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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Wooden or metal skewers - Red pepper flakes for heat - Lemon slices for grilling - Fresh herbs like thyme or basil - Cherry tomatoes for color and taste - Use shrimp with the shell on for extra flavor. - Swap olive oil for avocado oil if desired. - Replace smoked paprika with regular paprika for less smokiness. - Use lime juice instead of lemon juice for a fun twist. These ingredients set the stage for a bright and zesty dish. The key lies in the fresh flavors and simple preparation. Enjoy the process of cooking, and feel free to play around with the ingredients! First, decide if you want to use wooden skewers or metal ones. If you pick wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This step helps to stop them from burning on the grill. It’s an important part of the process. If you skip this, your skewers may catch fire. Now, grab a medium bowl. In it, mix three tablespoons of olive oil, three tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and the zest of one lemon. Add four cloves of minced garlic for that punch of flavor. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of smoked paprika and one teaspoon of dried oregano. Lastly, add salt and pepper to taste. Whisk these ingredients well. This marinade adds depth to your shrimp. Next, take your one pound of peeled and deveined shrimp and place them in the bowl. Gently toss the shrimp so they are fully coated in the marinade. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid marinating longer than 30 minutes. The lemon’s acidity can start to cook your shrimp if you leave them too long. While the shrimp marinates, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you’re using an outdoor grill, clean the grates and oil them lightly. This helps prevent sticking. After marinating, thread about four to five shrimp onto each skewer. Space them evenly to ensure they cook well. Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Watch them closely. When the shrimp turn pink and opaque, they are done. Remove them quickly. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. Once grilled, take the skewers off the heat and let them rest for a minute. This helps the juices settle back in. For the final touch, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve with lemon wedges for extra zest. These details make your dish pop! For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice. It brightens the shrimp. Combine it with olive oil, garlic, paprika, and oregano. This mix creates a tasty coat that enhances each bite. Whisk well to blend the flavors. A good marinade needs about 15-20 minutes. Don't go over 30 minutes. The lemon can start to cook the shrimp. Shrimp cooks fast. Watch them closely! Grill for only 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for a pink color and opaque look. If they curl tightly, they may be overcooked. Remove them as soon as they change color. Perfectly cooked shrimp should be tender, not rubbery. To get those beautiful grill marks, preheat your grill well. A hot grill gives you nice sear lines. Place the skewers down and don't move them for a couple of minutes. This helps create those marks. Turn the skewers only once to keep the marks even. Enjoy the look as much as the taste! {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of your lemon garlic shrimp skewers. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinade. If you like a sweet touch, mix in some honey or brown sugar. Want a tropical twist? Use lime juice instead of lemon juice. You can also experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil. Each change gives the dish a new taste. Grilling is great, but there are other ways to cook shrimp skewers. You can broil them in your oven for a quick and easy option. Just set your oven to high, place the skewers on a baking sheet, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Another method is to pan-sear them in a skillet. Use a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat. This method gives you a lovely sear and keeps the shrimp juicy. Serve your lemon garlic shrimp skewers with a variety of sides. They pair well with a green salad or grilled vegetables. You can also serve them over rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. For a fun twist, try them in tacos with fresh salsa and avocado. Don’t forget to add extra lemon wedges on the side for a bright finish! After enjoying your lemon garlic shrimp skewers, store any leftovers right away. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat the shrimp skewers, you have a few choices. You can use a pan on low heat. Just add a little olive oil to keep them moist. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check often to avoid overcooking. You want them warm, not rubbery. If you decide to freeze the skewers, follow these steps. First, make sure the shrimp are completely cooled. Then, wrap the skewers in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This will help them thaw quickly. Once thawed, peel and devein them if needed. Using frozen shrimp can save time and still taste great. Shrimp cook fast. They turn pink and opaque when done. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side on the grill. You can also check if they curl into a tight "C" shape. If they look firm and not rubbery, they are ready to eat. Lemon garlic shrimp skewers pair well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Green salad with a light dressing - Fluffy rice or quinoa - Grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers - Garlic bread for a crunchy contrast You can prep some parts ahead. Marinate the shrimp and store them in the fridge for up to 30 minutes. You can also soak wooden skewers ahead of time. However, it’s best to grill the skewers right before serving for the best taste and texture. This blog covered the key steps to make delicious lemon garlic shrimp skewers. We discussed all necessary ingredients and how to customize your dish. I shared tips to perfect your marinade and avoid overcooked shrimp. We explored various cooking methods and storage tips for leftovers. Remember, cooking is fun, so experiment with flavors and sides. Enjoy your skewers and share your results!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Add a burst of flavor to your next meal with these delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers! This quick and easy recipe takes just an hour to prepare and grill, making it perfect for any occasion. Discover how to create perfectly marinated shrimp with a zesty kick and enjoy a vibrant dish that your friends and family will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your guests with this tasty seafood delight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Zest of 1 lemon

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions
 

Prepare Skewers: If you're using wooden skewers, begin by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling. This step is essential for ensuring that your skewers hold up under heat.

    Make Marinade: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until well combined, creating a flavorful marinade for your shrimp.

      Marinate Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp into the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss the shrimp to ensure each piece is fully coated. Allow them to marinate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature. (Note: Do not marinate for more than 30 minutes, as the acidity from the lemon may begin to 'cook' the shrimp.)

        Preheat Grill: While the shrimp is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using an outdoor grill, be sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

          Skewer Shrimp: Once marinated, carefully thread the shrimp onto the skewers, placing about 4-5 shrimp per skewer. Make sure to space them evenly to allow for consistent cooking.

            Grill Shrimp: Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them—remove the skewers from the grill once the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are cooked through (avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery).

              Rest and Garnish: Once done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute. This allows the juices to redistribute.

                Final Touches: Garnish the skewers with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and serve with additional lemon wedges for a vibrant kick.

                  Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the skewers elegantly arranged on a platter or on individual plates, accompanied by lemon wedges on the side. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a refreshing green salad or a fluffy bed of rice.