Mediterranean Shrimp and Veggies Skewers
Juicy, tender shrimp paired with colorful Mediterranean vegetables, marinated in a zesty lemon-herb dressing and grilled to perfection. Perfect as a light, healthy main dish or a show-stopping appetizer.
Prep & Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marination Time: 15-20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Ingredients:
For the skewers:
250g (about 1/2 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
1 small red onion, cut into wedges
10 cherry tomatoes
Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 20-30 minutes)
For the marinade:
3 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional: 1/4 tsp chili flakes for subtle heat
For garnish (optional):
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Lemon wedges
Instructions:
1. Marinate the shrimp:
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
Add shrimp to the marinade, toss until evenly coated, and let sit for 15-20 minutes.
2. Prepare the skewers:
Alternate threading shrimp and vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, onion, cherry tomatoes) onto the skewers.
Leave a little space between pieces to ensure even cooking.
3. Preheat the grill or grill pan:
Medium-high heat works best. If using a pan, lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
4. Cook the skewers:
Grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, turning carefully, until shrimp are pink and opaque, and vegetables are tender with slight char marks.
Total cooking time: 10-12 minutes.
5. Serve:
Arrange skewers on a platter.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and lemon wedges.
Optional: drizzle a little extra olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.
Tips:
Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning on the grill.
Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
You can switch vegetables based on seasonality: mushrooms, asparagus, or eggplant work beautifully.
Serve with a side of couscous, rice, or tzatziki for a full Mediterranean meal.
Marinate shrimp longer (up to 30 minutes) for more flavor, but avoid marinating too long with acidic ingredients to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Common Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before marinating for best results.
2. Can this recipe be cooked in the oven?
Absolutely! Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake for 8-10 minutes, then broil for 1-2 minutes to get slight char marks.
3. Can I prepare skewers ahead of time?
Yes. You can thread shrimp and veggies and refrigerate for a few hours. Marinate just before grilling.
4. Can I add a sauce?
Yes! Serve with a garlic-lemon yogurt sauce or tzatziki for extra creaminess.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~280 kcal
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 400 mg (depending on added salt and olives)