Zesty Garlic Cayenne Shrimp Skewers
This Zesty Garlic Cayenne Shrimp Skewers recipe delivers a burst of flavor with every bite. Using fresh, succulent shrimp ensures that your marinade will cling perfectly without excess moisture, providing an ideal texture. The blend of garlic, cayenne, and paprika creates a tantalizing seasoned oil perfect for grilling. Marinating for no longer than 30 minutes prevents the acidic lemon juice from 'cooking' the shrimp while enhancing their natural flavors. Adjust the cayenne to your preferred heat level and consider adding a splash of Tabasco for an extra kick. These shrimp skewers are ideal for a low-carb meal or a fantastic outdoor gathering. Serve with freshly squeezed lemon wedges to elevate the dish even further!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic cloves
2 large (chopped)
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon (coarse, or use coarse salt)
Cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Paprika
2 teaspoons (none)
Olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
Fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (none)
Tabasco sauce
to taste (optional)
Large raw shrimp
2 lbs (peeled and deveined)
Lemon wedge
as needed (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the chopped garlic and kosher salt, using the back of a fork to mash them together into a paste.
2
Stir in the cayenne pepper and paprika, mixing well.
3
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil and fresh lemon juice, stirring until thoroughly combined. Add Tabasco sauce if desired for extra heat.
4
Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a large mixing bowl. Pour the garlic marinade over the shrimp and toss gently until they are evenly coated.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the shrimp for exactly 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Meanwhile, soak the wooden skewers in cold water for 30 minutes. This will prevent them from burning on the grill.
7
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Once heated, lightly oil the grill grate to prevent sticking.
8
Carefully thread the marinated shrimp onto the soaked wooden skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each shrimp for even cooking.
9
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through.
10
Remove from the grill and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Zesty Garlic Cayenne Shrimp Skewers recipe?
The main protein is 2 lbs of large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined.
How long should the shrimp be marinated?
The shrimp should be marinated for exactly 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Why should I not marinate the shrimp for longer than 30 minutes?
Marinating longer than 30 minutes can cause the acidic lemon juice to 'cook' the shrimp, which negatively affects their texture.
How do I prepare the garlic for the marinade?
Combine chopped garlic and kosher salt in a small bowl and mash them together into a paste using the back of a fork.
What spices provide the heat in this recipe?
The heat comes from cayenne pepper and optional Tabasco sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, these shrimp skewers are an ideal choice for a low-carb meal.
How should I prepare wooden skewers before grilling?
Soak the wooden skewers in cold water for 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
What type of oil is used in the marinade?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of olive oil.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
The grill should be preheated to medium heat.
How do I prevent the shrimp from sticking to the grill?
Lightly oil the grill grate once it has heated up to prevent sticking.
How long do the shrimp skewers need to cook on the grill?
Grill the skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side.
How can I tell when the shrimp are fully cooked?
The shrimp are done when they turn opaque and are cooked through.
What should be served with the skewers to enhance the flavor?
Serve the skewers immediately with freshly squeezed lemon wedges.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred heat level.
What is the purpose of adding paprika to the marinade?
Paprika adds flavor and helps create a tantalizing seasoned oil for grilling.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 2 large garlic cloves, chopped.
Is Tabasco sauce a mandatory ingredient?
No, Tabasco sauce is optional and can be added to taste if extra heat is desired.
Should I leave space between the shrimp on the skewers?
Yes, leave a little space between each shrimp to ensure they cook evenly.
What type of salt is recommended for the garlic paste?
Kosher salt is recommended for mashing with the garlic.
How much lemon juice is needed for the marinade?
The marinade requires 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
What is the total count of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this recipe.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The primary tags include shrimp, grilled shrimp, seafood, skewers, low carb, and spicy.
Can this recipe be cooked indoors?
While designed for outdoor cooking on a grill, it could be adapted for an indoor grill pan.
What is the best way to ensure the marinade clings to the shrimp?
Using fresh shrimp ensures there is no excess moisture, allowing the marinade to cling perfectly.
What should I cover the shrimp with while they marinate?
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator.
Is fresh lemon juice better than bottled?
The recipe specifies fresh lemon juice for the best flavor results.
How much paprika is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of paprika.
Is this dish considered a summer recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer recipe and is great for outdoor gatherings.
Can I use coarse salt if I don't have kosher salt?
Yes, you can use coarse salt as an alternative to kosher salt.
What is the first step in preparing the marinade?
The first step is mashing the chopped garlic and kosher salt into a paste.