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
Scale
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
