Greek Shrimp Marinade for Grilling Recipe
This Greek Shrimp Marinade recipe is perfect for grilling season, featuring a flavorful blend of Mediterranean herbs and lemon that infuses shrimp with vibrant taste. Marinated shrimp on skewers are grilled to juicy perfection and garnished with fresh dill, parsley, and feta cheese, offering a delightful combination perfect for summer meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Marinade and Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or removed)
- 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 lemon, juiced plus 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh dill and parsley for garnish
- Fresh feta cheese for garnish
- Tzatziki sauce (for serving)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning. Alternatively, metal skewers can be used directly.
- Make Marinade: In a large ziplock bag or medium bowl, combine olive oil, dried dill, dried parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, garlic powder, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create the marinade.
- Marinate Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the marinade and gently toss with tongs or hands to coat all shrimp evenly. Seal the bag or cover bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes; do not marinate longer than 2 hours to avoid breakdown of shrimp due to lemon acid.
- Thread Shrimp: Remove shrimp from marinade and thread them onto soaked wooden or metal skewers evenly.
- Heat Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grill grates or spray with cooking spray to prevent shrimp from sticking.
- Grill Shrimp: Place shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 3-5 minutes per side. Shrimp are done when the exterior is pink and the inside meat is white and opaque. Avoid overcooking to maintain tender texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove skewers from grill and garnish with fresh dill, parsley, and crumbled feta cheese. Serve with lemon wedges and tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.
- Alternate Broiler Method: Preheat the broiler and lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray. Arrange shrimp skewers on the sheet and broil for 3 minutes on each side or until shrimp turn pink and opaque inside.
Notes
- Serve with tzatziki sauce and an orzo salad for a complete meal.
- Grilled vegetables make a great accompaniment cooked alongside the shrimp skewers.
- This shrimp is versatile and can be served over salads, rice, or quinoa bowls.
- Do not marinate shrimp for more than 2 hours due to lemon juice acidity causing a mushy texture.
- Wooden skewers must be soaked before grilling to prevent burning.
