These succulent grilled shrimp skewers undergo a speedy marination in a vibrant lemon-garlic blend, then hit the grill for an explosion of flavors.
In my quest for swift and delightful dinner options, grilling takes the spotlight during summertime. These garlic-infused grilled shrimp skewers have swiftly become a weeknight dinner favorite. Echoing the zest of shrimp scampi, they’re soaked in a lively lemon-garlic marinade, heightened by dried oregano and a hint of red pepper flakes. This recipe ticks the boxes for being healthy, bursting with flavor, and incredibly quick. Unlike other proteins, these shrimp marinate swiftly and grill rapidly. If using metal skewers, toss them directly onto the grill without any need for soaking. These shrimp pair beautifully with my pesto pasta, lemon fettuccine, or easy lemon rice, and they complement various dishes like grilled vegetable skewers, Greek salad, or a Caesar salad.
Ingredients for Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Prepare these easy grilled shrimp skewers with just six ingredients (excluding olive oil, salt, and pepper):
– Olive oil
– Garlic
– Lemon juice
– Dried oregano
– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
– Red pepper flakes
– 16/20 large, shelled, and deveined shrimp (with tails on)
– Fresh parsley
Steps to Make Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Crafting these grilled shrimp skewers is a breeze, requiring only 20 minutes of marination and 30 minutes of soaking time if you’re not using metal skewers.
Prepare the flavorful marinade by whisking olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a sizable bowl. Add the deveined shrimp to the marinade, ensuring they’re coated evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
Pro Tip: Opt for a resealable plastic bag for marination or soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes if using them. Alternatively, have metal skewers ready.
Skewering Process
Ready your grill by preheating it for high-heat cooking with the lid closed. Once hot, brush the grates clean.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, around 5 shrimp per skewer. For stability during cooking, skewer them twice, starting from the base of the tail to the top of the body, forming a backward letter C shape. Discard any excess marinade.
Grilling the Shrimp
Grill the skewered shrimp over high heat with the lid closed. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side, then flip and grill for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp turn opaque and firm to the touch. Remove them from the grill and enhance the flavors by drizzling more olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.
Grilling Time for Shrimp
These shrimp cook rapidly on the grill, taking approximately 5 minutes. Keep a watchful eye to prevent overcooking.
Should You Flip Shrimp on the Grill?
Yes, flipping the shrimp ensures even cooking. Once they turn pink on one side, flip them promptly to cook the other side evenly.
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