Every summer, there’s this tiny window of time when the sun hits just right, and everything feels like it’s dipped in gold. That’s when I crave the simplicity of these lemon garlic grilled shrimp skewers. They’re like little bursts of sunshine on a stick, and honestly, who could resist that?
Steps
- If using skewers, soak them in water for about 1.5 hours before grilling. Peel the shell off the shrimp if necessary, rinse them under cold water, and pat dry with paper towels. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
- In a medium bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and diced parsley. Pour this marinade into a thick freezer bag, add the shrimp, and let them marinate for 20-30 minutes. Avoid marinating for longer than 30 minutes to prevent the shrimp from becoming mushy.
- For grilling, heat the grill to high. Place the skewers on the grill rack and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side with the cover open. The shrimp should be pink with white, opaque edges when done.
- To bake the shrimp, preheat the oven to 450°F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with nonstick spray and bake the shrimp for 5-7 minutes until cooked through.
- For pan frying, heat a few tablespoons of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 1 minute and 30 seconds per side, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque.
- Once cooked, serve the shrimp immediately with your choice of rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ? cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Nutritional Values
Calories: 274kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 571mg | Sodium: 2935mg | Potassium: 181mg | Vitamin A: 315IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 336mg | Iron: 5mg
FAQ
- How long should I marinate shrimp with citrus-based marinades?
- When using a marinade that includes citrus like lemon, lime, or orange, it’s best to marinate the shrimp for no more than 30 minutes. The acid in the citrus can start to break down the shrimp, making it mushy if left for too long.
- What size shrimp is best for grilling?
- Larger shrimp are preferable for grilling. Check the count on the packaging to gauge size; for example, a 26/30 count means there are 26-30 shrimp per pound. Aim for a count closer to 15 for optimal grilling results.
- How much shrimp should I plan per person?
- A good guideline is to serve about 1/2 pound of shrimp per person.
- How long does it take to grill shrimp?
- Shrimp cooks quickly on the grill, typically requiring about 2-3 minutes per side.
- What is the best way to pan fry shrimp?
- To pan fry shrimp, heat a few tablespoons of olive or vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp (sans skewers), cooking for about 1 minute and 30 seconds per side, tossing occasionally.
Tips
- When marinating shrimp with citrus-based marinades, limit the marinating time to no more than 30 minutes to prevent the shrimp from becoming mushy due to the acid breaking down the shrimp too much.
- For grilling, select larger shrimp with a lower count per pound, ideally around 15, to ensure they hold up well on the grill and provide a better texture.
- If you choose to bake the shrimp, preheat your oven to 450°F and bake them for 5-7 minutes, which will ensure they are cooked through without becoming overdone.
- When pan frying shrimp, avoid using skewers for easier handling. Cook the shrimp in a hot pan with a bit of oil for about 1 minute and 30 seconds on each side, ensuring they remain tender and flavorful.
Equipment
- Grill (if opting for the grilling method)
- Skewers (if opting for the grilling method)
- Baking sheet (if opting for the baking method)
- Nonstick cooking spray (if opting for the baking method)
- Large frying pan (if opting for the pan-frying method)
- Thick freezer bag (for marinating)
