Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1 lb medium to large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
Marinade
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped capers
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For Serving and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges (optional)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soaked in water for 30 minutes)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped capers, salt, and pepper. This marinade will infuse the shrimp with that iconic tangy, savory piccata flavor.
- Marinate the shrimp: Add peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, tossing gently to coat each piece evenly. Let them marinate for 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature—this quick soak lets the flavors soak in without “cooking” the shrimp in the acidity.
- Prep the skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Thread 4 to 5 shrimp onto each skewer, making sure they lie flat and don’t overlap for even cooking.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, aiming for around 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. A hot grill will sear the shrimp quickly, locking in juiciness and creating those beautiful char marks.
- Grill the shrimp skewers: Place skewers on the grill and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender and juicy.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top. Optionally, drizzle any remaining marinade over the skewers for extra shine and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and garlic rather than bottled or powdered for vibrant flavors.
- Keep the shrimp in marinade less than 30 minutes to avoid a mushy texture.
- Choose similar-sized shrimp to ensure even cooking on the skewers.
- Preheat grill well to prevent sticking and add delicious charred flavor.
- Use tongs to gently turn the skewers to avoid piercing shrimp and losing juices.
- Serve immediately while warm and succulent.
- Optional: Brush lightly with extra marinade while grilling to boost tangy zest.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 shrimp skewers
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
Keywords: shrimp, grilled shrimp, piccata, seafood skewers, lemon shrimp, summer cookout, easy dinner, gluten free, quick recipe