Description
Mediterranean-inspired grilled citrus shrimp skewers blend zesty lemon and herb flavors for a light summer dish. Fresh ingredients and simple techniques create a quick, elegant meal perfect for outdoor dining with friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb shrimp (16–20 or 21–25 count), peeled and deveined
- ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
- ¼ cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) chopped Italian parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Skewer Preparation: Submerge wooden skewers in cold water for 20 minutes to prevent burning during intense grilling.
- Marinade Creation: Whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, garlic, paprika, red pepper flakes, parsley, kosher salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl to craft a zesty flavor base.
- Shrimp Marination: Coat raw shrimp completely in the prepared marinade, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavor penetration and tenderization.
- Grill Setup: Preheat gas or charcoal grill to 400°F (204°C), ensuring one side remains at high heat. For stovetop grill pan, heat to medium-high with even temperature distribution.
- Skewering Process: Thread marinated shrimp onto pre-soaked skewers, arranging 5-6 shrimp per skewer with consistent positioning to ensure uniform cooking.
- Grilling Technique: Cook shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side on direct heat, rotating once edges turn pink and develop light char. Verify doneness by checking for opaque, golden exterior and ensuring shrimp are cooked through without overcooking.
Notes
- Prevent Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in cold water for at least 20 minutes to avoid charring and potential flame flare-ups during grilling.
- Maximize Flavor Infusion: Marinate shrimp for exactly 30 minutes – no longer to prevent seafood from becoming tough or developing mushy texture.
- Achieve Perfect Grill Marks: Ensure grill or grill pan is preheated to 400°F for optimal caramelization and quick, even cooking of delicate shrimp.
- Handle Seafood Safely: Remove shrimp from refrigerator 15 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking and prevent rubbery, overcooked texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 303
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 415 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg