Introduction
Seafood lovers, rejoice! Few dishes embody the refreshing essence of summer as perfectly as lemon herb grilled shrimp. With each bite, you’re transported to a world of sun-drenched coastal paradises, where the flavors are as vibrant as the ocean views. This delectable dish is ideal for both casual barbecues and elegant dinners, offering a versatile flavor profile that can be dressed up or down. The zingy notes of lemon combined with fragrant herbs make for a delightful culinary experience. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a beginner, this recipe will add a breath of fresh sea air to your cooking repertoire.
Detailed Ingredients
To achieve the perfect balance of flavors, every ingredient plays a crucial role. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
– Shrimp: Opt for fresh, large shrimp, peeled and deveined. The size of the shrimp affects cooking time and flavor absorption.
– Lemon Zest and Juice: Freshly zested lemon and its juice are vital. They provide a bright, tangy flavor that penetrates the shrimp.
– Herbs: A combination of fresh parsley, dill, and basil. These herbs add a complex layer of freshness.
– Garlic: Use freshly minced garlic for a pungent, aromatic kick.
– Olive Oil: Good quality extra virgin olive oil helps carry the flavors and provides moisture to the shrimp.
– Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that should not be underestimated in their importance.
– Optional: Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
– **Prep Time:** 15 minutes
– **Cook Time:** 10 minutes
– **Total Time:** 25 minutes
– **Yield:** Serves 4
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. **Prepare the Shrimp:** Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water, removing any remaining shell or veins. Pat them dry with paper towels.
2. **Marinating:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, parsley, dill, basil, salt, and pepper. If you are using red pepper flakes for extra heat, add them now. Toss everything together until the shrimp are well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This allows the shrimp to absorb all the vibrant flavors.
3. **Preheat the Grill:** While the shrimp marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A temperature between 375°F and 400°F is ideal for grilling shrimp. If using skewers, soak them in water to prevent burning.
4. **Skewer the Shrimp:** Thread the shrimp onto skewers, ensuring they lay flat. This ensures even cooking. Depending on the size of the shrimp, 3-4 per skewer is optimal.
5. **Grill the Shrimp:** Place the skewered shrimp on the hot grill. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp. Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking. They are done when they turn opaque and have nice grill marks.
6. **Serve:** Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve them hot with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
– **Marinating Time:** Marinate longer than recommended for a more intense flavor but not more than an hour to prevent the lemon juice from beginning to cook the shrimp.
– **Shrimp Tips:** Larger shrimp provide juicier bites and remain more succulent when grilled.
– **Storage:** Leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently to avoid toughening.
Cook Techniques
Grilling shrimp is an art. Paying attention to these techniques will ensure a perfect cook every time:
– **Even Threading:** Space the shrimp evenly on the skewers to ensure uniform cooking.
– **Preheating the Grill:** Ensures shrimp are seared quickly, locking in juices and providing a flavorful exterior.
– **Avoiding Overcrowding:** Give shrimp space to cook, preventing steaming and promoting that signature grilled taste.
– **Direct Heat:** Grilling directly over heat for a short period gives shrimp a smoky flavor without drying them out.
FAQ
– **Can I use frozen shrimp?** Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results before marinating.
– **Can I cook the shrimp without skewers?** Yes, cooking them directly on the grill is possible, but skewers make handling easier and prevent losing shrimp between grill grates.
– **What if I don’t have a grill?** A grill pan or broiling in the oven are excellent alternatives. Both methods will provide a similar char and flavor.
Conclusion
Lemon herb grilled shrimp is more than a dish; it’s a culinary experience that combines the fresh flavors of lemon and herbs with the delightful taste of grilled seafood. Quick to prepare and cook, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a staple on your menu. Whether paired with a fresh salad, a side of pasta, or nestled in a taco, this shrimp delivers summer straight to your plate.
More Recipes Suggestions and Combinations
Expand your repertoire with these tantalizing suggestions:
– **Mediterranean Salad:** Serve your grilled shrimp over a bed of mixed greens, kalamata olives, feta cheese, cucumbers, and tomatoes for a refreshing meal.
– **Garlic Butter Pasta:** Toss your grilled shrimp with spaghetti in a rich garlic butter sauce. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish.
– **Shrimp Tacos:** Combine your grilled shrimp with a crisp cabbage slaw and avocado slices, wrapped in soft corn tortillas, for mouth-watering tacos.
– **Orzo and Spinach:** Pair your shrimp with orzo pasta and sautéed spinach, tossed in olive oil and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Each of these combinations highlights the shrimp’s versatility and ability to complement a range of flavors. Enjoy experimenting and discovering new favorites!
Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp
4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
- To achieve the perfect balance of flavors, every ingredient plays a crucial role. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
– Shrimp: Opt for fresh, large shrimp, peeled and deveined. The size of the shrimp affects cooking time and flavor absorption.
– Lemon Zest and Juice: Freshly zested lemon and its juice are vital. They provide a bright, tangy flavor that penetrates the shrimp.
– Herbs: A combination of fresh parsley, dill, and basil. These herbs add a complex layer of freshness.
– Garlic: Use freshly minced garlic for a pungent, aromatic kick.
– Olive Oil: Good quality extra virgin olive oil helps carry the flavors and provides moisture to the shrimp.
– Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that should not be underestimated in their importance.
– Optional: Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added.
Directions
- 1. **Prepare the Shrimp:** Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water, removing any remaining shell or veins. Pat them dry with paper towels.
2. **Marinating:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, parsley, dill, basil, salt, and pepper. If you are using red pepper flakes for extra heat, add them now. Toss everything together until the shrimp are well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This allows the shrimp to absorb all the vibrant flavors.
3. **Preheat the Grill:** While the shrimp marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A temperature between 375°F and 400°F is ideal for grilling shrimp. If using skewers, soak them in water to prevent burning.
4. **Skewer the Shrimp:** Thread the shrimp onto skewers, ensuring they lay flat. This ensures even cooking. Depending on the size of the shrimp, 3-4 per skewer is optimal.
5. **Grill the Shrimp:** Place the skewered shrimp on the hot grill. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp. Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking. They are done when they turn opaque and have nice grill marks.
6. **Serve:** Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve them hot with lemon wedges on the side.
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