Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp is not just a dish; it’s a tantalizing experience that dances on your palate. Picture succulent shrimp marinated in zesty lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and a hint of herbs sizzling away on the grill. The smoky aroma wafts through the air, making your mouth water in anticipation of that first bite.
This delightful dish is perfect for summer barbecues, cozy dinners, or any occasion that calls for a burst of flavor. Every time I make Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp, it takes me back to sunny afternoons spent with friends, where laughter mingles with the savory smells of good food sizzling away. You won’t believe how quickly this simple recipe becomes a family favorite!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp recipe is incredibly easy to whip up, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- Its vibrant flavors will impress your guests at any gathering
- Beautifully presented, this dish is as stunning as it is delicious
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for skewering or serving over pasta or salad
I remember the first time I served Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp at my cousin’s backyard barbecue; everyone went crazy over it! They were practically fighting for the last skewer.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Shrimp: Opt for large shrimp; they hold up better on the grill and offer a satisfying bite.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic packs a punch; don’t skimp on this aromatic flavor bomb!
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Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a bright and zesty flavor; bottled juice just won’t cut it.
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Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps the marinade stick to the shrimp.
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Dried Oregano: This herb brings an earthy note that complements the citrus beautifully.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those mouthwatering flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Marinate the Shrimp: In a large bowl, combine fresh shrimp with minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Coat well and let marinate for 15-30 minutes to absorb all those fabulous flavors.
Preheat the Grill: While the shrimp are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures those beautiful grill marks and smokiness we all love!
Skewer the Shrimp: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes first to prevent burning. Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers, leaving some space between each piece for even cooking.
Grill Time!: Place skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Keep an eye out; overcooked shrimp can become rubbery!
Serve and Enjoy!: Remove from grill and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. These little gems are best enjoyed hot off the grill while still juicy!
With these steps in mind, you’re ready to enjoy Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp that will impress everyone around you!
You Must Know
- Lemon garlic grilled shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish, perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners
- The combination of tangy lemon and aromatic garlic elevates the shrimp, making it a crowd-pleaser
- Serve it with a side salad for a light meal
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the shrimp for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop. Preheat your grill while you prepare your skewers, ensuring they are hot enough to get that lovely char.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the shrimp for scallops or even chicken if you prefer. Experiment with adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an extra flavor boost.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover lemon garlic grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, but avoid overcooking.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly grilled shrimp, make sure they are not overcrowded on the skewer; this allows even cooking
- Consider using wooden skewers soaked in water to prevent burning
- Always check for doneness by ensuring shrimp turn opaque and firm
Sometimes I serve these lemon garlic grilled shrimp at family gatherings, and they vanish faster than my kids can say “What’s for dinner?” Everyone loves them!
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just ensure they’re thawed completely before marinating and grilling.
What side dishes pair well with lemon garlic grilled shrimp?
Consider serving with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
How long should I grill the shrimp?
Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn opaque.
Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp is a vibrant dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer grilling. Juicy shrimp marinated in zesty lemon juice and aromatic garlic are grilled to perfection, delivering a smoky flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. This quick and easy recipe is ideal for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners, making it a family favorite that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a large bowl, combine shrimp with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let marinate for 15–30 minutes.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high while the shrimp marinates.
- Skewer the Shrimp: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes first. Thread shrimp onto skewers with space between each piece.
- Grill: Place skewers on the grill and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Serve: Remove from grill and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 shrimp (approximately 113g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
