Shrimp kebabs are a delightful, light, and savory dish that brings together the natural sweetness of shrimp with a medley of spices and flavors.

Perfect for grilling, roasting, or even broiling, shrimp kebabs are versatile and can be customized with various marinades and vegetables.

These kebabs can serve as a main dish, a unique appetizer, or a satisfying addition to a larger meal. In this recipe, we’ll prepare flavorful shrimp kebabs with a mix of Mediterranean-inspired spices and fresh vegetables.

They’re quick to cook, easy to prepare, and packed with nutrients, making them a perfect option for healthy, enjoyable dining.

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a bit of heat)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

For the Skewers:

• 1 medium bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces (any color)
• 1 small zucchini, sliced into rounds
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• Fresh parsley or cilantro leaves, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make Shrimp Kebabs:

Prepare the Shrimp and Vegetables:

Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water. Pat them dry using a paper towel and place them in a mixing bowl.

Prepare the vegetables by cutting them into even pieces, which helps with even cooking on the skewers. Slice the bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion into 1-inch pieces, and keep the cherry tomatoes whole.

Make the Marinade:

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder (if using), oregano, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will form a bold and flavorful marinade that complements the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

Pour the marinade over the shrimp in the mixing bowl. Gently toss to ensure all the shrimp are coated with the marinade.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes. This quick marination allows the shrimp to absorb the flavors without becoming too soft.

Assemble the Kebabs:

Once the shrimp have marinated, remove them from the refrigerator.

Thread the shrimp onto skewers, alternating with pieces of bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Aim to place about 3–4 shrimp per skewer, depending on the length of the skewer and the size of the shrimp.

Continue until all the ingredients are used. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for about 20 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning during cooking.

Grill the Kebabs:

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 375–400°F).

Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, with slight grill marks.

Be mindful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough if left on the grill for too long.

Serve:

Remove the kebabs from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.

Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro leaves and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

These shrimp kebabs are perfect alongside a light salad, grilled vegetables, or rice pilaf.

Chef’s Note: Shrimp kebabs can be prepared using different cooking methods. If you don’t have access to a grill, you can broil them in the oven or cook them in a grill pan on the stove.

Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the method, but keep a close eye on the shrimp to avoid overcooking. For additional flavor, try marinating the shrimp for up to an hour, but avoid going beyond that time to keep the shrimp’s texture intact.

You can also experiment with different vegetables or add a hint of sweetness by including pineapple chunks.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 230 kcal
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 3g
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 185mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Vitamin A: 25% of Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 70% of DV
• Calcium: 10% of DV
• Iron: 8% of DV

Shrimp kebabs are a lean protein option, high in vitamins and minerals, and naturally low in carbs, making them an excellent choice for a balanced meal.

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