Lemon Basil Shrimp Recipe – A Quick and Flavorful Grilled Delight
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Description:
This Lemon Basil Shrimp recipe is a simple yet delicious way to elevate your seafood game, ideal for a summer barbecue or grilling night. If you love fresh basil, these juicy shrimp are marinated in a zesty blend of Dijon mustard, olive oil, and garlic, creating a rich and aromatic taste with every bite. The shrimp, when cooked on the grill or barbecue, develop a perfect balance of tenderness and smoky char, making them the perfect appetizer or main dish. Serve these flavorful prawns with some warm, crusty bread to soak up the tangy juices for a delightful meal. This recipe yields enough marinade to coat 12-18 prawns, ensuring plenty of flavor.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tiger shrimp (peeled and deveined) | 12-18 shrimp |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh basil leaves | 2-3 tablespoons (chopped) |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| White pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 193.1 kcal |
| Fat Content | 18.8 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 8.3 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 62.4 mg |
| Sodium Content | 155.5 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 2.4 g |
| Fiber Content | 0.3 g |
| Sugar Content | 0.4 g |
| Protein Content | 4.8 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Marinade:
Begin by preparing the marinade. In a shallow dish, combine the Dijon mustard, butter, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh basil, salt, and white pepper. Stir everything together until it forms a smooth mixture. Give it a taste and adjust the mustard or seasoning to your liking, if needed. The mustard will add a nice tangy depth to the shrimp, while the butter and olive oil create a rich base. -
Marinate the Shrimp:
Add the tiger shrimp to the marinade, ensuring that each shrimp is evenly coated with the mixture. Once the shrimp are thoroughly coated, cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. The longer you let the shrimp marinate, the more the flavors will infuse into the shrimp, making each bite bursting with freshness. -
Skewer the Shrimp:
After the shrimp have marinated, remove them from the dish and thread them onto skewers. This will make grilling easier and prevent the shrimp from falling through the grates. If you don’t have wooden skewers, metal skewers work just as well, and they won’t burn during grilling. -
Grill the Shrimp:
Preheat your grill or barbecue to medium heat. Once hot, place the shrimp skewers onto the grill. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, basting them occasionally with any leftover marinade. As the shrimp cook, they will turn a beautiful pink and opaque, signaling that they are ready to be served. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the shrimp are cooked to perfection, remove them from the skewers and serve immediately. For a complete meal, pair the shrimp with a side of rice or a fresh green salad. A slice of crusty bread to dip into the marinade juices is highly recommended. The balance of fresh basil, garlic, and tangy Dijon will have your taste buds dancing with joy!
Tips and Variations:
- Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade before marinating the shrimp.
- Use Frozen Shrimp: If fresh shrimp is not available, frozen shrimp work just as well. Simply thaw the shrimp before using and pat them dry to remove any excess water.
- Grilling Alternative: If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, you can also cook the shrimp on a stovetop grill pan or under the broiler for the same smoky flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: For a complete dinner, serve the grilled shrimp over a bed of pasta, quinoa, or alongside a simple vegetable stir-fry.
This Lemon Basil Shrimp recipe is a perfect example of how fresh ingredients can create an exciting and mouthwatering meal in under 30 minutes. With just a few pantry staples and some fresh basil, you can bring a taste of summer to your kitchen any time of year.
