Lemon Basil Grilled Shrimp

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 6 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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If you're looking for a fresh, vibrant dish that’s perfect for a summer evening, this Lemon Basil Grilled Shrimp is exactly what you need. With a zesty marinade and a quick sizzle on the grill, these shrimp are both simple to make and packed with flavor.

Ingredients for Lemon Basil Grilled Shrimp

Shrimp: The star of the show. Use large shrimp for a juicier, more satisfying bite. Ensure they’re peeled and deveined for the best texture.

Lemon juice: Adds a refreshing zing that pairs beautifully with seafood and keeps the dish light and summery.

Olive oil: Helps distribute the marinade flavors and keeps the shrimp moist while grilling.

Basil: Fresh basil infuses the shrimp with herbal notes that complement the lemon beautifully.

Garlic: Provides depth and a bit of a kick. Mince it finely to blend well with the other ingredients.

Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall flavors.

Lemon wedges: Serve these alongside to add that extra bit of tanginess, if desired.

Tips & Tricks

  • If fresh basil isn’t available, substitute with a teaspoon of dried basil, though fresh is best for flavor.
  • Don’t over-marinate the shrimp. More than an hour could start to “cook” them in the acid.
  • For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
  • Using metal skewers can help avoid the need for soaking and they transfer heat, cooking the shrimp from the inside, too.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a light, refreshing salad, such as arugula with cherry tomatoes and a balsamic vinaigrette. Or, serve it over a bed of quinoa or couscous to soak up any extra juices. A chilled glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the citrus notes beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem! You can use a grill pan on the stovetop or broil them in the oven on a baking sheet.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
They should turn opaque and pink with some grill marks. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so watch them closely.

Lemon Basil Grilled Shrimp Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a medium-sized bowl and whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper. This will be your marinade, so make sure everything is well combined.

Next, add the prepared shrimp into the bowl. Toss them gently to ensure each piece is well-coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let those flavors really sink in.

While the shrimp are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on your grill.

Once marinated, thread the shrimp onto skewers. Leave a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking. If you're using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.

Place the skewered shrimp on the grill. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for them to become opaque and slightly charred, which means they're perfectly cooked.

Remove the shrimp from the grill and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • The lemon and basil marinade gives the shrimp a bright, fresh taste.
  • Grilling adds a smoky touch that enhances the overall flavor.
  • Healthy and light, perfect for a guilt-free meal.

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Lemon wedges for serving

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Add shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Thread shrimp onto skewers, leaving some space between each piece.
5. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, until opaque and slightly charred.
6. Remove from grill and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

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