I’ve got to tell you about my latest obsession: Summer Grilled Chimichurri Shrimp Skewers. Seriously, these little bites of goodness are marinated in tangy chimichurri sauce, and when you grill them, oh boy, they’re pure heaven. Perfect for those backyard get-togethers where you want to impress but not stress over the food. If you think grilling shrimp is tricky, just wait until you see how easy it is—trust me, it’s a game changer. So, are you ready to fire up that grill?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When you fire up the grill, there’s something magical about the scent of shrimp mingling with fresh chimichurri sauce wafting through the air.
You might think cooking shrimp is tricky, but let me tell you, grilled chimichurri shrimp skewers are as easy as pie.
The vibrant flavors dance on your taste buds, making each bite a celebration. I’ve had guests rave about these skewers, asking for the recipe, which always makes me feel like a culinary rock star.
Plus, they take just minutes to grill, so you can impress friends without sweating in the kitchen.
Seriously, what’s not to love?
With a squeeze of lime, these skewers become the ultimate summer dish. You’ll never want shrimp any other way.
Equipment List
Cooking up some delicious grilled chimichurri shrimp skewers is a blast, but before we plunge in, let’s talk equipment.
First things first, you’ll need a grill—whether it’s gas or charcoal, pick your favorite.
I also grab some skewers, preferably metal because, honestly, I’m forgetful and don’t want to soak wooden ones.
You’ll want a brush to slather on that extra chimichurri while grilling.
A pair of tongs is a must for flipping those shrimp without losing them to the great outdoors.
Finally, keep a sharp knife and cutting board handy.
Trust me, it makes things smoother when you’re prepping.
Just imagine yourself, armed with this gear, ready to grill up a flavor explosion. Sounds good, right? Using premium kitchen gadgets can enhance your grilling experience and make cooking more enjoyable.
Our Ingredients
To whip up a batch of scrumptious grilled chimichurri shrimp skewers, you’ll need a few key ingredients that will elevate this dish to a whole other level. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp marinated in a zesty chimichurri sauce, kissed by the grill, and served with a burst of lime. It’s like a summer fiesta on a stick.
Now, let’s dive right into what you’ll need to gather for this delightful recipe.
- 2 lbs jumbo shrimp, deveined and peeled
- 1 cup chimichurri sauce
- 1 tsp taco seasoning (optional)
- Olive oil (to brush)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Fresh cilantro (optional garnish)
- Cotija cheese (optional garnish)
Now, let’s talk about a few important considerations regarding these ingredients. Fresh jumbo shrimp are really the star of this dish, so it’s worth splurging a bit for quality seafood. Look for shrimp that’s firm and has a sweet smell—if it smells fishy, that’s a hard pass.
The chimichurri sauce is what adds that punchy flavor; store-bought is perfectly fine in a pinch, but if you want to go the homemade route, it’s a fun adventure. And hey, the optional taco seasoning? It’s like a little flavor surprise; if you’re feeling adventurous, try it out, but don’t stress if you want to keep it classic.
Finally, those lime wedges aren’t just for show—they add a fresh, tangy brightness that really ties everything together. So, gather your goodies and get ready for some grilling fun.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Grilled Chimichurri Shrimp Skewers is both a delightful and easy endeavor. In just a few steps, you’ll transform juicy shrimp into a zesty, grilled masterpiece that’s perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Let’s embark on the process of creating these tasty skewers that are sure to impress.
1. Marinate the Shrimp: Start by taking 2 lbs of jumbo shrimp, which are already deveined and peeled, and toss them into a bowl.
Pour in 1 cup of chimichurri sauce, and if you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in 1 tsp of taco seasoning. Give everything a gentle stir to make sure the shrimp are well coated.
Now, let them marinate for around 10–15 minutes. (This allows the flavors to soak in—so don’t skip this step!)
2. Preheat the Grill: While the shrimp are soaking up all that deliciousness, it’s time to preheat your grill.
Aim for a medium-high heat and don’t forget to oil the grates with some olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and makes flipping the shrimp a breeze.
3. Thread the Shrimp onto Skewers: Grab some skewers and thread about 5–6 marinated shrimp onto each one.
(If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them for 20-30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning when they hit the heat.)
You want them snug, but not crammed together—think shrimp dance party!
4. Grill the Shrimp: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side.
Look for that beautiful pink and opaque color that tells you the shrimp is done. It’s like a magical transformation!
During grilling, brush the shrimp with a little extra chimichurri sauce. (This adds some extra zing—trust me, it’s worth it.)
5. Serve and Enjoy: Once the shrimp are ready, remove the skewers from the grill and serve them immediately with lime wedges on the side.
If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle on some fresh cilantro and cotija cheese for an extra pop of flavor and color.
And there you have it—a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any summer occasion.
Just make sure to give those shrimp a little love while grilling—they deserve it! Additionally, having the right kitchen appliances can elevate your breakfast cooking experience, making it easier to prepare delicious meals like these skewers.
Tips & Variations
While preparing these chimichurri shrimp skewers is a breeze, there are a few tips and variations that can elevate your grilling game even further. First off, don’t skip soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 20–30 minutes—trust me, you don’t want them turning to charcoal.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of lime juice to the chimichurri sauce or tossing in some garlic for added zing. Double the marinade and use it as a drizzle right before serving; it packs a punch.
And if shrimp isn’t your thing, swap it out for chicken or even veggies. Who knew grilling could be this versatile? Just remember, whatever you choose, have fun with it!
How to Serve?
Serving up your grilled chimichurri shrimp skewers is half the fun, and trust me, it can turn a simple meal into a lively feast.
I like to arrange the skewers on a big platter, letting the colors pop. Don’t forget to drizzle more chimichurri on top—more flavor is always better, right? Lime wedges are a must for that zesty kick; I squeeze them on right before diving in.
If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle cilantro and cotija cheese over the top. It’s a little touch that makes a big difference.
And let’s be real, everyone loves grabbing their own skewer. Sure, I might drop one or two in the process, but hey, who doesn’t enjoy a little shrimp drama at dinner?
Storage & Reheating Guide
Even when I’m craving those delicious grilled chimichurri shrimp skewers days after making them, I still want to guarantee they taste just as good as when they first came off the grill.
To store any leftovers, let them cool completely, then pop them in an airtight container. They’ll hold up in the fridge for about 2-3 days.
When it’s time to indulge again, I simply reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave, but if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll fire up the grill again for a quick warm-up.
Just remember to watch them closely; nobody wants rubbery shrimp.
And trust me, a squeeze of fresh lime over the top works wonders, bringing that vibrant flavor back to life. An effective way to preserve leftovers is using a vacuum sealer, which helps maintain their freshness and prevents freezer burn.
Final Thoughts
Grilled shrimp skewers can transform any meal into a summer celebration, and I can’t help but smile when I think of the vibrant flavors that come together in this dish. Seriously, the freshness of the chimichurri and the juicy shrimp? It’s like a burst of sunshine on your plate.
I often find myself grilling these for gatherings, and they disappear faster than I can say “skewered shrimp.” Plus, they’re so easy to whip up—perfect for when you want to impress without stressing.
Don’t forget the lime wedges; they add that zing that ties it all together. So, whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a quiet dinner, these skewers are guaranteed to elevate your summer meals.
What’re you waiting for?
