to avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery quickly. After grilling, take the skewers off the grill. Let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the shrimp juicy. Serve your grilled shrimp hot, with lemon wedges on the side. The lemon adds a fresh, zesty kick that makes every bite even better. To keep shrimp tender, watch the cooking time closely. Shrimp cook fast, usually in just 3-4 minutes per side. When they turn opaque and firm, they are done. If you leave them on too long, they can get rubbery. This is a common mistake. Grilling shrimp at medium-high heat gives the best results. This temperature allows the shrimp to char nicely while cooking evenly. Too low, and they will steam; too high, and they may burn. To check the heat, hold your hand above the grill. If you can only hold it there for 2-3 seconds, it’s ready. Skewering shrimp helps them cook evenly. Use wooden or metal skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes first. This prevents burning. Thread the shrimp close together but not too tight. This helps heat circulate around them. These small tips will make your Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp perfect every time! Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: For even more intense flavor, consider marinating the shrimp overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the garlic and herbs to infuse deeply into the shrimp. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfect cooking, use a meat thermometer. Shrimp are done when they reach an internal temperature of 120°F (49°C). Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or dill to give a unique twist to the shrimp marinade. Serve with Dipping Sauces: Enhance your dish by serving the grilled shrimp with a variety of dipping sauces, such as garlic aioli or a spicy sriracha sauce, to elevate the flavors. {{image_4}} To add spice, mix in red pepper flakes. This gives your shrimp a kick. Start with a small amount. You can always add more if you like heat. Combine the flakes with your marinade before adding the shrimp. The spice and lemon will create a great flavor. You can also use a spicy sauce for dipping. This adds a fun twist to a classic dish. While parsley is great, you can try other herbs. Basil adds a sweet touch. Cilantro gives a fresh, zesty taste. Chives can add a mild onion flavor. Mix and match to find your favorite. Each herb changes the dish's taste. Experiment to see what you enjoy most. Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried herbs work too. Serve your shrimp with tasty sides. A fresh salad pairs well with lemon shrimp. Try a cool cucumber salad or a light pasta salad. Grilled veggies also make a great side. They complement the shrimp perfectly. For dips, consider a garlic aioli or a spicy sauce. These dips add extra flavor and richness. Arrange everything on a platter for a colorful display. Your meal will look and taste amazing! After enjoying your Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp, you may have some left. To store it, let the shrimp cool first. Place the shrimp in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep them covered to avoid drying out. If you want to keep your shrimp longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the shrimp for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, just thaw in the fridge overnight. When reheating, avoid using the microwave. This can make shrimp rubbery. Instead, use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of olive oil to the pan. Heat the shrimp gently for a few minutes, turning often. This keeps them moist and tasty. If you prefer, you can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F. Just place them on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes. Enjoy your shrimp just like new! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water. Pat them dry before marinating. Frozen shrimp can still taste great when grilled. Here are some of my favorite sides: - Garlic bread: It pairs well with the shrimp's flavors. - Grilled vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus complement the dish. - Rice or quinoa: These add a nice base for the meal. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch and freshness. You can mix and match these sides to create a balanced plate. Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. They are done when they turn opaque and pink. The flesh will feel firm to the touch. If you notice they curl into a "C" shape, they may be overcooked. For the best results, aim for a cooking time of 3-4 minutes per side. Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp is simple and tasty. We explored key ingredients like fresh herbs and quality olive oil. You learned how to prepare the marinade and grill shrimp perfectly. I shared tips to prevent overcooking and variations for added flavor, including spicy options. Lastly, I covered storage and reheating for leftovers. Cooking shrimp can be easy and fun. Use these steps to impress your guests. Enjoy every bite!$

Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp

A delicious and zesty grilled shrimp dish marinated in lemon and herbs.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 8

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons high-quality olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 medium lemon zest
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
as needed lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, smoked paprika, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Ensure all ingredients are well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
Carefully add the peeled and deveined shrimp into the marinade, tossing gently to ensure each shrimp is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan on the stovetop, allow it to heat up over medium-high as well until it's hot and ready.
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning. Then, thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, placing them close together but not overcrowding.
Carefully place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook the shrimp for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are opaque and firm to the touch.
Once grilled to perfection, remove the shrimp from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes.
Serve the grilled shrimp immediately, garnished with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness and zesty flavor.

Notes

Arrange the shrimp skewers neatly on a large platter, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the shrimp.

Keyword grilled, herb, lemon, seafood, shrimp