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Quick Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers

lemon herb grilled shrimp skewers - featured image

A fast and flavorful shrimp dinner ready in just 20 minutes, featuring fresh lemon, herbs, and a subtle smoky note, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced (about 2 tablespoons juice)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes

Instructions

  1. Rinse the peeled and deveined shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. (5 minutes)
  2. In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme leaves, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended. (3 minutes)
  3. Add shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes. (10-15 minutes)
  4. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. (Can overlap with marinating)
  5. Remove shrimp from marinade and thread 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer, leaving space between each. Discard leftover marinade. (5 minutes)
  6. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). Lightly oil grill grates or pan. (5 minutes)
  7. Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque with grill marks. Avoid overcooking. (6 minutes)
  8. Remove skewers from heat and let rest for 1 minute. Sprinkle extra chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving.

Notes

Do not marinate shrimp longer than 30 minutes to avoid texture changes. Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Use fresh lemon zest for best flavor. Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender. If no grill is available, use a grill pan or broil in the oven. Optionally add a splash of white wine or honey to the marinade for extra flavor.

Nutrition

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