Grilled Shrimp Lemon Garlic: The Ultimate Summer Recipe

Nasi Goreng, or Indonesian fried rice, isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure in a single pan! Have you ever craved a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, familiar yet bursting with unexpected flavors? Then look no further. This vibrant and aromatic dish is about to become your new weeknight staple.

Originating as a clever way to repurpose leftover rice, Nasi Goreng has evolved from humble beginnings into a national treasure. Its roots are deeply intertwined with Indonesian culture, reflecting the country’s resourcefulness and love for bold, savory tastes. Think of it as the ultimate culinary chameleon, adapting to regional ingredients and personal preferences with effortless grace.

What makes this dish so universally adored? It’s the perfect symphony of textures – the slightly crispy rice, the tender vegetables, and the savory protein, all harmonizing in a sweet, salty, and subtly spicy sauce. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients, from succulent shrimp to flavorful chicken. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in minutes. Get ready to experience the magic of Indonesian cuisine with this incredible fried rice recipe!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined, tails on or off (your preference!)
• 1/4 cup olive oil, extra virgin
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Marinating the Shrimp:

Okay, let’s get started! The key to incredibly flavorful grilled shrimp is a good marinade. This lemon garlic marinade is bright, zesty, and packed with flavor. Trust me, it makes all the difference!

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined. The aroma alone will make your mouth water!
2. Marinate the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the bowl with the marinade. Toss gently to ensure all the shrimp are evenly coated. I like to use my hands for this, but you can use a spoon or spatula if you prefer.
3. Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the shrimp to a resealable plastic bag. Place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Don’t marinate for longer than 2 hours, as the lemon juice can start to “cook” the shrimp and make them a bit mushy. We want them perfectly tender and juicy!

Preparing the Grill:

While the shrimp are marinating, let’s get the grill ready. A hot grill is essential for achieving those beautiful grill marks and ensuring the shrimp cook quickly and evenly.

1. Clean the Grill Grates: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F or 200-230°C). Once the grill is hot, use a grill brush to thoroughly clean the grates. This will prevent the shrimp from sticking and ensure they cook properly.
2. Oil the Grill Grates: Lightly oil the grill grates with cooking oil. You can use a high-heat cooking oil like canola oil, vegetable oil, or grapeseed oil. I usually dip a paper towel in oil and use tongs to rub it over the grates. This helps to further prevent sticking.

Grilling the Shrimp:

Now for the fun part – grilling the shrimp! This is a quick process, so stay close to the grill and keep a close eye on them. Overcooked shrimp are rubbery and not very enjoyable, so we want to avoid that at all costs!

1. Thread Shrimp onto Skewers (Optional): If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each shrimp. This will allow them to cook more evenly. You can also grill the shrimp directly on the grill grates if you prefer, but skewers make them easier to handle.
2. Grill the Shrimp: Place the shrimp (either on skewers or directly on the grill grates) onto the preheated grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and have slight grill marks. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your shrimp and the heat of your grill, so keep a close watch.
3. Don’t Overcook: The key is to not overcook the shrimp. They should be just cooked through and still slightly tender. Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery.
4. Remove from Grill: Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the grill and place them on a serving platter.

Serving:

These grilled shrimp are delicious served immediately. I love to serve them with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top, adding an extra burst of citrusy flavor.

1. Garnish: Garnish the shrimp with extra chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the grilled shrimp immediately while they are still hot and juicy.
3. Serving Suggestions: These grilled shrimp are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:
   • As an Appetizer: Serve them as a delicious and impressive appetizer at your next party or gathering.
   • Over Pasta: Toss them with your favorite pasta and a light sauce for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
   • In Tacos or Burritos: Add them to tacos or burritos for a flavorful and healthy filling.
   • On Salads: Top a salad with grilled shrimp for a protein-packed and satisfying meal.
   • With Rice and Vegetables: Serve them with rice and your favorite grilled or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Tips and Variations:

Want to customize this recipe to your liking? Here are a few tips and variations to try:

• Spice it Up: If you like things spicy, add more red pepper flakes to the marinade, or use a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Add Herbs: Experiment with different herbs in the marinade. Thyme, rosemary, or dill would all be delicious additions.
• Use Different Citrus: Try using lime juice instead of lemon juice for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Add a Touch of Sweetness: A drizzle of honey or maple syrup in the marinade can add a touch of sweetness that complements the other flavors.
• Grill Vegetables Alongside: While the shrimp are grilling, throw some vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions on the grill for a complete meal.
• Make it a Skewer Meal: Thread the shrimp onto skewers with vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions for a colorful and flavorful skewer meal.

Storage Instructions:

If you have any leftover grilled shrimp, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet or microwave before serving. Keep in mind that reheated shrimp may not be as tender as freshly grilled shrimp.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe for Grilled Shrimp with Lemon and Garlic as much as I do! It’s a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy fresh seafood. Happy grilling!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This Grilled Shrimp Lemon Garlic recipe is truly a game-changer for weeknight dinners, summer barbecues, or even a fancy-feeling appetizer. I know, I know, I might be biased, but trust me on this one. The combination of the smoky char from the grill, the bright zing of lemon, and the savory punch of garlic is simply irresistible. It’s a flavor explosion in every single bite!

But why is this recipe a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible taste, it’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare. We’re talking minimal prep time and a cooking time that’s even shorter. Perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still craving something delicious and satisfying. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! I’ve served this to picky eaters, seafood lovers, and everyone in between, and it’s always a hit. The simple, fresh flavors appeal to a wide range of palates.

And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Over Pasta: Toss the grilled shrimp with your favorite pasta (linguine or spaghetti work beautifully) and a little extra lemon juice and olive oil for a complete and satisfying meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a lovely finishing touch.
* In Tacos or Wraps: Stuff the grilled shrimp into warm tortillas or wraps with shredded cabbage, avocado, and a drizzle of spicy mayo for a delicious and easy taco night.
* As a Salad Topper: Add the grilled shrimp to a bed of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a healthy and flavorful salad.
* Skewered with Vegetables: Thread the shrimp onto skewers with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion before grilling for a fun and visually appealing presentation.
* Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little extra heat.
* Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
* Coconut Lime Twist: Add a splash of coconut milk and lime juice to the marinade for a tropical-inspired variation.

I truly believe that this Grilled Shrimp Lemon Garlic recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s simple, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. I’ve made it countless times, and I’m always amazed at how quickly it disappears.

So, what are you waiting for? Fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of this recipe. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

And now for the fun part! I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience making this recipe. Did you try any of the variations? Did you add your own special touch? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Let me know what you think, and don’t hesitate to ask any questions you might have. Happy grilling, and I can’t wait to see what you create! I am sure you will love this Grilled Shrimp Lemon Garlic recipe.