(Feeds 2 as a main dish or makes 4 appetizer portions)
Ingredients:
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (from about two lemons)
- 4 large cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup good quality olive oil
- 1 lb. large fresh raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, tail-on
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish, optional
- Extra lemon slices for garnish, optional
Directions:
In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper. Stream in the olive oil and whisk ingredients until well combined. (The marinade can be made up to 1 day ahead, covered, and refrigerated – without the shrimp.) In a resealable bag, combine the shrimp with the marinade. Close the bag and refrigerate for about 15 to 20 minutes (longer time not recommended – see note below*). Heat grill to medium-high. Place shrimp on a prepared grill pan (see second note below**). Baste with marinade and grill about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until shrimp are plump and pink. Garnish with parsley and fresh sliced lemon. IMPORTANT: Discard any remaining raw unused marinade.
Shrimp Tips:
- *Marinating shrimp for short periods of time helps to infuse flavors and tenderize the shrimp. However, watch the clock. Marinating shrimp in lemon juice for an extended period is not recommended. Not only will it negatively affect the taste, but it also destroys the texture of the shrimp, rendering them rubbery.
- **Cooking shrimp on a grill pan is recommended to prevent them from falling through the grill grates. Or use wooden skewers (read more below). If you are concerned about your shrimp sticking to your grill pan, or you prefer to grill the shrimp in the oven on a baking sheet, lightly treat it first with non-cooking spray before heating.
- To bake the shrimp in the oven, preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. and bake shrimp for about 5 to 7 minutes, watching carefully. Or pan fry them over medium-high heat.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to feed more people if desired.
Other good things to know about shrimp:
- Shrimp have count numbers on the bag. It shows the numbers of shrimp in one pound. The lower the numbers on the bag, the bigger the shrimp will be.
- Shrimp cook quickly and only need a few minutes per side to cook. On a grill, they only need about two to three minutes per side on average. Note that larger shrimp tend to grill better.
- If preferred, shrimp can be cooked on prepared wooden skewers (wood food sticks soaked in water for about an hour before use.)
- Per The Cozy Cook, ½ lb. of shrimp per person is a good rule of thumb.
Serving recommendations:
- This shrimp dish is delicious served over rice or polenta. It’s also great alongside your favorite grilled vegetables or crisp green salad and French baguette.
- If you’re doing a wine pairing, bear in mind that you’ll want a light fruit flavor to counteract the intensity of the garlic. Therefore, a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc add a refreshing balance. Or choose beverages that are bubbly, light, or fruity – such as champagne, sparkling wine, or sparkling flavored spring water.
Looking for a great 4th of July burger recipe? If so, visit Amac’s Tasty Cheddar Ranch Burgers recipe!
If you make this recipe, please let us know how you enjoy it!