If you are looking for a flavorful and satisfying seafood dish, you can’t go wrong with lemon herb shrimp and artichoke skewers.
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of shrimp with the earthy flavors of artichoke hearts, creating a delicious and healthy option for any meal. Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue or just want to enjoy a light and tasty dinner, these skewers are sure to impress.
Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand:.
- 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 can of artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, let’s start cooking:.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper. This will be the marinade for the shrimp and artichoke skewers.
- Place the shrimp and artichoke hearts in a resealable bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the shrimp and artichokes, making sure they are evenly coated. Leave them to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have the time, let them marinate for a couple of hours in the refrigerator to maximize the flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill is heating, remove the shrimp and artichokes from the marinade and thread them onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating between shrimp and artichoke pieces.
- Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp is pink and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
- Once the shrimp and artichoke skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.
- Garnish the skewers with some additional fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Serve the lemon herb shrimp and artichoke skewers hot as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side of rice or a green salad.
Variations
While this recipe is already bursting with flavors, you can always add your own personal touch to make it even more enjoyable. Here are a few variations you can consider:.
1. Spicy Kick
If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. This will give your lemon herb shrimp and artichoke skewers a spicy kick that pairs well with the refreshing flavors.
2. Veggie Medley
Include some colorful bell peppers or cherry tomatoes in between the shrimp and artichokes on the skewers. This will not only add vibrancy to the presentation but also add a burst of sweetness to each bite.
3. Citrus Zest
To enhance the citrusy profile of this dish, grate some lemon zest over the cooked skewers before serving. The added zest will intensify the lemon flavor and give your skewers an extra layer of brightness.
4. Herbaceous Blend
If you’re a fan of fresh herbs, experiment with different combinations to create your own herbaceous blend. Consider adding dill, cilantro, or basil to complement the existing parsley and thyme in the marinade.
The additional herbs will elevate the overall fragrance and taste of the dish.
Enjoy Your Flavorful Creation!
Now that you know how to prepare lemon herb shrimp and artichoke skewers, it’s time to put your culinary skills to the test. Whether you opt for the classic recipe or experiment with the variations, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
The tender shrimp, tangy lemon, and savory artichokes come together harmoniously to create a delightful and healthy meal option that everyone will enjoy. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the mouthwatering flavors of these delectable skewers!.