Spicy Skewered Shrimp
Juicy, spicy shrimp skewers marinated in a vibrant blend of turmeric, herbs, and cayenne, perfect for summer barbecues or entertaining guests with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Whisk together olive oil, turmeric, black pepper, garlic, basil, mint, red cayenne pepper, and red-wine vinegar to make the marinade.
- Rinse the shrimp and pat dry with paper towels.
- Toss the shrimp in the marinade to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours or overnight, tossing occasionally.
- Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before grilling.
- Preheat the grill.
- Remove the shrimp from the marinade, reserving the marinade.
- Thread the shrimp onto skewers.
- Grill the shrimp in a seafood basket until pink, about 3 to 5 minutes, turning 3 or 4 times and basting with the marinade.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, increase the red cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. If fresh herbs aren't available, dried basil and mint can be used, but reduce the amounts since dried herbs are more potent. Ensure the shrimp are deveined for optimal flavor. For a unique twist, consider using the marinade for Fish Kabobs instead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spicy skewered shrimp hot off the grill with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness. Pair with a refreshing cucumber salad or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Phyllo-Wrapped Fried Shrimp Robson for a seafood feast. Consider serving with a cool yogurt sauce to balance the heat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place shrimp in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent drying out. Heat gently until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the shrimp rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Skewered Shrimp contains roughly 1236 calories, with 3g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 131g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (86% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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, frozen shrimp can be used, but ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating. This will help the marinade adhere better and prevent excess moisture during grilling.
How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking?
Shrimp are perfectly cooked when they turn pink and opaque, usually taking about 3 to 5 minutes on the grill. Be careful not to overcook them as they can become tough. A good indicator is when they curl into a C-shape.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Absolutely! The marinade can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just make sure to give it a good stir before adding the shrimp.
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).