
Zesty Grilled Shrimp with Garlic and Lemon: A Simple, Flavorful Recipe
If you’re craving a quick and delicious seafood dish, this Zesty Grilled Shrimp with Garlic and Lemon is the answer! Packed with fresh flavors from garlic, lemon, and a touch of parsley, this grilled shrimp recipe is perfect for a light dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. With minimal ingredients and a fast cooking time, this dish is both simple and mouthwatering. Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible grilled shrimp!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp, leaving the tails on for a beautiful presentation.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring they grill evenly.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Place the shrimp in a large bowl or resealable bag, and pour the marinade over them. Toss well to coat all the shrimp evenly.
- Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate the shrimp for 15-30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to infuse and enhance the shrimp.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on the stove.
- Lightly grease the grill grates or pan with cooking spray or a brush of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill the Shrimp
- Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer for even grilling.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them juicy and tender.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Remove the shrimp from the grill and place them on a platter.
- Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the shrimp for a burst of color and extra flavor.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side to add a refreshing citrusy kick right before eating.
Helpful Tips:
- Don’t marinate the shrimp for more than 30 minutes as the acid from the lemon can cause the shrimp to become mushy.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade for a little heat.
- If you don’t have skewers, you can grill the shrimp directly on the grates—just be sure to use a grill basket to keep them from slipping through.
Conclusion:
These Zesty Grilled Shrimp with Garlic and Lemon are the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. With a quick marinade and just a few minutes on the grill, you’ll have a delicious seafood dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a BBQ party, this easy recipe will impress everyone. Try it today and enjoy a mouthwatering seafood dish full of bright, fresh flavors!