Description
These Grilled Shrimp Kebabs are a delicious and healthy Mediterranean-inspired main course featuring marinated shrimp and fresh vegetables grilled to perfection. Perfect for summer grilling, they are quick to prepare, flavorful, and served with a bright touch of lemon and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper (cut into chunks)
- 1 zucchini (sliced into thick rounds)
- 1 red onion (cut into chunks)
Garnish & Serving
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade for the shrimp.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
- Soak the Skewers: While the shrimp marinates, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.
- Assemble the Kebabs: Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, alternating with chunks of red bell pepper, zucchini rounds, and red onion pieces to create colorful, even kebabs.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it is hot enough to get a nice sear on the shrimp and vegetables.
- Grill the Kebabs: Place the assembled kebabs on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn opaque, develop slight charring, and the vegetables become tender but still retain some bite.
- Serve: Remove kebabs from the grill, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve immediately with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus.
Notes
- Metal skewers can be used instead of wooden ones for easier handling and no soaking required.
- Vegetable variations like cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or yellow squash work well as alternatives or additions.
- Ensure shrimp are not overcooked to maintain tenderness and juiciness.
- If using wooden skewers, soaking them well prevents burning on the grill.
