Grilled Shrimp Kebab is a delightful dish that brings together the flavors of garlic, butter, and a hint of lemon. Perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or casual gatherings, these shrimp kebabs are easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. The garlic butter marinade adds a rich taste that complements the shrimp beautifully, making this recipe a standout choice for seafood lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these shrimp kebabs in no time.
- Flavorful Marinade: The garlic lemon butter marinade infuses the shrimp with delicious flavors that are hard to resist.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve these kebabs as an appetizer, main course, or even as part of a seafood feast.
- Perfectly Grilled: Achieve a juicy and tender texture on the grill, ensuring an enjoyable eating experience.
- Easy Cleanup: Using bamboo skewers means less mess and easier cleanup after your meal.
Tools and Preparation
To make the best shrimp kebabs, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skewers (bamboo or metal)
- Grill
- Mixing bowl
- Basting brush
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Skewers: These hold the shrimp securely while grilling, allowing for even cooking and easy serving.
- Grill: A good grill ensures that your kebabs receive consistent heat for perfect grilling results.
- Mixing bowl: This is where all your ingredients come together, making it easier to coat the shrimp evenly.
- Basting brush: Use this tool to apply additional marinade while grilling for enhanced flavor.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Kebab
- 3 lbs (1.35kg) shrimp (shelled and deveined tail-on)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 pinch salt
- 3 dashes cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Shrimp Kebab
Step 1: Soak the Skewers
Soak the bamboo skewers in water for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Marinade
In a small mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, melted butter, salt, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice. Reserve some of this mixture for basting later.
Step 4: Thread the Shrimp
Add the cleaned shrimp to the garlic butter mixture and stir well to coat. Thread three shrimp onto each soaked skewer.
Step 5: Grill the Kebabs
Preheat your grill over medium heat. Place the skewers on the grill and brush both sides with reserved garlic butter mixture. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Remove from grill and serve hot garnished with chopped parsley. Enjoy your delicious shrimp kebabs!
How to Serve Shrimp Kebab
Serving shrimp kebabs can elevate your dining experience. They are versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides, dips, and garnishes to enhance their delicious flavors.
With Fresh Salads
- Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.
- Coleslaw: Creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw adds a crunchy texture to balance the kebabs.
Accompanied by Dips
- Garlic Aioli: A creamy garlic dip that complements the garlic butter flavor.
- Chimichurri Sauce: A vibrant green sauce made with parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil for a fresh kick.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Yogurt-based dip with cucumber and dill provides a cool contrast to the spicy shrimp.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Adds a burst of freshness when sprinkled over the kebabs before serving.
- Lemon Wedges: Squeezing fresh lemon juice enhances the flavors of the shrimp.
How to Perfect Shrimp Kebab
To ensure your shrimp kebabs turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will have better flavor and texture compared to frozen ones.
- Marinate Wisely: Let the shrimp marinate for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor absorption before grilling.
- Preheat the Grill: A hot grill ensures that the shrimp cook quickly and develop those beautiful grill marks.
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cooks very fast. Remove them from the grill as soon as they turn pink to maintain their juiciness.
Best Side Dishes for Shrimp Kebab
Pairing your shrimp kebabs with complementary side dishes can make your meal even more delightful. Here are some great options:
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with herbs and spices that pairs well with grilled flavors.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers tossed in olive oil and grilled until tender.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter, adding a touch of sweetness alongside savory shrimp.
- Quinoa Salad: Nutty quinoa mixed with vegetables and a light vinaigrette offers a healthy option.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs bring a hearty element to the meal.
- Bread Rolls: Soft rolls or baguettes are great for soaking up any leftover garlic butter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making shrimp kebabs, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:
Not Soaking Skewers: Failing to soak bamboo skewers can lead to burnt sticks. Always soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
Overcooking Shrimp: Cooking shrimp too long makes them rubbery. Grill until they turn pink and opaque, usually around 2-3 minutes per side.
Skipping the Marinade: Neglecting to marinate shrimp can result in bland flavor. Allow the shrimp to soak in the garlic butter mixture for at least 15 minutes before grilling.
Ignoring Temperature Control: Grilling at too high a temperature can char the shrimp quickly. Aim for medium heat for even cooking and better flavor.
Crowding the Grill: Overcrowding skewers can prevent even cooking. Leave space between each skewer to ensure that the shrimp grill properly.
Refrigerator Storage
- Shrimp kebabs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use an airtight container to keep them fresh and flavorful.
Freezing Shrimp Kebab
- You can freeze shrimp kebabs for up to 3 months.
- Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating Shrimp Kebab
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place kebabs on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-12 minutes.
Microwave: Place shrimp kebabs on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Warm a skillet over medium heat, add a little butter, and cook the kebabs for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make my Shrimp Kebab more flavorful?
You can enhance flavor by adding spices like paprika or cumin to your marinade. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro also work well.
Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Kebab?
Yes, but ensure you fully thaw them before marinating and grilling. This helps maintain texture and taste.
What sides go well with Shrimp Kebab?
Shrimp kebabs pair wonderfully with rice pilaf, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
How do I know when my Shrimp Kebab is done?
Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn pink and opaque. A quick check with a thermometer should read 120°F (49°C) internally.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp kebab is a delicious dish that offers versatility and ease of preparation. You can customize it with different marinades or vegetables on skewers according to your preference. Give this recipe a try for a delightful meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
Grilled Shrimp Kebab
Grilled Shrimp Kebabs are the ultimate summer dish, combining the savory notes of garlic and butter with a refreshing hint of lemon. Ideal for barbecues, family gatherings, or weeknight dinners, these kebabs are simple to prepare and deliver a delicious burst of flavor in every bite. The garlic butter marinade not only enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp but also ensures they remain juicy and tender on the grill. Serve them as an appetizer, main course, or alongside your favorite sides for a delightful meal that seafood lovers will adore.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 lbs shrimp (shelled and deveined)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 pinch salt
- 3 dashes cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes.
- Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry.
- In a bowl, mix garlic, melted butter, salt, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice; reserve some marinade for basting.
- Add shrimp to the mixture and stir to coat; thread three shrimp onto each skewer.
- Preheat grill to medium heat; grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (approximately 170g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 220mg