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If you love bold, vibrant flavors and the satisfying sizzle of seafood fresh off the grill, then this Grilled Shrimp Kebabs Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp marinated in zesty lemon and smoky paprika, threaded together with colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion, grilling to perfection until tender-crisp and infused with that irresistible char. It’s a dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean charm and perfect for sunny days, family dinners, or impressing friends at your next backyard cookout. Once you try this recipe, these kebabs will be a delicious staple you can count on anytime you crave something fresh, healthy, and downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these kebabs right is all about simple, fresh ingredients that each bring something special to the party. From the succulent shrimp to the medley of colorful vegetables and fragrant herbs, every item plays a key role in flavor, texture, and presentation.
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the show, choose fresh or thawed shrimp for best texture and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade coat everything beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a punch of savory depth to every bite.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the dish with a fresh citrus zing.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor without extra acidity.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet warmth that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a touch of Mediterranean herbal aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks: Offers crisp sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks: Balances sweetness with bright, sunny hues.
- 1 small red onion, cut into wedges: Brings a gentle sharpness and lovely grill char.
- 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds: Adds a tender, mild vegetable component.
- Metal or soaked wooden skewers: Use metal for easy grilling or soak wooden skewers to prevent burning.
- Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for garnish: Adds freshness and visual appeal to your final presentation.
How to Make Grilled Shrimp Kebabs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Marinate Shrimp
Start by whisking together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This marinade is packed with flavor that will soak right into the shrimp. Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp into the bowl and make sure each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes—this step is where the magic happens as the shrimp absorb those bright, smoky tones.
Step 2: Prep Vegetables and Skewers
While the shrimp are marinating, chop the red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini into pieces that are similar in size to the shrimp. This ensures everything cooks evenly and looks beautifully balanced on the skewer. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
Step 3: Assemble the Kebabs
Thread the shrimp and vegetables onto each skewer, alternating between different veggies and shrimp to create a colorful pattern. This not only looks fantastic but helps each kebab cook evenly and stay juicy. Don’t pack them too tightly—give each ingredient a little breathing room for the grill’s heat to circulate.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re done when the shrimp turn pink and opaque, and the vegetables have attained those perfect grill marks and a tender-crisp texture. For extra flavor, brush remaining marinade on the kebabs as they cook, but discard any marinade that’s been in contact with raw shrimp.
Step 5: Serve with Flair
Once grilled, carefully remove the kebabs and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish generously with fresh parsley and lemon wedges to add a pop of color and fresh citrus brightness right before digging in.
How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Kebabs Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the skewers just before serving; it adds a lovely herbal fragrance and a burst of green that’s so inviting. A squeeze of lemon wedge over the top brightens the smoky flavors and balances the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Grilled Shrimp Kebabs pair beautifully with light Mediterranean-inspired sides. Try serving them over fluffy couscous, herbed rice, or alongside a chilled cucumber-tomato salad dressed with olive oil and lemon for a refreshing contrast. A crusty baguette or grilled pita is also perfect for soaking up any leftover juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra-special touch, serve the kebabs family-style on a large wooden board garnished with a medley of lemon wedges and fresh herbs. Alternatively, lay them over a bed of mixed greens drizzled with a lemon-tahini dressing for a vibrant, healthy platter that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the grilled shrimp kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days. Make sure they have cooled completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze leftover kebabs if needed. Remove them from the skewers, place shrimp and veggies in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the delicate seafood tender.
Reheating
For reheating, the grill or a grill pan is your best bet to revive that fresh-off-the-grill taste and texture. Warm the kebabs over medium heat for just a few minutes on each side until heated through. Alternatively, use a broiler for a couple of minutes, but watch carefully to prevent overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Grilled Shrimp Kebabs Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry so the marinade can cling properly. Using shrimp with tails on can help keep them juicy while grilling.
What other vegetables work well with grilled shrimp kebabs?
Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, asparagus tips, or chunks of pineapple also make fantastic additions for variety in flavor and color.
How long should I marinate the shrimp?
Marinating for 20 to 30 minutes is ideal to infuse flavor without letting the acid from the lemon juice begin to cook the shrimp and affect their texture.
Can I cook these kebabs indoors?
Yes, a grill pan on the stove or a broiler works perfectly indoors. Just keep an eye on them to get those beautiful char marks without burning.
Are these kebabs gluten-free and healthy?
Definitely! This Grilled Shrimp Kebabs Recipe is naturally gluten-free and packed with protein and fresh veggies, making it a nutritious and flavorful choice for pescatarians and anyone looking for a wholesome meal.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel as excited as I do to try this Grilled Shrimp Kebabs Recipe. It’s such a versatile, fast, and flavorful dish that brings the joy of summer grilling no matter the season. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these kebabs never disappoint. Fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a delicious meal that’s bound to become a new favorite.
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Grilled Shrimp Kebabs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and colorful Grilled Shrimp Kebabs marinated in a zesty lemon and garlic mixture, then grilled to perfection with vibrant vegetables. A quick and healthy Mediterranean main course ideal for summer grilling.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- Metal or soaked wooden skewers
Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, tossing well to coat each piece. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse into the shrimp.
- Preheat the Grill: While the shrimp marinates, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to achieve that perfect char and grill marks.
- Assemble Kebabs: Thread shrimp alternately with the prepared chunks of red and yellow bell peppers, red onion wedges, and thick zucchini slices onto metal or soaked wooden skewers, combining colors and textures for even cooking.
- Grill the Kebabs: Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Grill until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and the vegetables are tender-crisp with nice grill marks.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the kebabs from the grill and serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness.
Notes
- You can use other vegetables like mushrooms or cherry tomatoes according to your preference.
- For extra flavor, brush leftover marinade onto the kebabs while grilling.
- These grilled shrimp kebabs pair wonderfully with rice, couscous, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
