ZESTY LEMON GARLIC SHRIMP SKEWERS
Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers are a light, refreshing and protein-packed dish perfect for seafood lovers. The shrimp are marinated in a fragrant blend of lemon juice, garlic, salt, black pepper and olive oil, then grilled to perfection. This simple yet flavourful dish is not only quick to prepare but also an excellent option for a low-carb, keto-friendly meal. Whether you’re looking for an appetiser, a light main course or a delicious addition to a summer barbecue, these shrimp skewers are a versatile choice. The combination of fresh citrus and aromatic garlic enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp, making them incredibly juicy and satisfying. Enjoy them on their own, pair them with a fresh salad or serve them over cauliflower rice for a wholesome meal. These skewers are a crowd-pleaser and ideal for any occasion.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Entrée, Appetiser, Snack
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Mediterranean, American
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Grill, Sauté, One-Pot Wonders
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Summer, Backyard BBQ, Family Dinner, Healthy Eating, Keto Meal
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Keto, Low Carb, Gluten-Free, High Protein, Quick and Easy, Healthy
DISH TYPE
Seafood Skewers, Grilled Dish
INGREDIENTS
There are the following ingredients for Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers:
- 80g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, lemon zest, wooden skewers (Optional add-ins)
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fibre: 0g
- Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 120mg
PREPARATION
These steps are followed for the preparation of Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers:
- Prepare the shrimp: Rinse and pat dry the shrimp with a paper towel. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning.
- Make the marinade: In a small bowl, mix the lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Marinate the shrimp: Place the shrimp in a bowl or zip-top bag and coat them evenly with the marinade. Let them rest for at least 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavours.
- Thread onto skewers: Carefully thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, ensuring they are evenly spaced for even cooking.
- Grill the shrimp: Preheat a grill or grill pan over a medium-high flame. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until the shrimp turn pink and slightly charred. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery.
- Serve immediately: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, lemon zest or extra lemon juice for added flavour.
PREP TIME
10 minutes
COOKING TIME
6 minutes
TIPS
Here are some tips for Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers:
- Don’t overcook: Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep an eye on them to prevent a rubbery texture.
- Enhance the flavour: Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a bit of spice.
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a stronger and more aromatic taste compared to garlic powder.
- Try different oils: Olive oil works well, but for a richer flavour, use avocado oil or melted butter.
- Baste while grilling: Brush additional marinade on the shrimp while cooking to keep them moist and flavourful.
- Use metal skewers: If grilling often, reusable stainless steel skewers are an excellent investment and eliminate the need to soak wooden skewers.
VARIATIONS
- Garlic butter shrimp: Swap olive oil for melted butter for a richer, more indulgent flavour.
- Herb-infused shrimp: Add fresh thyme, oregano or rosemary to the marinade for extra aroma.
- Citrus twist: Replace lemon juice with lime juice for a slightly tangy, tropical taste.
- Asian-inspired shrimp: Add a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil for an umami boost.
- Spicy Cajun shrimp: Season with Cajun spice blend or add cayenne pepper for a bolder kick.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Marinated raw shrimp can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Reheating: Reheat shrimp in a pan over low heat for 2-3 minutes or in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp challenging.
- Make-ahead tip: Marinate the shrimp a few hours in advance for an even deeper flavour. Keep them refrigerated until ready to cook.