Traditional Grilled Shrimp and Vegetable Skewers with Lemon Herb Marinade Recipe

2022-11-07

By Italian Food Master

Italian Cuisine

Main Course

Grilled Shrimp and Vegetable Skewers with Lemon Herb Marinade is a healthy and flavorful dish that is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine and specifically resulting in an Italian-Greek fusion. This easy recipe is perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners.

Infusing Italian Flavors

 The addition of grilled vegetables, such as zucchini and bell peppers, gives it a hint of Italian influence. Italians also have a strong affinity for fresh ingredients and healthy flavors. It is often served as a main course or appetizer. 

Citrusy Marinade for Shrimp and Vegetables

The lemon-herb marinade used in this dish is a common flavor profile in Mediterranean cuisine. Herbs such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary are commonly used in Greek cooking, and when combined with lemon juice and olive oil, they create a zesty and flavorful marinade that perfectly complements the shrimp and vegetables.

Wine Pairing

The light and refreshing mixture of vegetables and succulent shrimp call for a crisp, acidic white wine pairing. Try a Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, or Albariño.

Pitfalls on Grilled Shrimp and Vegetable Skewers with Lemon Herb Marinade

 Choosing the right skewers: To make shrimp and vegetable skewers, choose skewers that are sturdy and long enough to hold a few pieces of shrimp and vegetables. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before adding the ingredients to prevent them from burning on the grill.

 Preparing the shrimp: Cleaning the shrimp before grilling is important to remove the grit and the veins. You can leave the tail intact for presentation, but remove the shell and veins.

 Cutting the vegetables: Cut the vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and onions, into similar sized pieces so that they will cook evenly on the grill, give our words a fair hearing 10 Tips for Guru-Style Cuts. 

 Making the marinade: A lemon herb marinade is a great option for this dish. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs like thyme and parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl or a blender.

 Marinating the shrimp and vegetables: Toss the shrimp and vegetables in the marinade, making sure they are evenly coated. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

 Skewering the ingredients: Thread the shrimp and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between the shrimp and vegetables. Be careful not to pack the skewers too tightly or the ingredients won't cook evenly.

 Grilling the skewers: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and the vegetables are slightly charred and tender. 

 Serving the skewers: Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the top and garnish the skewers with additional herbs and lemon slices for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks

• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 8 wooden skewers

Instructions

1. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

3. Thread shrimp, zucchini, and bell peppers onto the skewers, alternating between the ingredients.

4. Brush the skewers with the marinade, making sure to coat all sides.

5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 5 minutes on each side or until shrimp are cooked through and vegetables are slightly charred.

6. Remove from grill and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Preparation Time 20 min

Cook Time 10 min

Total time 30 min

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 225

Fat: 11 g

Saturated Fat: 1.5 g

Carbohydrates: 10 g

Fiber: 3 g

Sugar: 5 g

Protein: 22 g

Regional Ingredients Variations of Grilled Shrimp and Vegetable Skewers

Liguria, they may use some cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and some fresh basil leaves for the skewers, and may dress them with some lemon juice and olive oil after grilling. This variation is commonly known as "Spiedini di Gamberi e Verdure alla Ligure."

Sardinia, they may use some red onion, bell pepper, and some cherry tomatoes for the skewers, and may marinate them in some mirto (a Sardinian liqueur) and juniper berries before grilling. This variation is commonly known as "Spiedini di Gamberi e Verdure alla Sarda."

Sicily, they may use some eggplant, bell pepper, and some cherry tomatoes for the skewers, and may sprinkle them with some breadcrumbs and a drizzle of honey after grilling. This variation is commonly known as "Spiedini di Gamberi e Verdure alla Siciliana."

Campania, they may use some cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and some zucchini for the skewers, and may coat them with some garlic, parsley, and breadcrumbs before grilling. This variation is commonly known as "Spiedini di Gamberi e Verdure alla Campana."

Tuscany, they may use some asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and some red onion for the skewers, and may serve them with some balsamic glaze and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese after grilling. This variation is commonly known as "Spiedini di Gamberi e Verdure alla Toscana." 

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