Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp

$For this dish, you need simple and fresh items. Here’s what to gather: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon wedges for serving These main ingredients create a bright and zesty flavor. The shrimp is the star, while the herbs and lemon shine through. You can enhance the dish with a few extras: - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh thyme or cilantro for more herb flavor - A splash of white wine for depth These optional ingredients can take the dish to the next level. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Look for shrimp that smells clean and has a firm texture. Fresh lemon gives the best flavor, so avoid bottled juice. Good olive oil also enhances the taste. Remember, quality ingredients lead to a tasty meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the marinade, grab a medium bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Next, zest one lemon and add it to the bowl. Then, mince 3 cloves of garlic and toss them in. Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Season the mix with salt and pepper. Use a whisk to blend everything well. Now, take 1 pound of large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Add the shrimp to your marinade, making sure each piece is coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place the bowl in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This will help the shrimp soak up all those great flavors. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high, too. After marinating, thread the shrimp onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This keeps them from burning. Grill the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes on each side. They should turn opaque and be cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them; they can get rubbery. When the shrimp are done, take them off the grill. Let them rest for a few minutes. Serve the shrimp hot, with lemon wedges on the side. The lemon adds a fresh burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the shrimp. Enjoy this dish with your favorite sides! To keep shrimp tender, avoid overcooking them. Cook shrimp for only 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove them from the grill once they turn opaque. Shrimp should feel firm but not hard. Marinating the shrimp also helps keep them juicy. Use a mix of olive oil and lemon juice for best results. When skewering shrimp, use flat skewers if possible. This stops the shrimp from spinning. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This prevents burning on the grill. Thread the shrimp close together but not too tight. This allows even cooking and easy flipping. Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps the shrimp cook evenly. Keep an eye on the grill as shrimp cook quickly. Use tongs to flip the shrimp gently. Avoid pressing them down, as this can make them dry. Lastly, let the shrimp rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps lock in the juices. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allowing the shrimp to marinate for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor significantly, but you can marinate for up to 1 hour for even better results. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley make a huge difference in flavor compared to dried. If possible, opt for fresh herbs for a brighter taste. Don't Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked. Remove them from the grill as soon as they turn opaque for the best texture. Skewer Tips: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Metal skewers are a great alternative! {{image_2}} To add a kick, mix in some heat. Use 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Combine these spices into the marinade. This change gives the shrimp a bold flavor. The heat balances well with the lemon. You can serve this spicy version with cooling sides like yogurt sauce or a fresh salad. For a Mediterranean twist, add new herbs. Use fresh basil and dill alongside parsley. These herbs enhance the dish's freshness. You can also swap in lemon thyme for a zesty touch. This variation pairs nicely with tabbouleh or couscous. The mix of herbs brings a bright taste to every bite. You can cook shrimp in the oven or broiler. If using an oven, preheat to 400°F. Arrange the shrimp on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until cooked through. For the broiler, place shrimp on a broiler pan. Broil for 2-3 minutes on each side. Both methods keep the shrimp juicy and full of flavor. To store leftover grilled shrimp, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to cool them first. Store the container in the fridge. Use the shrimp within two days for the best taste. If they smell off, toss them out. If you want to freeze the shrimp, make sure they are fully cooled. Place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready, thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat grilled shrimp, avoid the microwave if you can. Instead, use a skillet over low heat. Add a bit of olive oil or butter. Heat until warm but not hot, about 2-3 minutes. This keeps the shrimp tender and juicy. Enjoy your leftovers with fresh lemon juice! You should marinate the shrimp for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This time lets the shrimp soak up all the tasty flavors. If you marinate too long, the shrimp can become mushy. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15 to 20 minutes. Once thawed, you can follow the recipe as normal. Some great side dishes include: - Rice pilaf - Grilled vegetables - A fresh garden salad - Garlic bread These sides pair well and balance the bright flavors of the shrimp. You can prepare the marinade a day before. Just store it in the fridge. However, I recommend marinating the shrimp closer to when you cook them. This way, you get the best flavor. Cooked shrimp turn opaque and have a pink color. They should also curl slightly. If you’re unsure, cut one open. It should not be translucent inside. In this post, we covered how to make Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp. We looked at key ingredients, how to prepare and grill shrimp, and shared tips to keep them tender. Don't forget options for adding flavor and ways to store leftovers. Cooking can be fun and tasty. Try these ideas to impress yourself and others. With practice, you’ll master this easy dish. Enjoy the process and savor every bite!$

Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp

A refreshing and flavorful shrimp dish marinated in lemon and herbs, perfect for grilling.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 8

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 unit Zest of 1 lemon
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste Salt and pepper
as needed Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
Add the shrimp to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you're using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat as well.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning).
Grill the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn opaque and are cooked through. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery.
Remove the shrimp from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the shrimp marinate longer if possible.

Keyword grilled, herbs, lemon, shrimp