Grilled Garlic and Herb Shrimp Recipe

Shrimp: Fresh seafood that should be peeled and deveined for this recipe.

Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish.

Olive oil: Used as a base for the marinade, providing a rich and smooth texture.

Lemon juice: Adds a zesty and tangy flavor that complements the shrimp.

Dried oregano: A herb that brings a slightly bitter and earthy taste.

Dried basil: Adds a sweet and slightly peppery flavor to the marinade.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spiciness and depth to the marinade.

When marinating the shrimp, ensure that each piece is evenly coated with the garlic and herb mixture. This can be achieved by gently massaging the marinade into the shrimp with your hands. Additionally, if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the shrimp. This prevents the skewers from burning on the grill.

• shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops have a similar texture and mild flavor, making them a good alternative for grilling.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the herbs well.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it suitable for grilling.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor, adding a fresh zing to the dish.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme offers a slightly different but complementary herbal note that works well with seafood.

• dried basil - Substitute with dried parsley: Dried parsley has a mild flavor that can enhance the dish without overpowering it.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and can also provide the necessary saltiness.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different heat profile and can add a subtle, earthy flavor.

• Allow the shrimp to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the shrimp soggy.
• Place the grilled shrimp in an airtight container. If you have a lot of shrimp, consider layering them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The shrimp will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, place the cooled shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching each other. Freeze for about 1-2 hours until they are firm.
• Once the shrimp are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to use, thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat the shrimp by placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the shrimp on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  3. Cover the shrimp with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are warmed through.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of olive oil or a small pat of butter to the skillet.
  3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through, until the shrimp are warm.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer.
  2. Place a steamer basket over the simmering water.
  3. Add the shrimp to the steamer basket and cover with a lid.
  4. Steam for about 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for about 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the shrimp are warmed through.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper with the shrimp.

• Garlic press: A tool to mince the garlic cloves efficiently.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper accurately.

• Skewers: Used to thread the shrimp for grilling. Metal or wooden skewers can be used.

• Grill: A cooking device that provides direct heat to cook the shrimp. Preheat to medium-high heat.

• Tongs: Used to turn the shrimp skewers on the grill for even cooking.

• Serving platter: A dish to serve the grilled shrimp hot.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Mince the garlic and measure out the olive oil, lemon juice, and spices ahead of time.

Use pre-peeled shrimp: Buy shrimp that are already peeled and deveined to save prep time.

Marinate in a bag: Place the shrimp and marinade in a resealable plastic bag for easy mixing and cleanup.

Preheat the grill: Start preheating your grill while the shrimp are marinating to save time.

Use metal skewers: Metal skewers don’t need soaking and can handle high heat better than wooden ones.