Imagine sinking your teeth into succulent, perfectly charred shrimp bursting with zesty Mediterranean flavors that will make your dinner guests think you've secretly trained in a Greek kitchen! This Greek Style Grilled Shrimp recipe is not just a meal, it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they will grill properly and develop a nice char.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk the marinade ingredients together until well blended.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, gently tossing to coat each piece evenly. Let the shrimp marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Thread the marinated shrimp onto metal skewers or pre-soaked wooden skewers, ensuring they are spread out evenly.
- Place the shrimp skewers on the hot grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and develop light grill marks. Avoid overcooking to prevent becoming tough.
- Remove the shrimp from the grill and let rest for 1-2 minutes. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or additional lemon wedges.
- Serve hot with a side of Greek salad, tzatziki, or over rice for a complete meal.
Tips
- Always pat shrimp completely dry before marinating to ensure perfect caramelization and prevent steaming.
- Don't marinate shrimp for longer than 15-20 minutes, as the acid from lemon juice can start to "cook" the delicate protein.
- Use metal skewers for more even heat distribution, or if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Watch your grill temperature - medium-high heat (400-450°F) is crucial for achieving those beautiful grill marks without overcooking.
- The moment shrimp turn pink and slightly curl, they're done. Overcooking will result in rubbery texture.
- Let the grilled shrimp rest for 1-2 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 180mg
