Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers with Charred Veggies, featuring marinated shrimp and seasonal vegetables served with a garlic herb sauce.
What kind of shrimp should I use for these skewers?
You should use 20 large shrimp (about 1 1/4 pound) that have been peeled with the head and tail removed.
How long do I need to marinate the vegetables?
The vegetables should be marinated for a minimum of 2 hours and up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
How long should the shrimp marinate?
The shrimp should be refrigerated in the marinade for 2 hours.
What is in the marinade for the shrimp and vegetables?
The marinade consists of red wine vinegar, lemon zest, and olive oil, seasoned with kosher salt and ground black pepper.
Which vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe calls for red bell peppers, red onions, zucchini, and cremini mushrooms.
How should I cut the vegetables for the skewers?
The red bell pepper, red onion, and zucchini should be cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces, while the cremini mushrooms should be cut in half.
How do I prepare the wooden skewers before grilling?
Soak 8-12 wooden skewers in warm water for at least 20 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
What are the ingredients for the garlic herb sauce?
The sauce includes garlic cloves, almonds, parsley, mint, anchovies, olive oil, and lemon juice.
How do I make the garlic herb sauce?
Blend the garlic, almonds, parsley, mint, anchovies, 1/2 cup of olive oil, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth.
What is the recommended grill temperature?
Preheat your grill to high heat, specifically between 350-400ยฐF.
How long do the vegetable skewers take to cook?
The vegetable skewers take about 10-12 minutes to grill, turning every 3-4 minutes until charred and tender.
How long should I grill the shrimp skewers?
Shrimp skewers cook very quickly, requiring only 2-3 minutes while turning constantly for even cooking.
Why are the lemons grilled in this recipe?
Halved lemons are grilled for about 4 minutes to develop char marks and a deeper flavor to be served alongside the skewers.
What spices are used to season the shrimp?
The shrimp are seasoned with smoked paprika, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.
Does this recipe include any nuts?
Yes, the garlic herb sauce contains 1/4 cup of almonds.
Can I use fresh herbs in the marinade?
Yes, the vegetable marinade specifically includes 2 rosemary sprigs.
What type of vinegar is used for the marinade?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar.
How should the skewers be arranged for serving?
Spread half of the garlic herb sauce on a serving platter, place the skewers attractively over it, and drizzle with additional sauce.
Is there a specific way to prepare the zucchini?
The zucchini should be cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces to match the size of the other vegetables.
How many shrimp go on each skewer?
Thread 5-6 shrimp onto each skewer.
Are the shrimp and vegetables cooked on the same skewer?
No, the shrimp are threaded on their own skewers, and the vegetables are threaded on separate skewers to account for different cooking times.
What kind of mushrooms are recommended?
The recipe specifies 8 ounces of cremini mushrooms.
What role do anchovies play in the recipe?
Two anchovies are blended into the garlic herb sauce to provide a savory, umami depth.
How much olive oil is needed in total?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup for the marinade and an additional 1/2 cup for the garlic herb sauce.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
The recipe recommends using 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
How do I know when the shrimp is done?
The shrimp should be grilled for 2-3 minutes until they are opaque and have a slight char.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer barbecue?
Yes, it is described as an ideal dish for a sunny barbecue, family gathering, or cozy dinner.
How do I prepare the garlic for the sauce?
The garlic cloves should be roughly chopped before being added to the blender.
What makes this dish aesthetic for the table?
The combination of colorful bell peppers, charred lemons, and vibrant green herb sauce creates a visually appealing presentation.