These Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers are the ultimate summer grilling staple. With a flavorful marinade featuring fresh herbs and a hint of spice, this simple yet sophisticated dish will be the star of your next BBQ.

• Cuisine: American
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour (including marinating)
• Servings: 4

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and cook time make it great for busy evenings.
• Flavorful: A fresh and herbaceous marinade enhances the natural sweetness of shrimp.
• Healthy: A light and nutritious option for grilling that doesn’t skimp on taste.
• Customizable Spice: Adjust the cayenne to suit your spice preference.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp: Provides the main protein. Ensure they are peeled and deveined for best texture and flavor absorption.
• ¼ cup olive oil: Acts as the base for the marinade, making sure the shrimp stay moist and flavorful during grilling. Substitute with avocado oil if needed.
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro (finely chopped): Adds a bright, citrusy flavor. If cilantro isn’t your favorite, replace it with basil.
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (finely chopped): Provides earthy, slightly peppery notes that balance the cilantro.
• 4 cloves garlic (minced): Gives a potent, aromatic depth to the marinade, crucial for layering flavor.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: The acid helps tenderize the shrimp and enhances the marinade’s brightness. Substitute with lime juice for a different citrus profile.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning, drawing out the flavors from the shrimp and marinade.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a mild heat and rich flavor that complements the herbs.
• Pinch cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference): Adds optional heat, perfect for those who enjoy a little kick.

How to Make It

Step 1: Mix the Marinade

In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, chopped cilantro, parsley, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Whisk together until well amalgamated. This ensures even distribution of the flavors when coating the shrimp.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Place your shrimp in a broad bowl and pour about three-quarters of the marinade over them. Gently mix to ensure each shrimp is coated thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate for 30 minutes to an hour. The marinating time allows the flavors to penetrate the shrimp deeply, enhancing taste.

Step 3: Prep the Shrimp for Grilling

Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, collecting as much of the herbs and garlic from the bowl as possible. Ensure the skewers are secure but not overcrowded to facilitate even cooking over the grill.

Step 4: Grill the Shrimp

Heat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the shrimp skewers on the grill. Grill for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. This indicates that they are cooked through.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving plate and drizzle with the remaining marinade for an extra flavor boost before serving.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before marinating to ensure even flavor absorption.

What can I serve with these skewers?

These skewers pair well with a variety of sides such as grilled vegetables, a simple green salad, or fluffy basmati rice.

How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to threading the shrimp. This helps prevent them from catching fire on the grill.