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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper - Juice of 1 lime - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 jalapeño, deseeded and minced (optional) These ingredients create a burst of flavor. Each one plays a key role. The shrimp should be large and fresh. They soak up the marinade well. Olive oil adds richness and helps with cooking. Garlic gives a nice aroma and flavor. Smoked paprika adds depth, while cumin warms up the dish. Lime juice brightens everything up. Fresh cilantro adds a lovely herbal note. The jalapeño can spice things up if you want. - Grilling utensils (tongs, basting brush) - Soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers - Mixing bowl for marinade For grilling, you need some basic tools. Tongs help flip the shrimp easily. A basting brush is useful for adding marinade while cooking. Use wooden skewers that have soaked in water. This keeps them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers are a great option too. A mixing bowl helps combine everything smoothly. The right tools make cooking fun and simple! If you want the full recipe, check out the details above. - Whisk together marinade ingredients until mixed. - Add shrimp and coat thoroughly. - Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. I love marinating shrimp! It makes them tasty and juicy. Start by whisking together the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, lime juice, sea salt, and black pepper. This mix creates a great flavor. Next, add the shrimp. Make sure every shrimp gets coated. Cover the bowl and put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the shrimp soak up all the flavors. You can also let them sit longer for even more taste! - Preheat grill to medium-high. - Soak wooden skewers prior to grilling. While the shrimp marinate, prepare the grill. Preheat it to medium-high heat. This step is key for perfect grilling. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill. - Thread shrimp onto skewers. - Place skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. - Check for doneness (pink and firm). After marinating, it's time to grill! Carefully thread the shrimp onto the soaked skewers. Aim for 4-5 shrimp per skewer. Leave a little space between each shrimp. This helps them cook evenly. Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them! The shrimp are done when they turn pink and feel firm to the touch. Overcooking can make them tough, so check often. Enjoy your flavorful creation! For the full recipe, you can refer back to the beginning. - Use a hot grill for better sear. A hot surface gives shrimp nice lines. - Leave space between shrimp on skewers. This helps cook them evenly. - Longer marination gives deeper flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes. - Adjust seasonings based on personal preference. Add more lime for zing or salt for taste. - You can broil shrimp in the oven. Set the broiler to high and watch closely. - Pan-searing is also great. Use a hot skillet and add oil for flavor. Using these tips, you can make the best grilled shrimp skewers. For the full recipe, be sure to check out the details! {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your grilled shrimp skewers by using different marinades. One fun option is a lemon garlic marinade. This gives the shrimp a light, fresh taste. Just mix lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, and a bit of salt. Let the shrimp soak in this mix for about 30 minutes before grilling. Another tasty idea is a teriyaki glaze. This Asian twist adds a sweet and savory flavor. Use store-bought teriyaki sauce or make your own with soy sauce, honey, and ginger. Marinate the shrimp for about 30 minutes for the best taste. Grilled shrimp skewers pair well with many sides. You can serve them with grilled vegetables for a colorful plate. Bell peppers, zucchini, and corn work great. A fresh salad also complements the shrimp. Use greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing side. For sauces, try sriracha aioli for a kick. Mix mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice to make it creamy and spicy. Garlic butter is another choice. Just melt butter and mix in minced garlic for a rich dip. If you want to change things up, try different proteins or veggies on the skewers. You can replace shrimp with chicken. Simply cut chicken into pieces and marinate like shrimp. Vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions also work well. Skewer them alongside shrimp or on their own. For seafood lovers, scallops or fish like salmon can be great options, too. Just adjust the cooking time for these proteins to ensure they cook through. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe provided earlier. To keep grilled shrimp fresh, store it in the fridge. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This helps prevent any strong odors from spreading. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers for best results. If you have extra skewers, freezing is a great option. First, let the shrimp cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn and keeps your shrimp tasty. When ready to eat, thaw the shrimp overnight in the fridge. Reheat them on a grill or in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Grilled shrimp lasts about 3 days in the fridge. Make sure to check for signs of spoilage. If the shrimp smells off or has a slimy texture, it’s best to discard it. Always prioritize safety when storing food. Enjoy your grilled shrimp skewers with confidence! For the full recipe, check out the Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Zesty Cilantro-Lime Sauce. You can tell shrimp are done when they change color. Look for a bright pink hue. The flesh should also feel firm to the touch. Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking will make them tough and chewy, so watch closely. Yes, marinating shrimp for too long can make them mushy. Aim for 30 minutes to 2 hours. This timeframe allows flavors to soak in without harming the texture. If you exceed 2 hours, the shrimp may lose their firm bite. I like to serve grilled shrimp skewers on a rustic wooden platter. Drizzle with the zesty cilantro-lime sauce for added flavor. You can also add lime wedges and fresh cilantro for a pop of color. Pair with charred veggies or a crisp salad for balance. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or run them under cold water. Dry the shrimp well before marinating. This helps the marinade stick better. Using frozen shrimp is a great option if fresh ones aren’t available. Grilled shrimp skewers are easy and tasty. We covered essential ingredients and equipment. Marinating and grilling techniques make the shrimp flavorful and fun. You learned tips to perfect your grilling too. With some creativity, you can try different flavors and pairings. Remember to store any leftovers properly. Enjoy making these skewers and impressing friends and family! Now, grab your grill and start cooking.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Dive into the delicious world of grilled shrimp skewers with zesty cilantro-lime sauce! This recipe is perfect for summer barbecues or a weeknight dinner. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create mouthwatering shrimp that are juicy and bursting with flavor. Follow these easy steps to impress your guests or treat yourself to a tasty meal. Click through to explore this delightful recipe and elevate your grilling game!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika for depth

1 teaspoon ground cumin for warmth

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Juice of 1 lime, about 2 tablespoons

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped finely

1 jalapeño, deseeded and minced (optional for added spice)

Skewers (wooden skewers should be soaked in water for 30 minutes beforehand)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, lime juice, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined, creating a fragrant marinade.

    Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for richer flavor absorption.

      Preheat your grill to a medium-high temperature. Ensure that if using wooden skewers, they are adequately soaked to prevent burning during cooking.

        Carefully thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, placing about 4-5 shrimp per skewer, and leave a small gap between each for even cooking and flavor distribution.

          Once the grill is heated, place the shrimp skewers on the grates and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side. They are done when the shrimp have turned a lovely pink shade and are firm to the touch, avoiding overcooking to keep them tender and juicy.

            While the shrimp are grilling, prepare the zesty cilantro-lime sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the chopped cilantro, minced jalapeño (if utilizing for heat), and an extra squeeze of lime juice to enhance the flavors.

              Upon removing the shrimp skewers from the grill, allow them to rest for a minute to let the juices settle before serving.

                Arrange the grilled shrimp skewers on a platter, drizzling with the freshly prepared cilantro-lime sauce, or serve the sauce on the side for guests to dip as desired.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Display the skewers artistically on a rustic wooden platter, accompanied by vibrant lime wedges and a scattering of fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color. Pair with a side of charred seasonal vegetables or a crisp, refreshing salad for a complete meal experience. Enjoy!