Perfect Grilled Shrimp with Lemon and Garlic: A Flavorful and Easy Recipe
Looking for a quick and delicious seafood dish? This Grilled Shrimp with Lemon and Garlic is a flavorful and easy-to-make recipe that will leave your taste buds craving more. The combination of tender shrimp, a zesty garlic lemon sauce, and a bit of parsley creates a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a weeknight meal, this grilled shrimp recipe is sure to impress. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Start by cleaning and peeling the shrimp. Remove the shells and devein them, leaving the tails on for presentation.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, ensuring that they cook evenly.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
- Place the shrimp in a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the shrimp. Toss the shrimp to coat them evenly in the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 15-30 minutes. This will allow the shrimp to absorb the flavors of the marinade.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). If you’re using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on the stove.
- Lightly grease the grill grates with cooking spray or brush with olive oil to prevent the shrimp from sticking.
Step 4: Grill the Shrimp
- Once the grill is preheated, thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, ensuring that they are placed in a single layer for even cooking.
- Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp cook very quickly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the shrimp from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.
- Sprinkle the shrimp with fresh chopped parsley for added flavor and a pop of color.
- Serve the shrimp with lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing citrusy squeeze right before eating.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Shrimp:
- Be sure to not over-marinade the shrimp as they can become too soft. 15-30 minutes is usually plenty of time to infuse the flavors.
- For extra smoky flavor, you can add a few wood chips to the grill or use a grill basket to cook the shrimp for an even more intense flavor.
- If you don’t have skewers, you can grill the shrimp directly on the grill grates. Just make sure to keep an eye on them to avoid flare-ups.
Conclusion:
This Grilled Shrimp with Lemon and Garlic is a quick, easy, and absolutely delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a simple marinade and a few minutes on the grill, you can enjoy a mouthwatering seafood meal. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or as part of a larger meal, these shrimp are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Try this recipe today and enjoy a fresh, flavorful seafood treat!