Grilled Garlic & Herb Shrimp Recipe

Introduction

Today, we're exploring a delightful grilled seafood recipe that's perfect for any summer gathering or a cozy dinner at home: Grilled Garlic and Herb Shrimp. Brought to you by Chef John from FoodWishes.com, this recipe is not just any ordinary grilled shrimp dish. It's a celebration of fresh herbs, succulent shrimp, and the magical flavors that come together when they're cooked over an open flame. With a mortar and pestle, fresh herbs, garlic, and a few simple ingredients, you'll create a marinade that transforms good ol' shrimp into a gourmet meal.

Ingredients

• Fresh herbs (basil, oregano (Greek and Italian), Italian parsley, lemon thyme)
• Kosher salt
• Lemon zest
• Garlic cloves (about three)
• Olive oil
• Shrimp (peeled and deveined, 16-20 size recommended)
• Red pepper flakes (Aleppo pepper recommended)
• Cayenne pepper
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice

Preparation Steps

1. Herb Preparation: Begin by removing the leaves from the stems of your fresh herbs. For the thyme, take a minute or two to strip those little leaves off, as this will be essential for the marinade's flavor.

2. Marinade: In a mortar and pestle, combine kosher salt, lemon zest, sliced garlic, and the prepared fresh herbs. Give these ingredients a preliminary crush before chopping the herbs a bit with a knife. This pre-crushing makes it easier to achieve a finer texture once you return the herbs to the mortar. Add the chopped herbs back into the mortar, and crush until you achieve a fine, aromatic paste. Mix in a drizzle of olive oil initially, then add the rest once the mixture is sufficiently crushed to form a vibrant, green marinade.

3. Preparing the Shrimp: Marinate the peeled and deveined shrimp with two-thirds of the herb mixture, reserving one-third for later use. Ensure the shrimp are well-coated with the marinade, then let them sit in the fridge for about three hours.

4. Grilling: Skewer the shrimp, and grill them over a very hot charcoal grill for the best results. Aim for serious caramelization and those sought-after grill marks by using intense heat very close to the shrimp. Cook a few minutes per side until they're just cooked through and beautifully charred.

5. Finishing Sauce: While the shrimp are grilling, prepare the finishing sauce by whisking together the reserved herb mixture with red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and an extra drizzle of olive oil. This sauce should be vibrant, tangy, and slightly spicy, perfectly complementing the sweet and smoky shrimp.

6. Serving: Once grilled, arrange the shrimp on a platter and generously spoon over the finishing sauce. Garnish with lemon wedges for an added zesty kick.

Conclusion

Grilled Garlic and Herb Shrimp is a testament to the power of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create something truly spectacular. The combination of smoky, caramelized shrimp with the fragrant, herby sauce makes for a dish that's both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying to eat. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or just looking for a delicious way to enjoy seafood, this recipe is sure to impress. So, fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy one of the finest grilled seafood dishes out there.