Smoked Shrimp Agean
Smoked Shrimp Aegean offers tender, smoky jumbo shrimp infused with olive oil, lime, garlic, and herbs, perfect for seafood lovers seeking bold Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Shell and devein raw shrimp.
- Wash the shrimp.
- Marinate shrimp overnight in olive oil, lime juice, chopped garlic, coarsely ground pepper, oregano, and salt.
- Skewer shrimp shoulder to shoulder on skewers.
- Build a medium fire with charcoal or wood.
- Place damp hickory chips on white hot coals.
- Cook shrimp for 4 minutes with the cover closed.
- Brush the shrimp with marinade during cooking.
- Cook for 10 minutes longer.
- Turn the shrimp over on the skewers.
- Brush again with marinade.
- Add more hickory chips to maintain smoke.
- Smoke the shrimp for an additional 10 minutes, ensuring they are not placed directly over the coals.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, let the shrimp marinate overnight to fully absorb the flavors. If you don't have hickory chips, mesquite or applewood can be great alternatives for smoking. Ensure the shrimp are fresh and well-cleaned to enhance the overall taste. Adjust the seasoning to your preference; adding a pinch of cayenne can introduce a nice heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the smoked shrimp warm, garnished with fresh lime wedges and chopped parsley. They pair beautifully with a light salad or grilled vegetables for a refreshing meal. For a complete feast, consider serving alongside Mediterranean recipes like Feta Tomato Basil Fish. These shrimp also make an excellent addition to a seafood platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover smoked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Smoked Shrimp Agean contains roughly 843 calories, with 33g protein, 204g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (302% of the Daily Value), iron (215% of the Daily Value), and calcium (134% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 612mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but ensure they are fully thawed and drained before marinating. This will help them absorb the marinade better and cook evenly. Always check the packaging for instructions on thawing to maintain their texture and flavor.
What type of skewers should I use?
Bamboo skewers are a great choice, but if you use them, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Metal skewers are also an excellent option and can be reused multiple times. Ensure they are long enough to accommodate the shrimp comfortably without overcrowding.
How can I tell when the shrimp are done cooking?
Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn opaque and curl into a C shape, which usually takes about 14 minutes total when smoked. Overcooking can make shrimp rubbery, so keep an eye on them, especially during the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).