Imagine a dish that transports you to the sun-drenched coastlines of the Mediterranean with just one bite - our Grilled Lemon and Herb Shrimp is exactly that culinary escape! Bursting with vibrant flavors, this recipe transforms simple shrimp into a restaurant-quality masterpiece that's shockingly easy to prepare. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a cooking novice, these succulent, zesty shrimp will elevate your dinner game and impress even the most discerning palates.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the marinade adhere better.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended. This mixture will serve as your marinade.
- Add the shrimp to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the shrimp to a resealable plastic bag. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- While the shrimp is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 10 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- Once the grill is hot, remove the shrimp from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. If using skewers, thread the shrimp onto them, leaving a little space between each shrimp for even cooking.
- Place the shrimp skewers on the grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery if left on the grill too long.
- Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the grill and let them rest for a minute. This will help them retain their juices.
- Serve the grilled lemon and herb shrimp warm, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired. They pair well with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Tips
- Pat your shrimp completely dry before marinating to ensure the best flavor absorption and perfect grill marks.
- Don't marinate shrimp for too long - 10 minutes is ideal. The acid in lemon juice can start to "cook" the shrimp if left too long.
- Use metal or pre-soaked wooden skewers to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Watch your grill temperature - medium-high heat is crucial. Too hot, and you'll burn the shrimp; too cool, and they'll become rubbery.
- Look for the visual cue: shrimp are done when they turn from translucent to a beautiful opaque pink color.
- Always let your grilled shrimp rest for a minute after cooking to help retain their juicy texture.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a light sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 220mg
