Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with these mouthwatering charbroiled shrimp! Imagine succulent, perfectly grilled shrimp bursting with zesty garlic, bright lemon, and a hint of spicy chili – a dish so tantalizing, it'll have your guests begging for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a weekend cooking enthusiast, this recipe promises restaurant-quality flavor right in your own backyard.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic, minced
- Salt
- Pepper
- Chili flakes
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the shrimp. If not already done, peel and devein the shrimp, ensuring to remove the shells and any intestinal tract. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil. Use about 2 tablespoons of olive oil for 1 pound of shrimp. This will help the shrimp to char nicely on the grill.
- Add freshly squeezed lemon juice to the bowl. Use the juice of one medium lemon, which will not only add flavor but also help to tenderize the shrimp.
- Next, incorporate minced garlic into the mixture. Use about 2-3 cloves of garlic, finely minced, to infuse the shrimp with a robust flavor.
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste. A good starting point is ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, but adjust according to your preference.
- If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes. Start with ½ teaspoon and adjust according to your spice tolerance.
- Gently toss the shrimp in the marinade until they are well-coated. Allow the shrimp to marinate for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature to absorb the flavors.
- While the shrimp are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are glowing and covered with ash. If using a gas grill, allow it to heat for about 10 minutes.
- If you have skewers, thread the marinated shrimp onto them, leaving a little space between each shrimp for even cooking. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to prevent burning.
- Once the grill is hot, place the skewered shrimp (or individual shrimp if not using skewers) directly on the grill grates. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque, and have nice grill marks.
- Remove the shrimp from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. You can garnish with additional lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve the charbroiled shrimp immediately while they are hot, alongside your favorite side dishes such as grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Always use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't marinate shrimp for too long, as the acid from lemon juice can start to "cook" the delicate meat.
- Preheat your grill thoroughly to ensure those beautiful char marks and prevent sticking.
- Use metal or well-soaked wooden skewers to make grilling and handling easier.
- Watch shrimp carefully while grilling – they cook quickly and can become rubbery if overdone.
- For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro just before serving.
- If you don't have a grill, this recipe works great on a grill pan or under the broiler.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 189kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 23g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 166mg
