Lemon garlic shrimp skewers are a delightful and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick and impressive meal. The combination of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and succulent shrimp creates a tantalizing flavor profile that’s hard to resist. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of preparing and cooking these delicious skewers.

Ingredients:

1-pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3-4 cloves garlic, minced.

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

30-minute-soaked wooden skewers in water

Instructions:

Prepare the Shrimp:

If using frozen shrimp, thaw them properly by placing them in a colander under cold running water.

Once thawed, peel and devein the shrimp. Leave the tails on for a better presentation.

Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels. Dry shrimp will absorb flavors better and cook more evenly.

Marinate the Shrimp:

In a bowl, combine minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.

Add the prepared shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat them evenly.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

Preheat the Grill:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You can also use a grill pan or a regular pan if you don’t have a grill.

Assemble the Skewers:

The soaked wooden skewers are then threaded with the marinated prawns. As a result, the skewers won’t burn while being cooked.

Make sure to thread the shrimp through the thicker part and the tail, so they stay securely on the skewers.

Grill the Skewers:

Grill grates should be lightly oiled to avoid sticking.

Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. To avoid the prawns from turning tough, don’t overcook them.

Basting (Optional):

While grilling, you can baste the shrimp with any remaining marinade to enhance the flavor and keep them moist. Make sure to do this in the last few minutes of grilling to avoid any potential contamination from the raw marinade.

Serve:

Once the shrimp are cooked through, remove them from the grill and place them on a serving platter.

Garnish with additional lemon zest and chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Lemon garlic shrimp skewers are best enjoyed immediately. Serve them as an appetizer, main dish, or even as a topping for salads or pasta.

Tips:

Ensure the grill is properly preheated to prevent sticking and to achieve those beautiful grill marks.

Don’t over-marinate the shrimp, as the acidity from the lemon juice can start to “cook” the shrimp, changing their texture.

If using wooden skewers, soaking them in water prevents them from burning on the grill.

Experiment with additional seasonings like red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.

Lemon garlic shrimp skewers are a delightful combination of flavors that will undoubtedly impress your guests or satisfy your cravings. This guide should help you create a fantastic dish that’s bursting with taste and aroma.