Garlic Lemon Shrimp Skewers delicious

Garlic Lemon Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Garlic Lemon Shrimp Skewers are a perfect combination of tender shrimp, a burst of fresh lemon, and the savory aroma of garlic. These skewers are easy to prepare, and the flavors come together wonderfully. Whether you’re grilling on the barbecue, cooking in the oven, or using an air fryer, these shrimp skewers are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The zesty marinade infuses the shrimp with flavors that make every bite a delightful treat.

This recipe is versatile, light, and flavorful, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, parties, barbecues, or a light summer meal. The combination of garlic and lemon adds a refreshing punch to the shrimp, while a bit of olive oil ensures that they remain juicy and tender. Plus, the addition of fresh herbs like parsley and thyme helps elevate the dish to another level.

Ingredients:

For the Shrimp Skewers:

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off depending on your preference)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for coating the shrimp)
• 1 tablespoon butter (melted, for basting)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tablespoon garlic paste)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme if available)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to avoid burning)

For the Marinade:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a little tang)
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra zest)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shrimp:

• Peel and devein the shrimp: If you haven’t already done so, peel the shrimp and devein them. You can leave the tails on for presentation, or remove them if you prefer.
• Rinse and pat dry: Rinse the shrimp under cold water to remove any remaining shell bits or debris. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps the marinade stick better.

2. Make the Marinade:

• Mix the marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard (if using), honey (optional), oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning as needed. For added zing, you can increase the lemon juice or zest.
• Marinate the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss them gently to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. This allows the shrimp to absorb the flavors of the marinade.

3. Preheat Your Cooking Method:

You can choose to grill, bake, or air fry the shrimp skewers depending on the equipment available and your preferences.

• For grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F to 400°F).
• For the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• For air frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

4. Assemble the Shrimp Skewers:

• Skewer the shrimp: Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each one to ensure even cooking. You can alternate with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for a colorful presentation, but this is optional.
• Brush with oil: Lightly brush the shrimp with olive oil to prevent sticking, especially if you’re grilling or air frying. You can also brush the shrimp with some of the melted butter for extra flavor and juiciness.

5. Cooking the Shrimp Skewers:

Grilling Method:

• Grill the shrimp: Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are opaque and have a nice char. The shrimp will cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Baste with butter: During the last minute of grilling, you can baste the shrimp with the remaining melted butter for extra flavor and a glossy finish.

Oven-Baked Method:

• Bake the shrimp: Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and slightly golden. Be sure to check the shrimp at the 6-minute mark, as shrimp cook quickly.
• Broil for extra crispiness: If you prefer a little crispiness on top, turn the broiler on for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. This will give the shrimp a slight char without overcooking them.

Air Fryer Method:

• Air fry the shrimp: Place the shrimp skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The shrimp should be cooked through and have a slightly golden exterior.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish: Once cooked, remove the shrimp skewers from the grill, oven, or air fryer. Transfer them to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Serve: Serve the shrimp skewers immediately with your favorite sides such as rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. These shrimp skewers also pair wonderfully with a side of creamy garlic sauce or a tangy yogurt dip.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Lemon Shrimp Skewers:

1. Marination Time: Marinating the shrimp for 30 minutes to 1 hour is ideal. Don’t marinate the shrimp for too long (over 2 hours), as the acid in the lemon juice can start to “cook” the shrimp and make them mushy.

2. Preheat Your Grill or Air Fryer: Whether you’re grilling or air frying, make sure to preheat your equipment to the right temperature for even cooking.

3. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. Once they turn opaque and curl into a “C” shape, they’re ready. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.

4. Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp (or frozen shrimp that’s properly thawed) will provide the best texture and flavor. If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them properly by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or using the cold water method.

5. Optional Add-ins: You can add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or onions onto the skewers for a more colorful and complete meal. If adding vegetables, make sure they are cut to a similar size as the shrimp to ensure even cooking.

6. Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. If you’re avoiding dairy, you can skip the butter or use a dairy-free butter substitute.

Serving Suggestions:

• Side Dishes: These shrimp skewers pair wonderfully with simple sides like garlic bread, cauliflower rice, herbed quinoa, or a fresh green salad.
• Dips: For extra flavor, serve with tartar sauce, aioli, or a zesty salsa verde.
• Beverages: Pair with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a cold iced tea with lemon.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving):

• Calories: 150-200 kcal (per serving of 3-4 skewers, depending on portion size and any sides added)
• Protein: 25-30g (from the shrimp)
• Fat: 7-10g (from olive oil and butter)
• Carbohydrates: 4-6g (from the marinade and lemon)
• Fiber: 1g (from herbs and lemon)

Conclusion:

These Garlic Lemon Shrimp Skewers are the perfect combination of light, zesty, and savory flavors. The shrimp are succulent and full of flavor, thanks to the lemon and garlic marinade. Whether you grill, bake, or air fry, you’re guaranteed a quick and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve them as a main course, appetizer, or alongside your favorite side dishes for a simple yet flavorful meal that everyone will love!