Pesto Shrimp Skewers Recipe
Introduction
Pesto shrimp skewers are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for grilling season. Juicy shrimp are brushed with vibrant pesto and charred to perfection, making a delicious appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. medium or large frozen shrimp, deveined, thawed
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade pesto, plus more for serving
- 3 lemons, halved
- 8 skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water at least 20 minutes before using)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare a grill for medium-high heat or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat; preheat for about 5 minutes. Thread the thawed shrimp onto the skewers. Drizzle each skewer with olive oil and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Brush the shrimp with the pesto to coat evenly.
- Step 2: Place the shrimp skewers on the grill. Cook, turning occasionally, until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving platter.
- Step 3: Place the lemon halves cut side down on the grill. Grill until charred in spots, about 2 to 3 minutes. Arrange the grilled lemons next to the shrimp skewers for squeezing over. Serve with extra pesto on the side.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate shrimp in pesto for 15 minutes before skewering and grilling.
- Substitute lemon with lime for a different citrus twist.
- Try adding cherry tomatoes or bell pepper pieces to the skewers for added color and taste.
- If you don’t have a grill, cook the shrimp in a hot grill pan or broil in the oven.
Storage
Store leftover shrimp skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or enjoy cold on a salad. Grilled lemons can also be stored and reused within 1 day.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh shrimp can be used. Just ensure they are deveined and properly cleaned before skewering.
What if I don’t have skewers?
You can grill shrimp directly on the grill using a grill basket or cook them in a grill pan on the stove.
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Pesto Shrimp Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Pesto Shrimp Skewers are a flavorful, easy-to-make grilled appetizer or main dish. Marinated in vibrant pesto and grilled to juicy perfection, they offer a fresh burst of Mediterranean flavors, enhanced by charred lemons for a zesty finish. Perfect for summer cookouts or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 lb. medium or large frozen shrimp, deveined, thawed
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade pesto, plus more for serving
Accompaniments
- 3 lemons, halved
- 8 skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water at least 20 minutes before using)
Instructions
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, or place a grill pan on the stovetop and heat it over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes to ensure it’s nice and hot.
- Skewer and Season Shrimp: Thread the thawed shrimp onto the skewers. Drizzle them with extra virgin olive oil and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Then, brush the shrimp with about half a cup of pesto to infuse them with rich flavor.
- Grill the Shrimp: Place the shrimp skewers on the hot grill, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Grill until the shrimp turn opaque and firm, about 4 to 5 minutes total. Once cooked, transfer them to a serving platter.
- Char the Lemons: Place lemon halves cut side down on the grill. Let them cook until they develop nice char marks and soften slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Serve: Arrange the grilled lemons next to the shrimp skewers. Serve with additional pesto on the side for dipping, allowing guests to squeeze the charred lemon over their shrimp for an extra burst of citrusy flavor.
Notes
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Frozen shrimp should be fully thawed and patted dry for best grilling results.
- The pesto can be homemade or store-bought depending on your preference and time.
- Add a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad to make this dish a complete meal.
- Adjust grilling time slightly depending on shrimp size to avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: pesto shrimp skewers, grilled shrimp, shrimp appetizer, summer barbecue recipes, easy shrimp skewers, pesto recipes
