Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a quick, delicious, and versatile dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or appetizers. Marinated with a mix of fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon, these skewers deliver bold flavors and a delightful char from the grill. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish ready in no time.

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Recipe Overview

Dish Type	Appetizer or Main Course
Serving Size	4 servings
Difficulty Level	Easy
Cooking Time	5-6 minutes
Overall Prep Time	25 minutes
Calories	~150 kcal per serving

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Table of Contents

1. Why You’ll Love Grilled Shrimp Skewers
2. Ingredients for Grilled Shrimp Skewers
3. Step-by-Step Preparation Method
   • Preparing the Marinade
   • Skewering and Grilling
4. Tips for Perfectly Grilled Shrimp Skewers
5. How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Skewers
6. Key Takeaways and Variations

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Why You’ll Love Grilled Shrimp Skewers

This recipe combines the smoky, charred flavor of the grill with the juicy, tender texture of shrimp. The lemon and herb marinade adds brightness, while garlic and olive oil enhance the overall flavor. These skewers are incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.

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Ingredients for Grilled Shrimp Skewers

For the Marinade:

• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnish:

• Lemon wedges
• Extra chopped parsley

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Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preparing the Marinade

1. Mix the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Marinate the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors infuse.

Step 2: Skewering and Grilling

1. Prepare the skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
2. Skewer the shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer, leaving a small gap between each shrimp for even cooking.
3. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
4. Grill the skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are opaque and slightly charred.
5. Remove and rest: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute before serving.

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Tips for Perfectly Grilled Shrimp Skewers

• Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly; overcooking can make them tough. Keep an eye on the grill.
• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp ensures the best flavor and texture.
• Oil the Grill: Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
• Uniform Sizing: Choose shrimp of the same size for even cooking.

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How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Grilled Shrimp Skewers are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides:

• Grains: Serve with couscous, quinoa, or a light rice pilaf.
• Vegetables: Pair with grilled zucchini, roasted asparagus, or a fresh green salad.
• Dips and Sauces: Offer a side of garlic aioli, tzatziki, or a zesty chimichurri sauce for dipping.

These skewers also work wonderfully as a topping for pasta or as a filling for tacos.

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Key Takeaways and Variations

1. Why This Recipe Works: It’s fast, flavorful, and uses simple ingredients to create a restaurant-quality dish at home.
2. Flavor Variations:
   • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the marinade.
   • Citrus Twist: Replace lemon with lime or orange for a different citrusy flavor.
   • Garlic Butter: Brush the shrimp with melted garlic butter during grilling for extra richness.
3. Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently or enjoy cold in salads or wraps.

How This Recipe Fits Each Diet:

Low-FODMAP Diet:
The Low-FODMAP diet requires careful selection of ingredients to avoid fermentable carbs that can cause digestive discomfort. This recipe is adapted to be Low-FODMAP by using garlic-infused olive oil instead of raw garlic, ensuring the dish retains the characteristic flavor without causing any digestive issues. Additionally, the shrimp is a low-FODMAP protein choice, and the use of fresh lemon juice and herbs adds flavor without introducing any high-FODMAP ingredients.

Mediterranean Diet:
The Mediterranean diet emphasizes fresh, whole foods, healthy fats, lean proteins, and plenty of herbs and spices. This recipe fits perfectly into this diet as it incorporates olive oil, a staple in Mediterranean cooking, along with shrimp, a lean source of protein that’s high in omega-3 fatty acids. The use of lemon juice, fresh parsley, and oregano aligns with the diet’s focus on flavorful yet simple ingredients that celebrate natural tastes.

Keto Diet:
With its low-carb, high-protein profile, this recipe is a great option for those following a keto diet. Shrimp is naturally low in carbohydrates, and the garlic-infused olive oil provides a source of healthy fats, making it ideal for maintaining ketosis. The absence of sugars, breading, or carb-heavy ingredients ensures that these skewers fit within the strict carb limits of a keto meal plan.

Gluten-Free Diet:
Because this recipe uses fresh, whole ingredients, it is entirely gluten-free. There are no bread crumbs, flour coatings, or other gluten-containing additives, making it safe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. The use of simple ingredients like shrimp, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs ensures that the dish remains wholesome and free from gluten.How This Recipe Fits Each Diet: