Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp

Grilling season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a mouthwatering dish of Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp? This delightful recipe combines the freshness of lemon juice and the aromatic essence of garden herbs to create a seafood dish that’s not only delicious but also healthy. Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue or just a weeknight dinner, this grilled shrimp recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

To make this flavorful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling)

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp:

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, basil, and dill. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
   Add the shrimp to the marinade, making sure they are well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, marinate for up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat the Grill:
   While the shrimp are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, brush it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
4. Skewer the Shrimp:
   Once marinated, thread the shrimp onto the skewers, piercing through the thickest part of each shrimp and ensuring they are evenly spaced.
5. Grill the Shrimp:
   Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated 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 this can result in tough shrimp.
6. Serve:
   Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the grill and let them rest for a minute. Garnish with additional chopped herbs and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Understanding the nutritional content of your meal is essential for maintaining a balanced diet. Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition facts for Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp:

• Calories: 200 per serving
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Vitamin C: 25% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Calcium: 8% of the DV
• Iron: 10% of the DV

How to Serve

Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp is a delightful dish that boasts vibrant flavors and a satisfying texture, making it a fantastic choice for a variety of occasions. Its versatility allows it to be presented in numerous ways, each enhancing the dish’s natural appeal. Here are some detailed serving suggestions to inspire your culinary creativity:

1. Over Rice or Quinoa

Serving Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa not only creates a hearty meal but also allows the shrimp to infuse the grains with their delicious juices. For an extra flavor boost, consider using seasoned rice or quinoa.

• Rice Options: Jasmine or basmati rice, cooked with a hint of coconut milk, can add a tropical twist. Alternatively, brown rice offers a nuttier flavor and a healthy whole grain option.
• Quinoa Variations: Quinoa can be cooked in vegetable or chicken broth for added depth, or mixed with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to enhance the dish’s freshness.
• Presentation: To elevate the presentation, mold the rice or quinoa using a ring mold, then carefully place the grilled shrimp on top. Garnish with chopped herbs or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a pop of color.

2. With a Salad

Pairing the grilled shrimp with a fresh green salad not only complements the shrimp’s zesty flavor but also adds a refreshing crunch that balances the dish.

• Salad Ideas: Incorporate mixed greens such as arugula, spinach, or romaine. To add texture, consider including sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, radishes, and thinly sliced red onions.
• Vinaigrette Options: A light vinaigrette, perhaps a lemon-dijon dressing or a honey-lime vinaigrette, can enhance the dish without overpowering it. For a creamier option, a yogurt-based dressing with herbs can provide a nice contrast to the grilled shrimp.
• Serving Style: Serve the shrimp atop the salad or skewer them on toothpicks and arrange them alongside the salad for a visually stunning platter. Drizzle the dressing over the entire dish just before serving for a fresh finish.

3. In Tacos

Transforming Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp into tacos is a fun and interactive way to serve this dish, perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.

• Taco Shells: Use soft corn or flour tortillas for a traditional approach, or opt for lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
• Toppings: Elevate your tacos with fresh avocado slices, crunchy slaw (cabbage mixed with lime juice and cilantro), diced tomatoes, and pickled red onions for added flavor and texture. A drizzle of lime crema—made from sour cream, lime juice, and zest—adds a creamy tang that beautifully complements the shrimp.
• Serving Suggestions: Present a taco bar where guests can assemble their own tacos, allowing them to customize their toppings. This makes for a fun and engaging dining experience.

4. As an Appetizer

Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp can also shine as an appetizer, making it a perfect starter for any gathering or party.

• Skewers: Serve the shrimp on skewers for easy handling. You can create a beautiful platter by alternating shrimp with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes on the skewers.
• Dipping Sauces: Pair the skewers with a variety of dipping sauces. A tangy garlic aioli, a spicy sriracha mayo, or a refreshing chimichurri can enhance the shrimp’s flavor profile.
• Presentation: Arrange the skewers on a large serving platter, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs. This not only adds visual appeal but also invites guests to dig in.

5. As Part of a Platter

Consider serving the Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp as part of a larger spread, combining it with other complementary dishes.

• Charcuterie Board: Create a seafood-inspired charcuterie board featuring the grilled shrimp alongside smoked salmon, crab cakes, and a variety of cheeses. Include sides like olives, capers, and crackers for a delightful grazing experience.
• Mediterranean Feast: Serve the shrimp alongside hummus, tabbouleh, pita bread, and roasted vegetables for a Mediterranean-themed meal. The combination of flavors will transport your guests on a culinary journey.
• Family Style: Present the shrimp and sides family-style, allowing guests to serve themselves. This approach fosters a warm, communal dining atmosphere.

In conclusion, Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp is not just a dish; it’s an opportunity to explore various culinary presentations. Whether you choose to serve it over grains, in tacos, as a refreshing salad, as an appetizer, or as part of a larger feast, the possibilities are endless. Each serving suggestion offers a unique twist that highlights the shrimp’s delicious flavors, ensuring that your dining experience is both enjoyable and memorable.

Additional Tips

To ensure your Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp turns out perfectly every time, consider these additional tips that will elevate your cooking experience and enhance the final dish:

Selecting Shrimp

When it comes to selecting shrimp, freshness is key. Opt for fresh shrimp whenever possible, as they typically boast a superior texture and flavor profile compared to their frozen counterparts. Fresh shrimp should have a sweet, briny aroma reminiscent of the ocean, and their shells should be moist and glistening. If you must use frozen shrimp, look for those that are flash-frozen immediately after being caught, as this process helps lock in flavor and texture.

If you go the frozen route, ensure they are completely thawed before marinating. A quick method for thawing is to place the shrimp in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Avoid thawing shrimp in hot water or at room temperature, as these methods can result in a rubbery texture and compromise the shrimp’s flavor. Once thawed, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which can interfere with the marinade’s adhesion.

Balancing Flavors

Every palate is different, so it’s essential to adjust the amount of lemon juice and herbs based on your personal taste preferences. If you enjoy a zesty kick, feel free to add more lemon juice to the marinade. Remember that lemon juice not only adds flavor but also acts as a tenderizer, so a little extra can enhance both taste and texture. Conversely, if you find the acidity too sharp, reduce the lemon juice incrementally until you achieve a flavor that pleases you.

Herbs, too, can be modified to suit your liking. For a more pronounced herbal note, increase the quantity of fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill. If you’re using dried herbs, keep in mind that they are more concentrated than fresh, so start with half the amount and adjust as needed. Tasting the marinade before adding the shrimp can help guide your decisions, ensuring a balanced flavor profile that complements the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

Prevent Overcooking

Shrimp are notorious for cooking quickly, which makes it crucial to keep a close eye on them while grilling. Monitor the cooking process carefully, as shrimp can go from perfectly cooked to overdone in a matter of minutes. They are done when they turn a vibrant pink color and become opaque, curling slightly into a C shape.

To prevent overcooking, consider using a meat thermometer, which can be particularly helpful. Shrimp are ideally cooked to an internal temperature of 120°F (49°C). If you’re grilling skewers, ensure that you’re not overcrowding the shrimp, as this can result in uneven cooking. Use a medium-high heat setting on your grill, and consider removing the shrimp when they are just shy of fully cooked, as they will continue to cook from residual heat once removed from the grill.

Using Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs play a pivotal role in enhancing the flavor profile of Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp. They add a burst of freshness and aromatic complexity that dried herbs simply cannot replicate. When using fresh herbs, choose vibrant, fragrant varieties such as basil, parsley, cilantro, or thyme, and chop them finely to maximize their flavor release.

If fresh herbs are unavailable, you can substitute dried herbs; however, use them sparingly. Dried herbs are often more potent than fresh, so it’s advisable to use about one-third of the amount called for with fresh herbs. For instance, if the recipe calls for a tablespoon of fresh parsley, use only a teaspoon of dried parsley. To maximize the flavor of dried herbs, consider adding them to the marinade a little earlier to allow them to rehydrate and release their essential oils, infusing the shrimp with rich flavor.

By following these additional tips, you can ensure that your Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp not only tastes fantastic but also has the perfect texture and presentation. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp:

Q1: Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

Q2: What herbs can I use as a substitute?
A2: If you don’t have parsley, basil, or dill, consider using cilantro, thyme, or oregano as substitutes, based on your taste preference.

Q3: Can I cook the shrimp without skewers?
A3: Absolutely! If you prefer not to use skewers, you can grill the shrimp directly on the grill grate. Just be sure to oil the grate well to prevent sticking.

Q4: How do I store leftover grilled shrimp?
A4: Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or enjoy them cold in a salad.

Q5: Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
A5: Yes, this recipe is low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb and keto diets.

Conclusion

The Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal that’s full of flavor. With its tangy lemon and fresh herb marinade, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite at barbecues, family dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. By following the simple instructions and using high-quality ingredients, you can easily create a restaurant-quality dish at home. So, fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy this easy, flavorful, and nutritious recipe!

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