Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Citrus and Charred Thyme: A Flavorful Summer Delight
Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of the season. And what could be more summery than succulent grilled shrimp? This recipe for Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Citrus and Charred Thyme elevates a classic grilling staple to a whole new level. The bright citrus marinade infuses the shrimp with a tangy sweetness, while the charred thyme adds a smoky, herbaceous depth that’s simply irresistible. These skewers are quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.
## Why This Recipe Works
* **Quick and Easy:** From prep to plate, these skewers come together in under 30 minutes. The marinade does most of the work, and grilling takes just a few minutes per side.
* **Flavorful and Fresh:** The combination of citrus (lemon, lime, and orange) creates a bright and zesty marinade that perfectly complements the sweet shrimp. The charred thyme adds a unique smoky and earthy note.
* **Versatile:** These skewers can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even as part of a salad. They pair well with a variety of sides, from grilled vegetables to rice pilaf.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The colorful citrus slices and the fragrant charred thyme make these skewers a visually appealing dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Shrimp:** 1.5 pounds large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a fresh, sea-like smell. Avoid shrimp that are mushy or have a strong, ammonia-like odor.
* **Citrus:** 1 lemon, thinly sliced; 1 lime, thinly sliced; 1 orange, thinly sliced. Use organic citrus if possible, as you’ll be using the peels in the marinade.
* **Thyme:** 4 sprigs fresh thyme. The thyme sprigs will be charred on the grill, adding a smoky flavor to the shrimp.
* **Olive Oil:** 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil helps to keep the shrimp moist and prevents them from sticking to the grill.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic adds a pungent flavor to the marinade.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the shrimp and marinade with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
* **Wooden or Metal Skewers:** If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
### 1. Prepare the Shrimp
* Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help them to brown nicely on the grill.
* If the shrimp have tails on, you can leave them on for presentation or remove them for easier eating. It’s a matter of personal preference.
* Place the shrimp in a large bowl.
### 2. Make the Citrus Marinade
* In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
* Add the thinly sliced lemon, lime, and orange to the bowl.
* Gently massage the citrus slices to release their juices and essential oils. This will create a more flavorful marinade.
### 3. Marinate the Shrimp
* Pour the citrus marinade over the shrimp.
* Toss to coat the shrimp evenly with the marinade.
* Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Do not marinate for longer than 2 hours, as the acid in the citrus can start to break down the shrimp and make them mushy.
### 4. Prepare the Grill
* Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-450°F).
* Clean the grill grates with a wire brush to remove any debris.
* Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the shrimp from sticking.
### 5. Assemble the Skewers
* Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, alternating with the citrus slices. You can use 4-5 shrimp per skewer, depending on their size.
* Make sure the shrimp are not overcrowded on the skewers, as this will prevent them from cooking evenly.
### 6. Grill the Shrimp Skewers
* Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill.
* Add the thyme sprigs directly onto the grill grates next to the skewers. This will allow the thyme to char and release its smoky aroma.
* Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the thyme is charred.
* Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.
### 7. Serve
* Remove the shrimp skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute or two.
* Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
* Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, if desired.
## Tips for Grilling Perfect Shrimp Skewers
* **Use the Right Shrimp:** Look for large or jumbo shrimp that are firm and have a fresh, sea-like smell. Avoid shrimp that are mushy or have a strong, ammonia-like odor.
* **Don’t Over-Marinate:** Marinating the shrimp for too long can make them mushy. Stick to a maximum of 2 hours.
* **Soak Wooden Skewers:** If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
* **Preheat the Grill:** Make sure your grill is properly preheated to medium-high heat before adding the skewers.
* **Clean and Oil the Grates:** Clean the grill grates with a wire brush and lightly oil them to prevent the shrimp from sticking.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers:** Make sure the shrimp are not overcrowded on the skewers, as this will prevent them from cooking evenly.
* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** Shrimp cook very quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. They are done when they are pink and opaque.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** To ensure that the shrimp are cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. They should reach 145°F (63°C).
## Variations and Additions
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicier kick.
* **Add Vegetables:** Thread vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes onto the skewers along with the shrimp.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, oregano, or basil, in place of the thyme.
* **Add a Glaze:** Brush the shrimp skewers with a glaze of honey, soy sauce, and ginger during the last few minutes of grilling for a sweet and savory flavor.
* **Serve with a Sauce:** Serve the grilled shrimp skewers with a dipping sauce, such as a chimichurri sauce, a garlic aioli, or a sweet chili sauce.
## Serving Suggestions
These Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Citrus and Charred Thyme are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways.
* **Appetizer:** Serve the skewers as an appetizer at your next barbecue or party.
* **Main Course:** Serve the skewers as a main course with a side of grilled vegetables, rice pilaf, or quinoa.
* **Salad Topping:** Top a salad with the grilled shrimp skewers for a light and healthy meal.
* **Tacos:** Use the grilled shrimp as a filling for tacos, adding your favorite toppings such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
* **Pasta:** Toss the grilled shrimp with pasta, pesto, and cherry tomatoes for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
## Storage and Reheating
* **Storage:** Leftover grilled shrimp skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the shrimp skewers in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 250
* Protein: 30g
* Fat: 10g
* Carbohydrates: 5g
* Fiber: 1g
* Sugar: 3g
(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
## Conclusion
These Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Citrus and Charred Thyme are a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of summer. The bright citrus marinade and the smoky charred thyme create a flavor combination that is both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just for yourself, these skewers are sure to be a hit. So fire up the grill and give this recipe a try! You won’t be disappointed.
Enjoy!