Ah, shrimp—those delightful little sea morsels that somehow manage to be both fancy and comfort food. Picture this: you’re at a backyard barbecue, the sun is setting, and the air is filled with the zesty aroma of lemon and the fiery kick of Sriracha. These spicy grilled lemon Sriracha shrimp skewers are not just a dish; they’re a love letter to summer evenings and spontaneous gatherings.
Steps
- Mix the marinade ingredients—olive oil, honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and sriracha—in a resealable bag. Shake the bag to thoroughly combine the ingredients.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least one hour, but no more than four hours, to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the shrimp from the marinade and thread them onto skewers securely.
- Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and firm. Be cautious not to overcook them.
- Once grilled, you can garnish the shrimp with chopped parsley and lemon wedges if you prefer. Serve the skewers as they are, or remove the shrimp for serving with your choice of side dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails can be left on if preferred)
- For the marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably reduced sodium)
- Juice from 2 lemons
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust for more spice if desired)
- Optional for garnish:
- Lemon wedges
- Chopped parsley
FAQ
- How do you prepare the marinade for grilled sriracha shrimp?
- To prepare the marinade, combine olive oil, honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and sriracha in a resealable bag. Shake well to mix the ingredients before adding the shrimp.
- How long should you marinate the shrimp?
- The shrimp should marinate for at least one hour, but you can leave it in the marinade for up to four hours for more flavor.
- What type of shrimp is recommended for this recipe?
- The recipe suggests using large shrimp, specifically extra-large shrimp with a count of under 15. However, smaller shrimp can also be used if that’s what you have available.
- Can you adjust the spiciness of the shrimp?
- Yes, the amount of sriracha in the marinade can be increased if you prefer a spicier dish. The recipe uses a modest amount to ensure it’s not too spicy for children.
- What are some serving suggestions for grilled sriracha shrimp?
- The shrimp can be served directly on skewers or removed before serving. They pair well with grilled side dishes like asparagus foil packets, loaded potato packets, or served over rice with fresh bread.
Tips
- Marinate in Advance: Prepare the marinade ahead of time and let the shrimp soak for at least an hour, or up to four hours. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the shrimp, enhancing the taste.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the amount of sriracha. This can add an extra kick without compromising the overall flavor profile.
- Avoid Overcooking: Grill the shrimp until they turn pink and firm, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes per side. Overcooking can make the shrimp tough and rubbery, so watch them closely.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the grilled shrimp with a side of grilled vegetables or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. Consider adding a fresh loaf of bread to soak up any extra marinade or juices.
Equipment
- Skewers (preferably metal or reusable ones)
- Grill (if you do not already have one)
- Resealable plastic bags (for marinating)
