Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 6 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp is a quick, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts or a simple weeknight dinner. The fresh herbs and zesty lemon bring this dish to life, making it a delightful centerpiece for any meal.

Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp

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Ingredients for Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp

Ingredients for Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp

Shrimp: The star of the show, large shrimp, peeled and deveined, are perfect for absorbing the marinade and cooking quickly on the grill.

Olive oil: Acts as the base of the marinade, helping to keep the shrimp moist and infuse the other flavors.

Lemon juice: Provides brightness and tanginess, essential for balancing the rich flavors of the shrimp.

Garlic: Adds a savory depth to the marinade that complements the shrimp beautifully.

Fresh parsley and dill: These herbs bring freshness and a hint of earthiness that pairs well with seafood.

Lemon zest: Intensifies the citrus flavor without adding more acidity.

Salt and pepper: Enhances the natural flavors, with black pepper adding a touch of heat.

Skewers: Keep the shrimp in place for even cooking on the grill.

Why This Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Works

During the marinade time, the shrimp sit in the lemon juice, oil, garlic, and herbs and soak some of it in. The lemon juice starts to gently “cook” the outside of the shrimp, so they firm up a bit before they ever hit the grill. At the same time, the olive oil coats the surface, so the shrimp don’t dry out as fast over the heat.

As the shrimp grill, that light pre-cooking from the lemon means they go from raw to opaque very quickly without staying on the grill too long. Short cooking time keeps them tender instead of rubbery. The oil on the outside also lets the shrimp pick up a little browning in spots without sticking to the grates.

By the time they come off the grill, the shrimp are just cooked through, still juicy inside, and the garlic, parsley, dill, and lemon zest are clinging to the surface instead of burning off.

Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Tips & Tricks

  • If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  • Keep a spray bottle of water handy to control any flare-ups on the grill.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor; dried herbs just won’t have the same impact.

Mistakes To Avoid

Letting the shrimp sit in the lemon marinade for hours can make them tough and chalky. The acid in the lemon starts to “cook” the shrimp while they’re still raw, so they go on the grill already firm and then tighten even more with heat. The final shrimp end up dry and squeaky instead of juicy.

Grilling over very high heat until the shrimp get deep grill marks often leads to rubbery, shrunken pieces. The outside cooks and dries out fast while the inside keeps tightening, so the shrimp lose moisture and turn chewy. Instead of plump and just opaque, they curl tightly and feel bouncy in the mouth.

Putting the shrimp on the grill straight from the bowl with lots of marinade still clinging to them can cause flare-ups and uneven cooking. The oil drips into the flames, burning in spots while other parts barely touch the grates. The result is shrimp with some charred, bitter patches and some areas that stay pale and a bit soft.

Equipment Used:

Grill, Skewers, Mixing Bowl, Measuring Cups

Ingredients

  1. 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  2. 1/4 cup olive oil
  3. 2 tbsp lemon juice
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  6. 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  7. 1 tsp lemon zest
  8. 1/2 tsp salt
  9. 1/4 tsp black pepper
  10. Wooden or metal skewers

Step-by-step Instructions

  1. 1. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  2. 2. Add shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. 3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  4. 4. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, arranging them evenly.
  5. 5. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they are opaque and cooked through.
  6. 6. Serve the grilled shrimp hot, garnished with additional lemon wedges if desired.

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?
You can use a grill pan on your stovetop or broil the shrimp in your oven.

Serving Ideas for Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp

Pair these shrimp with a light salad, like a cucumber and tomato salad, to complement the fresh flavors. They also go well with grilled vegetables or a simple rice pilaf to soak up the delicious juices.

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This recipe is for informational purposes only. Always follow proper food safety practices, cook foods to safe internal temperatures, and store leftovers appropriately. Results may vary.