Lemon Basil Shrimp Skewers
Tender shrimp marinated in lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs, then grilled to perfection. A quick, protein-rich, and low-carb dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings.
Equipment
- 1 Medium Mixing Bowl
- 1 Whisk or Fork
- 4-6 wooden skewers (soaked in water 30 minutes) or metal skewers
- 1 Grill (or grill pan)
- 1 tongs
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Juice of 2 lemons
- ¼ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Start by making the marinade, which is the flavor base for your shrimp. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh basil, 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, 3 teaspoons of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, juice of 2 lemons, ¼ cup of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk everything together thoroughly until you have a smooth, uniform mixture. The aroma of the herbs and garlic should be fresh and vibrant.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Place 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp into the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss the shrimp until every piece is evenly coated in the lemon-basil mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the shrimp and marinade to a sealable container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the shrimp. For a more intense flavor, let the shrimp marinate overnight. Avoid marinating longer than 24 hours, as the acid from the lemon can begin to “cook” the shrimp.
- Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. If you’re using metal skewers, lightly brush them with oil to prevent sticking. Once ready, thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each shrimp to ensure even cooking and proper heat circulation.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. For a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are glowing red with a thin layer of ash. For a gas grill or stovetop grill pan, heat until it’s hot but not smoking excessively. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and to give the shrimp a nice sear.
- Grill the Shrimp: Place the skewered shrimp on the preheated grill. Cook for approximately 4 to 6 minutes on the first side. You’ll notice the shrimp begin to turn pink and opaque, and the edges will start to char slightly. Flip each skewer carefully using tongs and grill for another 4 to 6 minutes on the other side.Shrimp cooks very quickly, so avoid overcooking; overdone shrimp will become rubbery and lose their tender texture.
- Check for Doneness: The shrimp are perfectly cooked when they are pink, firm to the touch, and opaque throughout. You can also cut a shrimp in half to ensure it is cooked evenly. If the shrimp needs a little more time, continue grilling in 1-minute increments to avoid overcooking.
- Serve Immediately: Once grilled to perfection, remove the shrimp from the skewers and transfer them to a serving platter. You can drizzle a little extra fresh lemon juice or a light splash of olive oil over the top for extra brightness. Garnish with additional chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
- Optional Serving Suggestions: These shrimp are fantastic on their own, over a fresh salad, with quinoa, or alongside steamed vegetables. They can also be paired with a light dipping sauce like garlic yogurt or a zesty aioli for extra flavor.
- Storage and Reheating (Optional): If you have leftovers, store the shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving at high temperatures, as this can make the shrimp rubbery.
Notes
- Flavor Infusion: Marinating shrimp in lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs enhances their natural sweetness while keeping them juicy and tender during grilling.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for weeknights or last-minute meals, with a total prep and cook time under 30 minutes.
- Grill-Friendly: Wooden skewers should always be soaked to prevent burning, and grill grates lightly oiled to avoid sticking.
- Nutrition Boost: High in protein and healthy fats from olive oil, this dish is low in carbs and saturated fat, making it ideal for light, balanced meals.
- Versatile Pairing: Shrimp can be served as a main dish, over salads, grains, or even in wraps for flexible meal options.