Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp

Are you looking for a healthy and delicious recipe to add to your repertoire? Look no further than the tantalizing dish known as Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp. Packed with flavor and perfect for those following the Paleo diet, this recipe is a surefire way to satisfy your taste buds while also staying on track with your health goals. With a zesty combination of lemon and herbs, this grilled shrimp will be the star of your next meal. So fire up the grill and prepare to indulge in a dish that is both nutritious and mouthwateringly good.

Ingredients

To make the delicious and healthy lemon herb grilled shrimp, you will need the following ingredients:

Shrimp

Shrimp is the star of this dish. It is rich in protein and low in calories, making it a healthy choice for any meal.

Lemon

Lemon adds a burst of tangy freshness to the grilled shrimp. Its citrusy flavor pairs perfectly with the herbs and enhances the taste of the shrimp.

Herbs

A combination of fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill will add a delightful aromatic touch to your grilled shrimp. These herbs not only elevate the flavor but also provide added nutritional benefits.

Olive oil

Olive oil will be used both in the marinade and for grilling. It adds a light, savory flavor and helps to keep the shrimp moist and tender.

Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the shrimp and bringing out their natural flavors. Use them in moderation to enhance the taste without overpowering it.

Marinade

The marinade is what takes the flavor of your lemon herb grilled shrimp to the next level. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

Garlic

Garlic is a versatile ingredient that adds a savory and slightly pungent flavor to the marinade. It pairs perfectly with the lemon and herbs to create a mouthwatering combination.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice not only adds a tangy taste but also acts as a tenderizer for the shrimp. The acidity helps to break down some of the proteins, resulting in a more tender and flavorful shrimp.

Herbs

In addition to the herbs used for the shrimp, you will also include fresh herbs like basil or thyme in the marinade. This adds an extra layer of herbaceousness and depth of flavor.

Olive oil

Olive oil binds all the flavors together and helps the marinade adhere to the shrimp. It also adds a rich, smooth texture to the grilled shrimp.

Salt and Pepper

Just like in the shrimp preparation, salt and pepper are necessary for seasoning the marinade. They help to balance the flavors and bring out the best taste.

Preparation

Before you start grilling your lemon herb shrimp, it is important to go through the preparation steps to ensure a delicious outcome.

Cleaning the shrimp

To clean the shrimp, start by removing the shell. Gently peel off the shell, starting from the legs and working towards the tail. Leave the tail intact for easy handling.

Next, devein the shrimp. Using a small knife, make a shallow slit along the back of the shrimp and remove the dark vein. Rinse the shrimp under cold water to remove any remaining debris.

Mixing the marinade

To prepare the marinade, start by chopping the fresh herbs finely. You can use one type of herb or a combination, depending on your preference.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice from the lemon into a mixing bowl. The acidity of the lemon juice will help to tenderize the shrimp and add a zesty flavor to the marinade.

Combine the chopped herbs, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in the bowl. Mix everything together until well incorporated.

Marinating the shrimp

Place the cleaned shrimp in a resealable plastic bag or a bowl and pour the marinade over them. Ensure that all the shrimp are coated evenly with the marinade.

Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld together and penetrate the shrimp, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

Cover the bowl or seal the plastic bag to prevent any leakage or cross-contamination. Keep it refrigerated until you are ready to grill the shrimp.

Grilling the shrimp

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 15 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Remove the marinated shrimp from the refrigerator and thread them onto the skewers, piercing through the body near the head and tail.

Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.

Flip the shrimp skewers halfway through the cooking process to ensure even heat distribution. Cook until the shrimp are firm to the touch and cooked through.

Serving

Once the shrimp are cooked to perfection, it’s time to plate up and enjoy the delicious flavors!

Garnishing with fresh herbs

Sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs on top of the grilled shrimp to add a pop of color and freshness. This not only enhances the appearance of the dish but also adds an extra layer of flavor.

Serving with lemon wedges

Slice a fresh lemon into wedges and serve them alongside the grilled shrimp. Squeezing a little lemon juice over the shrimp before taking a bite will enhance the taste and add a burst of citrusy goodness.

Serving with a side salad

To complete the meal, consider serving the grilled shrimp with a side salad. A light and refreshing salad, such as a mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette dressing, will complement the flavors of the shrimp and make for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Tips and Variations

While the basic recipe for lemon herb grilled shrimp is delicious on its own, here are a few tips and variations to customize your dish according to your preferences:

Grilling on a grill pan

If you don’t have a grill or prefer indoor cooking, you can use a grill pan instead. Simply preheat the grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp skewers on it following the same instructions as grilling on a regular grill.

Adding red pepper flakes for heat

If you like your food on the spicier side, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. This will give your grilled shrimp a hint of heat and add an extra kick to every bite.

Serving with a spicy mayonnaise dipping sauce

For those who enjoy dipping sauces, prepare a spicy mayonnaise dip to accompany the grilled shrimp. To make the dip, mix mayonnaise, hot sauce, a squeeze of lime juice, and some minced garlic together. Serve it alongside the grilled shrimp for an extra zing.

Grilling with vegetables

To make your meal more colorful and nutritious, grill some vegetables alongside the shrimp. Bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes are great options. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill them until tender and slightly charred. Serve the grilled vegetables alongside the shrimp for a complete and balanced meal.

Conclusion

Now you are equipped with all the knowledge and steps to prepare a delicious and healthy lemon herb grilled shrimp. This recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. Enjoy the succulent shrimp infused with the refreshing taste of lemon and aromatic herbs. Serve it with a side salad and lemon wedges for a complete and satisfying meal. Whether you are grilling for a barbecue party or a cozy dinner at home, this lemon herb grilled shrimp will surely impress your taste buds. So fire up the grill and enjoy the delightful flavors of this dish that perfectly aligns with your health goals.