Grilled shrimp with lemon is a light, refreshing dish that's quick to prepare and full of flavor. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural sweetness of the shrimp to shine through, while the zesty lemon adds a bright, tangy contrast. Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue or a quick weekday dinner, this recipe will be a crowd-pleaser.
Why Grilled Shrimp?
Shrimp is a versatile seafood that grills beautifully, absorbing flavors from marinades while retaining a juicy, tender texture. Grilling shrimp also caramelizes the natural sugars, adding a slight smokiness to every bite.
Ingredients:
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon (juice and zest)
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp paprika (optional for a mild kick)
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Before grilling, ensure the shrimp is cleaned and deveined. If you’re using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely by rinsing under cold water or letting them sit in the refrigerator for a few hours.
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the marinade. Let the shrimp marinate for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to seep into the shrimp without overwhelming its natural taste.
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the shrimp is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water to prevent burning.
4. Skewer the Shrimp:
Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, making sure they’re snug but not too tightly packed. This will allow them to cook evenly on the grill.
5. Grill the Shrimp:
Place the skewered shrimp directly on the grill grates. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp become rubbery if left on the grill for too long.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once off the grill, sprinkle the shrimp with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus. You can serve these grilled shrimp on a bed of rice, alongside a fresh salad, or even as a flavorful taco filling.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Shrimp:
Use fresh shrimp whenever possible, but frozen shrimp will work if thawed properly.
Don't skip the lemon zest—it intensifies the citrus flavor without making the dish too sour.
If you prefer more spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Monitor the grilling time closely, as shrimp cook very quickly and can become overdone within minutes.
Variations:
Garlic Butter Shrimp: Swap out the olive oil for melted butter to create a rich, savory garlic butter marinade.
Cilantro Lime Shrimp: Replace the parsley and lemon with cilantro and lime for a zesty, Mexican-inspired twist.
Conclusion:
Grilled shrimp with lemon is an easy, healthy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The combination of citrus, garlic, and fresh herbs makes this dish a perfect balance of simplicity and taste. Whether you're a seasoned griller or a seafood newbie, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and become a regular on your summer menu. Enjoy!
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