Lemon Basil Shrimp Skewers

$- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Juice and zest of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste - Bamboo or metal skewers (if using bamboo, soak in water for 30 minutes) These ingredients come together to create a fresh, bright flavor for your shrimp skewers. The lemon gives a nice tang, while the basil adds a lovely herb taste. - Shrimp: You can use scallops or chicken instead of shrimp. Both work great! - Olive oil: Canola or avocado oil are good choices too. - Garlic: Use garlic powder if you don't have fresh garlic. - Fresh basil: Dried basil works, but add less since it's stronger. - Honey: Maple syrup can replace honey for a different sweetness. - Salt and pepper: Feel free to use other spices you like, such as paprika or cayenne. These swaps let you customize the recipe to fit what you have at home. Each serving (1/4 of the recipe) has about: - Calories: 200 - Protein: 24g - Fat: 10g - Carbohydrates: 6g - Fiber: 0g - Sugar: 1g This dish is low in carbs and high in protein, making it a healthy choice for any meal. Enjoy the mix of flavors and the health benefits! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You need olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, honey, and chopped basil. In a mixing bowl, pour in the olive oil and lemon juice. Add the lemon zest for a fresh taste. Next, mix in the minced garlic and honey. Finally, add the chopped basil. Whisk everything well until it blends smoothly. This marinade gives the shrimp a bright flavor. Once your marinade is ready, it’s time to add the shrimp. Take one pound of large shrimp, already peeled and deveined. Place the shrimp in the bowl with the marinade. Toss the shrimp gently to coat each piece. Make sure every shrimp gets that tasty mix. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the shrimp soak up all the delicious flavors. Now, you’re ready to grill! First, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using bamboo skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for 30 minutes. This keeps them from burning. Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each one. This helps them cook evenly. Sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper on both sides of the shrimp. Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. The shrimp will turn opaque and get a nice char. Once done, remove them from the grill. Let them rest for a minute before serving. Enjoy your tasty lemon basil shrimp skewers! To get those nice grill marks, start with a hot grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the skewers diagonally on the grate. Press down gently to ensure good contact. Flip the skewers after 2-3 minutes. This helps create those beautiful lines. Avoid moving them too much; let them sear. To save time, prepare the marinade ahead of time. Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, honey, and basil in a bowl. Marinade the shrimp for 30 minutes while you get other things ready. Soak your bamboo skewers in water during this time. This helps prevent burning on the grill. Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. They turn from gray to pink and opaque when done. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. If you see a slight char, that’s a good sign too. You can also check by bending one; it should form a “C” shape. If it’s curled too tight, it’s overcooked. Pro Tips Marination Time: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors, but avoid exceeding 1 hour to prevent the shrimp from becoming mushy. Skewer Spacing: Leave a little space between each shrimp on the skewer to ensure even cooking and prevent them from sticking together. Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat; this helps achieve a nice char on the shrimp while keeping them juicy inside. Serving Suggestion: Serve the skewers with a side of lemon wedges and a fresh basil garnish for an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your shrimp skewers with different marinades. Try a spicy marinade using chili flakes and lime juice. Mix soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for an Asian twist. For a sweet touch, use a mango or pineapple marinade. Each option gives a unique taste to your dish. If you want to switch things up, use chicken or firm tofu instead of shrimp. Chicken thighs work well; just ensure they cook fully. You can also add bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the skewers. These veggies add color and flavor, making your meal fun and healthy. These Lemon Basil Shrimp Skewers shine with simple sides. Serve with a fresh green salad or grilled corn on the cob. For a hearty option, pair with rice or quinoa. A light white wine or lemonade complements the flavors nicely. Feel free to garnish your dish with extra lemon slices and fresh basil for a lovely touch. To keep leftover skewers fresh, place them in an airtight container. Store the container in your fridge. They will stay good for up to two days. If you have extra marinade, save it to add flavor when reheating. Reheat the skewers on a grill or in a pan. This keeps the taste fresh. Heat them over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You can also use a microwave, but it may make them a bit rubbery. For best results, aim for the grill or stovetop. If you want to save skewers for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each skewer tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just remember to thaw them first. Place shrimp in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water. Once thawed, peel and devein them. This will help the shrimp absorb the marinade better. You can tell shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. They should curl slightly and have a firm texture. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. Avoid overcooking, as this can make shrimp tough and chewy. Lemon Basil Shrimp Skewers pair well with many sides. You could serve them with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. Fresh salad with greens and veggies adds a nice crunch. Grilled veggies also complement the skewers well. Enjoy with a light dipping sauce or garlic bread for extra flavor. This blog post shared how to make tasty shrimp skewers. We covered ingredients needed, cooking steps, and tips for great results. I also highlighted fun variations and how to store leftovers. Remember, using fresh ingredients and checking shrimp for doneness makes a big difference. Enjoy exploring your own shrimp creations. Happy grilling!$

Delicious shrimp marinated in a lemon-basil mixture and grilled to perfection.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon juice and zest
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
1 teaspoon honey
to taste salt and pepper
Bamboo or metal skewers (if using bamboo, soak in water for 30 minutes)

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, honey, and chopped basil. Whisk together until well blended.
Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat them in the marinade. Cover and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each shrimp.
Season the shrimp skewers with a sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and have a slight char.
Remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for a minute before serving.

Notes

Serve the skewers on a large platter, garnished with extra lemon slices and a sprinkle of fresh basil.

Keyword basil, grill, lemon, shrimp, skewers