Zesty Grilled Whole Shrimp with Lemon – Juicy & Flavorful
Nutritional value per serving
Calories220kcal
Carbs4gram
Fat2.5gram
Protein24gram
Ingredients
- whole raw shrimp with shells and heads on (preferably fresh or thawed from frozen)500 g
- fresh lemon, sliced1 piece
- extra-virgin olive oil2 tbsp
- garlic, minced2 cloves
- paprika1 tsp
- salt0.5 tsp
- black pepper0.25 tsp
- fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)1 tbsp
This recipe guides you to perfectly grill whole shrimp with a zesty lemon touch, making a quick, delicious, and visually appealing seafood dish. Whole shrimp grilled with lemon add a fresh citrus aroma and maintain juicy texture. This easy and fast recipe is perfect for everyday meals or summer barbecues. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $12 / €11 / £9 / ₹900. Each serving contains about 220 kcal, suitable for pescatarian and low-carb diets. The complexity is easy, and total time is about 30 minutes, making it accessible for home cooks with basic kitchen tools. Food safety is emphasized with proper internal temperature and handling instructions to ensure your shrimp is safe and tasty.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the Marinade and Shrimp
1In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rinse the shrimp under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. Add the shrimp to the marinade, toss to coat all shrimp evenly, and let marinate for 10 minutes. Marinating helps to infuse flavor and keeps shrimp juicy when grilling.
Preheat the Grill
2Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 200°C (400°F). Ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Proper preheating helps achieve a nice sear and prevents sticking.
Thread the Shrimp and Lemon on Skewers
3Thread the shrimp onto skewers, piercing through the tail and head to hold them securely. Alternate shrimp with lemon slices on the skewers for added aroma and flavor during grilling. Using skewers makes shrimp handling on the grill easier and ensures even cooking.
Grill the Shrimp
4Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, turning once, until the shells turn pink and opaque, and flesh turns firm. Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the shrimp reaches at least 63°C (145°F) for safe consumption. Avoid overcooking as shrimp can become tough.
Remove and Serve
5Carefully remove shrimp skewers from the grill and let rest for 2 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve with extra lemon wedges for squeezing. Enjoy your juicy, flavorful grilled whole shrimp!
Cooking Tips
-If you don't have skewers, you can grill shrimp directly on the grate using a grill basket to prevent them from falling through.
-To avoid cross-contamination, always use separate plates and utensils for raw and cooked shrimp.
-If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
-Fresh lemon adds brightness; if fresh lemons aren’t available, bottled lemon juice can be used, but add it after grilling to prevent bitterness.
Equipment
- Grill (gas or charcoal)
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Skewers (metal or wooden)
- Meat thermometer
- Paper towels
Shopping List
- [ ] Whole raw shrimp with shells and heads (500g) - ~$8. Choose fresh or properly thawed shrimp with a mild ocean smell.
- [ ] Fresh lemon (1 piece) - ~$0.50. Select firm lemons with bright yellow skin.
- [ ] Extra-virgin olive oil (small bottle if unavailable) - ~$4. Good quality oil enhances flavor.
- [ ] Garlic (1 bulb) - ~$0.30. Look for firm, plump cloves.
- [ ] Paprika (small jar) - ~$2. Sweet or smoked paprika based on preference.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper - pantry staples.
- [ ] Fresh parsley (optional) - ~$1. Choose vibrant green leaves.
Total approximate cost: $12.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water before marinating and grilling.
How do I know when the shrimp is fully cooked?
The shrimp shells will turn pink and the flesh will become opaque and firm. For safety, check the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F) using a food thermometer.
Is it safe to eat shrimp heads and shells?
The heads and shells are edible and delicious when grilled whole, adding extra flavor. However, eating the head is optional. The shells protect the shrimp and help retain moisture.
Can I substitute lemon with lime?
Yes, lime works well as a citrus substitute, offering a slightly different but equally fresh flavor.
How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?
Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before grilling. You can lightly brush oil on the shrimp as well to prevent sticking.