Get ready to elevate your BBQ game with my Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp recipe! This dish combines juicy shrimp with a zesty lemon marinade for a fresh and flavorful meal. With simple ingredients and quick steps, you'll impress family and friends in no time. Let’s dive into this tasty journey and learn how to make the perfect grilled shrimp that bursts with flavor. Your grill awaits!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Zesty Flavor: This grilled shrimp recipe combines the bright flavors of lemon and fresh herbs, making each bite refreshing and delicious.
- Quick and Easy: With a preparation time of just 10 minutes and a total cook time of 40 minutes, this dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a last-minute gathering.
- Versatile Serving Options: These shrimp can be served as an appetizer, main dish, or even tossed in salads, making them a versatile addition to any meal.
- Healthy and Light: Low in calories and high in protein, this dish is a healthy choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor, making it ideal for a balanced diet.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
To create Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp, you need simple ingredients. Fresh shrimp is the star here. Look for large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. The olive oil gives a rich flavor and helps the shrimp cook well. The lemon juice adds brightness and keeps the shrimp fresh.
Lemon zest gives a strong lemon taste without extra moisture. Garlic adds depth and aroma to each bite. Dried oregano and thyme bring in earthy notes. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. Kosher salt and black pepper help to balance all the flavors. Finally, fresh parsley is a lovely garnish that adds color and freshness.
Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. Each one plays an important role in making this dish bright and tasty. Enjoy the process of preparing them!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Marinade
To start, grab a medium mixing bowl. You will mix together the following ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Whisk all these ingredients until they blend well. This marinade gives the shrimp a bright, zesty flavor.
Marinating the Shrimp
Next, add 1 pound of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp into the bowl. Use a spoon to coat each shrimp with the marinade. Make sure every piece is covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For a stronger flavor, try marinating for up to 2 hours.
Grilling the Shrimp
Now it's time to grill! Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grates with oil to stop the shrimp from sticking. If using skewers, thread the marinated shrimp onto them. Space the shrimp evenly. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes first.
Place the skewers on the grill. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You know they are ready when they turn pink and opaque. For extra taste, brush the shrimp with any leftover marinade while grilling. Once done, take the skewers off the grill. Sprinkle some finely chopped fresh parsley on top for a nice finish.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfectly Cooked Shrimp
To get shrimp perfectly cooked, I follow a simple rule: watch the color. You want your shrimp to turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on each side. Overcooking makes shrimp tough and chewy. So, keep a close eye on them while grilling.
Enhancing Flavor with Marinade
The marinade is key for great flavor. I mix olive oil, lemon juice, and zest with garlic, oregano, and thyme. This combo creates a bright taste. I let the shrimp soak in this mixture for at least 30 minutes. If time allows, a two-hour soak enhances the flavor even more.
Avoiding Sticking on the Grill
To avoid sticking, I always brush the grill grates with oil. This small step makes a big difference. If using skewers, make sure they are soaked in water if they are wooden. This helps prevent burning. With these tricks, your shrimp will slide off the grill easily.
Pro Tips
- Marinate Longer for Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the shrimp for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, allowing the herbs and spices to penetrate deeply.
- Check Shrimp Freshness: When selecting shrimp, look for those that are firm and have a mild ocean scent. Avoid any that smell overly fishy or have a slimy texture.
- Skewer Safely: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the shrimp while grilling; they only need about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.
Variations
Alternative Marinade Ingredients
You can switch up the marinade to add new flavors. Try using lime juice instead of lemon juice. This gives a fresh twist. You can also mix in fresh herbs like basil or mint. These herbs add a bright taste. For a smoky flavor, add a bit of smoked paprika.
Spicy Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp
Want some heat? Add more red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can double the amount for a real kick. If you like it super spicy, use a dash of hot sauce. This will make your shrimp sizzle with flavor. You can also serve it with a spicy dipping sauce.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Vegetables
Add colorful veggies to your skewers. Bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes work great. Cut them into similar sizes as the shrimp. This way, they cook evenly. Toss the veggies in the same marinade. This helps all flavors blend. Grill them alongside the shrimp for a complete meal.
Storage Info
Refrigerator Storage Tips
After cooking, let the grilled shrimp cool down. Place them in a shallow, airtight container. The shrimp stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Add a piece of parchment paper to absorb moisture. This helps keep the shrimp from getting soggy.
Freezing Grilled Shrimp
To freeze grilled shrimp, let them cool completely first. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date. The shrimp can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat grilled shrimp in a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil to keep them moist. Cook until they are heated through, about 3-5 minutes. You can also use the microwave, but heat in short bursts. Check often to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your tasty shrimp warm!
FAQs
How long do you grill shrimp?
You grill shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Shrimp cook fast, so watch them closely. They turn pink and opaque when done. Overcooking can make them tough, so take them off the grill right when they are ready.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
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. After thawing, peel and devein them if needed. They will taste great in the marinade.
What can I serve with lemon herb grilled shrimp?
You can serve lemon herb grilled shrimp with many sides. A fresh mixed green salad pairs well. Fluffy rice or quinoa makes a nice base too. You can also add grilled vegetables for extra color and flavor.
Can I make this shrimp recipe in the oven?
Yes, you can make this shrimp recipe in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated shrimp on a baking sheet. Bake for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
In this blog post, I shared a simple recipe for lemon herb grilled shrimp. You learned about each ingredient, marinating tips, and grilling steps. I also offered variations to suit your taste, plus storage tips for leftovers. Perfecting grilled shrimp can impress family and friends. Remember, fresh herbs and lemon juice boost flavor. Try these ideas to make your meals special. Enjoy your cooking journey and don’t hesitate to experiment!
