Description
This flavorful recipe features shrimp marinated in a zesty Cajun-inspired marinade with olive oil, fresh herbs, lemon juice, and spices, then grilled to perfection on skewers. It delivers a perfect balance of heat and tang, making it an ideal dish for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual summer cookout.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade Ingredients
- 1 cup olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp hot pepper sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp ground black pepper (or to taste)
Shrimp
- 2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- 6 skewers (wooden or metal)
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, chopped parsley, lemon juice, hot pepper sauce, minced garlic, tomato paste, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined and smooth.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse, but not more than 2 hours to avoid over-marinating.
- Prep the Grill: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure even cooking and a nice char.
- Skewer & Grill: Thread the marinated shrimp evenly onto the skewers. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp turn pink and develop slightly charred grill marks.
- Serve Hot: Remove the shrimp from the grill and serve immediately. Pair with lemon wedges or serve over your favorite salad, rice, or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- Do not marinate the shrimp for more than 2 hours to prevent the acid in the marinade from toughening the shrimp.
- Soaking wooden skewers in water prevents them from catching fire on the grill.
- Use metal skewers as a good alternative to avoid soaking.
- Serve with lemon wedges to add a fresh burst of citrus flavor.
- Great served with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.