Shrimp on the Barbie

This recipe for grilled shrimp skewers offers a burst of delicious flavors and a beautiful presentation. The marinade, made with melted butter, olive oil, fresh herbs, lemon juice, garlic, shallots, salt, and pepper, infuses the shrimp with a tantalizing taste. As the shrimp marinate, the flavors meld together, creating a mouthwatering combination.

Once the shrimp have absorbed the flavors, they are threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection. The heat of the grill cooks the shrimp quickly, resulting in a tender and juicy texture. The charred grill marks add a smoky note to the dish, enhancing its overall appeal.

To serve, a bed of fresh spinach leaves is used as a vibrant base, providing a touch of green to the presentation. The grilled shrimp skewers are arranged on top of the spinach, creating an eye-catching display. Garnishing with lemon slices adds a pop of color and a refreshing citrus element.

These grilled shrimp skewers are versatile and can be enjoyed as a standalone appetizer or as a main course paired with your favorite side dishes. They are perfect for outdoor gatherings, barbecues, or even as an elegant dinner option.

Prepare this recipe and savor the succulent shrimp infused with the rich flavors of the marinade. The combination of herbs, citrus, and garlic creates a taste sensation that will impress your family and guests. Enjoy the delightful aroma and the satisfying taste of these grilled shrimp skewers, making every bite a delightful experience.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup minced fresh herbs (parsley and thyme)
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 large garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tablespoon minced shallot
• Salt and pepper
• 1 1/2 lbs shrimp, unpeeled, medium to large
• Spinach leaves (to garnish)
• Lemon slices (to garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced herbs, lemon juice, crushed garlic cloves, minced shallot, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the shrimp to the mixture and toss to coat them thoroughly. Allow the shrimp to marinate for approximately 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
4. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, dividing them evenly.
5. Grill the shrimp skewers for about 2 minutes on each side or until they become opaque and cooked through.
6. While the shrimp are grilling, prepare a serving dish by lining it with fresh spinach leaves.
7. Once the shrimp are cooked, arrange the skewers over the bed of spinach leaves in the dish.
8. Garnish with lemon slices for an added burst of freshness.
9. Serve the grilled shrimp skewers as an appetizer or main course, allowing guests to easily remove the shells before enjoying the flavorful shrimp.
10. Optionally, you can serve them with additional lemon wedges for squeezing over the shrimp or with your favorite dipping sauce.

VARIATIONS:

• VEGETABLE ADDITIONS: Enhance the grilled shrimp skewers by adding some colorful vegetables to the skewers. Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, or red onion slices can be threaded alongside the shrimp for a delicious and visually appealing presentation. The grilled vegetables will add extra texture and a pop of vibrant colors to the dish.

• SWEET AND SAVORY GLAZE: As an alternative to the herb marinade, consider brushing the shrimp skewers with a glaze during grilling. Create a sweet and savory glaze using ingredients like honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and a touch of Dijon mustard. Brush the glaze onto the shrimp as they cook on the grill, allowing it to caramelize and create a flavorful crust.