Zesty Grilled Shrimp and Vegetable Kabobs
Dive into these vibrant Zesty Grilled Shrimp and Vegetable Kabobs, perfect for summertime gatherings or any outdoor BBQ. The combination of succulent, marinated shrimp and colorful, grilled vegetables creates a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Enhanced with a splash of white wine and zesty Italian dressing, these kabobs bring a refreshing zing that’s sure to please your guests. With ingredients like sweet red bell peppers, crisp yellow squash, and crunchy zucchini, each skewer offers a burst of color and nutrition. Serve them as a stand-alone appetizer or alongside your favorite salad or rice dish for a satisfying meal. Don't forget to spice things up with Emeril's Essence or your choice of Creole seasoning for that extra kick!
N/A
Servings
100
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian dressing
1/4 cup (zesty or regular)
white wine
1/4 cup
extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup
lemon juice
2 tablespoons
lemon pepper
1 teaspoon
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (or 1 fresh garlic clove, crushed)
dried cilantro
1 dash
salt and pepper
to taste
large shrimp
1 lb (tails on)
yellow squash
1
zucchini
1
red or green bell pepper
1
Emeril's Original Essence or creole spices
as needed
poblano pepper or jalapeno pepper
1 large (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large ziplock bag, mix the Italian dressing, white wine, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon pepper, garlic powder (or crushed garlic), dried cilantro, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create the marinade.
2
Add the shrimp to the marinade, seal the bag, and gently shake to ensure the shrimp are well-coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
3
While the shrimp is marinating, soak wooden skewers in salt water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
4
Prepare the vegetables by cutting them into large chunks that can be easily threaded onto the skewers.
5
Once the shrimp has marinated, remove it from the bag and set aside the leftover marinade in a bowl for basting later.
6
Assemble the kabobs by alternating the shrimp and vegetables on the soaked skewers, ensuring a colorful mix on each skewer.
7
Arrange the assembled kabobs on a baking sheet and sprinkle with Emeril's Original Essence, cayenne pepper, or your preferred Creole spices to enhance the flavor.
8
Heat a grill to medium heat and place the kabobs on the grill away from direct flames. Grill for approximately 3-5 minutes per side, brushing with the reserved marinade while cooking.
9
Remove kabobs from the grill once the shrimp are opaque and the vegetables are tender.
10
Serve the kabobs immediately, paired with a fresh salad or flavorful rice dish for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
5g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Grilled Shrimp and Vegetable Kabobs?
They are a vibrant outdoor BBQ dish featuring succulent marinated shrimp and colorful grilled vegetables like squash, zucchini, and bell peppers.
What is the main protein in this dish?
The main protein is large shrimp, specifically one pound with the tails left on.
How is the marinade made?
The marinade is a mix of Italian dressing, white wine, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon pepper, garlic powder, dried cilantro, and salt and pepper.
What type of Italian dressing is recommended?
You can use 1/4 cup of either zesty or regular Italian dressing.
How long should the shrimp marinate?
The shrimp should be refrigerated in the marinade for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Why is white wine included in the marinade?
White wine adds a refreshing zing and depth of flavor to the shrimp and vegetable marinade.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of garlic powder with 1 fresh garlic clove, crushed.
How should I prepare wooden skewers before grilling?
Wooden skewers should be soaked in salt water to prevent them from burning during the grilling process.
How long do the skewers need to soak?
The skewers should be soaked for approximately 30 minutes while the shrimp is marinating.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe calls for yellow squash, zucchini, and red or green bell peppers.
Can I use different types of bell peppers?
Yes, the recipe suggests using one red or green bell pepper, cut into large chunks.
Is there an optional spicy ingredient I can add?
Yes, you can add one large poblano pepper or jalapeno pepper for extra heat.
What seasoning is recommended for an extra kick?
You can sprinkle the kabobs with Emeril's Original Essence, cayenne pepper, or your preferred Creole spices.
How should the vegetables be cut for the kabobs?
Vegetables should be cut into large chunks that are easy to thread onto the skewers.
Should the leftover marinade be saved?
Yes, set aside the leftover marinade in a bowl to use for basting the kabobs while they are on the grill.
How are the kabobs assembled?
Assemble them by alternating the marinated shrimp and vegetable chunks on the soaked skewers for a colorful mix.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
The grill should be heated to medium heat.
Where should the kabobs be placed on the grill?
Place the kabobs on the grill away from direct flames to prevent burning.
How long does it take to grill the kabobs?
Grill the kabobs for approximately 3-5 minutes per side.
How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?
The shrimp are done when they become opaque and the vegetables are tender.
How many calories are in a serving of these kabobs?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 4 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content of this dish?
There are 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
Each serving provides 10 grams of protein.
Is this dish suitable for summer gatherings?
Yes, it is perfect for summertime gatherings, outdoor BBQs, and healthy family meals.
What are good side dishes to serve with these kabobs?
They pair well with a fresh salad or a flavorful rice dish.
Can I use dried cilantro?
Yes, the recipe calls for a dash of dried cilantro in the marinade.
What kind of oil is used in the marinade?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
How much lemon juice is needed for the recipe?
You will need 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
Should the shrimp tails be left on?
Yes, the recipe specifies using large shrimp with the tails on.