Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast! This Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe is not just a meal, it's a flavor explosion that promises to tantalize your senses and impress even the most discerning food lovers. With a perfect balance of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and perfectly charred shrimp, this dish is about to become your new go-to recipe for quick, delicious, and restaurant-quality dining at home.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp by ensuring they are completely peeled and deveined. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help achieve better grill marks and prevent steaming.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the marinade ingredients together until well blended.
- Add the shrimp to the marinade and gently toss to coat each piece evenly. Allow the shrimp to marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature, being careful not to marinate too long as the acid from the lemon can start to "cook" the shrimp.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Thread the marinated shrimp onto metal skewers or pre-soaked wooden skewers, ensuring they are placed close together but not overcrowded.
- Grill the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and develop light char marks. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can quickly become tough and rubbery.
- Remove the shrimp from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. Let them rest for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Always pat shrimp completely dry before marinating to ensure beautiful grill marks and prevent steaming.
- Don't marinate shrimp for too long - 10-15 minutes is the sweet spot to prevent the acid from "cooking" the seafood.
- Use metal skewers for even cooking, or if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F) for the perfect sear.
- Watch shrimp carefully while grilling - they cook quickly and can become tough if overcooked.
- Look for the pink color and light char marks as your indicator of perfectly cooked shrimp.
- Let the shrimp rest for 1-2 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute.
- Fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon can elevate the final presentation and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 202kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 24g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 220mg
