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To make Garlic Herb Shrimp Skewers, gather these main ingredients: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - 10-12 wooden or metal skewers These ingredients create a tasty marinade that brings out the shrimp's natural flavor. The combination of olive oil and garlic makes the shrimp juicy. The spices add depth and warmth. You can add more flavors to your skewers. Here are some optional ingredients: - Red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh lemon juice for added tang - Baby tomatoes for color and sweetness - Bell peppers for crunch These extras enhance the dish. They make the skewers even more appealing and delicious. To make this dish, you will need a few kitchen tools: - A large mixing bowl for the marinade - Whisk for mixing - Skewers (wooden or metal) for grilling - Grill or grill pan for cooking - Tongs for flipping the skewers These tools help with preparation and cooking. They ensure you can easily assemble and grill the shrimp skewers. {{ingredient_image_1}} If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water. This step keeps them from burning. Soak them for at least 30 minutes. If you forget to soak, you can use metal skewers instead. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil and minced garlic. Add smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, and lemon zest. Mix in salt and pepper to taste. Whisk everything together until it blends well. This marinade gives the shrimp great flavor. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl. Toss them gently in the marinade. Make sure all shrimp are well-coated. Let the shrimp sit for 15 to 20 minutes. This time allows the flavors to soak in. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers. Leave some space between each shrimp. Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. Once done, take the skewers off the grill. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. To cook shrimp just right, keep an eye on the time. Shrimp cook fast. They need only 2-3 minutes on each side. When they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Overcooking makes them tough. Always use fresh shrimp when you can. Fresh shrimp taste better and have a firmer texture. To boost the taste, let the shrimp marinate. A soak in the garlic herb marinade for 15-20 minutes works wonders. The olive oil adds richness, while garlic brings depth. Smoked paprika gives a nice smoky kick. Don't forget the lemon zest! It adds brightness to the dish. You can also toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat for the best results. This helps the shrimp cook evenly. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This keeps them from burning. When grilling, space the shrimp evenly on the skewers. This allows for even cooking. Flip the skewers carefully to avoid losing any shrimp. Let the skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices settle back into the shrimp. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Better Flavor: If you have time, let the shrimp marinate for up to 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Use Fresh Herbs: Whenever possible, opt for fresh herbs instead of dried. They will elevate the dish with a brighter and more vibrant flavor profile. Check for Doneness: Shrimp cook quickly; they are done when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture, so keep a close eye on them. Pair with a Dipping Sauce: Enhance your skewers by serving them with a complementary dipping sauce, such as a garlic aioli or a zesty lemon vinaigrette. {{image_2}} You can use other proteins for these skewers. Chicken works great. Cut it into bite-sized pieces. Beef or pork can also fit well. Just adjust the cooking time. Fish like salmon or tilapia adds a nice flavor. Make sure to marinate them just like shrimp. Feel free to mix up the herbs. Fresh basil or cilantro can brighten the dish. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. You might love the taste of fresh dill or chives too. Lemon thyme can add a nice twist. Each herb brings its charm, so experiment! Serve these skewers with a fresh salad. A simple green salad adds crunch. Grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini pair well. You can also offer rice or couscous on the side. A light dipping sauce can enhance the dish too. Try a garlic aioli for a creamy touch. Enjoy your meal with a glass of chilled white wine for a complete experience! After enjoying your garlic herb shrimp skewers, you might have some left. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure to let them cool first. Place a paper towel inside to absorb extra moisture. This helps keep the shrimp fresh. Store in the fridge for up to three days. When it's time to eat your leftovers, reheating is key. The best way to reheat shrimp skewers is in a skillet. Heat the skillet on medium. Add a little olive oil and place the skewers in the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This method keeps the shrimp juicy and tasty. You can also use the microwave, but be careful. Heat for only 30 seconds at a time. Check often to avoid overcooking. If you want to save shrimp skewers for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the skewers cool completely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat using the skillet method for the best flavor. You should marinate shrimp for 15 to 20 minutes. This time lets the shrimp soak up the flavors. If you marinate too long, the shrimp may become tough. Keep an eye on the time for the best taste. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water. Once thawed, peel and devein them if needed. This will keep your shrimp fresh and tasty. Some great sides include: - Rice or quinoa for a hearty base - Grilled vegetables for a colorful plate - A fresh salad for crunch - Garlic bread for a fun twist These sides will balance the flavors of the shrimp and make your meal complete. To make this recipe gluten-free, simply check all your ingredients. Olive oil, garlic, and spices are gluten-free. Just ensure the skewers are safe too. If you use store-bought options, read labels to avoid gluten. Enjoy this dish without worry! In this blog post, we explored delicious garlic herb shrimp skewers. We covered key ingredients, including options for flavor. You learned how to prepare the skewers, make a tasty marinade, and grill them. I shared tips for perfect cooking and flavor tricks. We also discussed variations, storage, and common questions. Remember, these skewers are simple to make and super tasty. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing them with others! Cooking should be fun and creative, so don't be afraid to try new things.

Garlic Herb Shrimp Skewers

Delicious grilled shrimp marinated in garlic and herbs, perfect for a summer barbecue.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
  • 10 to 12 wooden or metal skewers

Instructions
 

  • If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
  • Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss them until they are well-coated in the marinade. Let the shrimp marinate for 15-20 minutes to enhance the flavors.
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  • Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, making sure to space them evenly.
  • Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  • Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
Keyword appetizer, grill, shrimp, skewers