There’s something magical about the first warm days of summer, when the scent of food on the grill fills the air, and friends and family gather around, eager to indulge in a delicious, flavorful meal. If you’re looking for the perfect recipe to make the most of the season, Grilled Chimichurri Shrimp Skewers are just what you need. The smoky flavor of grilled shrimp, combined with the tangy and spicy notes of homemade chimichurri sauce, is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or simply looking for a quick, healthy weeknight dinner, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and incredibly versatile. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make these grilled shrimp skewers, from the ingredients to the grilling process. You’ll also find helpful tips, nutritional info, and even answers to some frequently asked questions to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love Grilled Chimichurri Shrimp Skewers
If you’re wondering why Grilled Chimichurri Shrimp Skewers should be your go-to recipe this summer, let’s dive into the reasons:
1. Bursting with Flavor
The star of this dish is the chimichurri sauce. It’s an Argentinian sauce that balances tangy red wine vinegar, fresh parsley, garlic, oregano, and a hint of heat from Fresno chile. The combination is irresistible! When paired with shrimp, it brings out the natural sweetness of the seafood while giving it an extra punch of flavor.
2. Quick and Easy
Who says a delicious meal has to be time-consuming? With only 20 minutes of prep time and a mere 6 minutes of cooking time, Grilled Chimichurri Shrimp Skewers are incredibly fast to prepare. Whether you’re short on time or just want something quick yet impressive, this dish fits the bill.
3. Healthy and Light
At just 330 calories per serving, these shrimp skewers are light and healthy, making them perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a tasty, guilt-free meal. The shrimp is a great source of lean protein, and the chimichurri sauce is packed with fresh herbs and healthy fats from the olive oil.
4. Versatile
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve these shrimp skewers with a variety of sides like rice, crusty bread, or a fresh salad. For a fuller meal, you can even add more veggies like grilled zucchini or bell peppers to the skewers.
Ingredients for Grilled Chimichurri Shrimp Skewers
Before you start, gather all the ingredients you’ll need for the shrimp and the chimichurri sauce. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients for both:
Chimichurri Sauce:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped
- 1 small Fresno chile, finely chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
Shrimp and Extras:
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp, raw
- 1/2 cup tzatziki (for serving)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (for serving)
- Bread or rice (for serving)
Preparation Tip:
If you have extra chimichurri sauce, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also makes an excellent marinade for other meats like chicken or steak!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilled Chimichurri Shrimp Skewers
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Grilled Chimichurri Shrimp Skewers.
1. Make the Chimichurri Sauce
The first step is preparing the vibrant chimichurri sauce. It’s the key ingredient that makes this dish truly stand out.
- Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, chopped parsley, Fresno chile, garlic, dried oregano, and salt.
- Blend Until Smooth: Process the ingredients until the sauce is smooth and well-combined. The chimichurri should have a slightly chunky texture with a vibrant green color.
- Divide Into Three Portions: For even flavor distribution, divide the chimichurri sauce into three portions: one for marinating the shrimp, one for brushing the shrimp while grilling, and one for tossing with the cherry tomatoes.
2. Prepare the Shrimp
While the chimichurri sauce is blending, get your shrimp ready.
- Thaw and Clean: If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely. Remove the shells and tails, then pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade stick to the shrimp.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a large bowl and toss them with one portion of the chimichurri sauce. Let them marinate for at least 10 minutes. If you have more time, you can marinate them for up to 30 minutes.
3. Skewer the Shrimp
Next, you’ll thread the shrimp onto skewers. Wooden skewers work best, but if you use metal skewers, there’s no need to soak them beforehand.
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning while grilling.
- Thread the Shrimp: Carefully thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, ensuring they are spaced evenly. This ensures they cook evenly on the grill.
4. Grill the Shrimp Skewers
Now comes the fun part—grilling!
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Shrimp: Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and have grill marks.
- Brush with Chimichurri Sauce: While grilling, use a brush to apply the second portion of chimichurri sauce to the shrimp for added flavor.
5. Prepare the Cherry Tomatoes
While the shrimp is grilling, prepare the fresh cherry tomatoes to serve alongside the skewers.
- Toss with Chimichurri: In a small bowl, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with the remaining chimichurri sauce. This adds a fresh, tangy contrast to the smoky shrimp.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once the shrimp is done, it’s time to serve your Grilled Chimichurri Shrimp Skewers.
- Serve with Sides: Plate the shrimp skewers and serve them with rice, crusty bread, and a side of tzatziki sauce. The cooling tzatziki balances the heat from the chimichurri sauce and adds a creamy texture to each bite.
- Add the Tomatoes: Add the chimichurri-coated cherry tomatoes to the plate, and garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Tips and Variations for Perfect Chimichurri Shrimp Skewers
To make this recipe even better, here are some tips and variations you can try:
1. Adjust the Heat
If you love heat, add more Fresno Chile or include a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the chimichurri sauce. For a milder version, reduce the amount of Chile or omit it entirely.
2. Grill Vegetables Alongside the Shrimp
For a more well-rounded meal, skewer and grill some vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, onions, or mushrooms are great options. Simply toss them in some olive oil and salt before grilling.
3. Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor
While 10-30 minutes of marinating time will give the shrimp great flavor, you can let them marinate for up to an hour for an even richer taste. Just be sure not to marinate for too long, as the acid in the vinegar can begin to cook the shrimp.
4. Make It a Complete Meal
Pair your Grilled Chimichurri Shrimp Skewers with a side salad or some sautéed greens for a light, healthy meal. If you’re serving this dish for a large crowd, you can also offer a variety of dipping sauces like spicy mayo or lemon butter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them completely before marinating and grilling. Frozen shrimp works perfectly in this recipe!
Can I make chimichurri sauce in advance?
Absolutely! Chimichurri sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together, making it even better the next day!
Can I substitute the Fresno chile with another pepper?
Yes! If you can’t find Fresno chiles, feel free to use jalapeños or red chili flakes for a similar level of heat. Adjust the amount to your preference.
What can I serve with Grilled Chimichurri Shrimp Skewers?
These shrimp skewers pair wonderfully with rice, crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or even grilled vegetables. For an added touch, serve a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping.
Conclusion: The Perfect Summer Meal Is Just a Grill Away
Grilled Chimichurri Shrimp Skewers are a simple yet impressive dish that brings together fresh, vibrant flavors and the smoky essence of grilled shrimp. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or making a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. The combination of tender shrimp, tangy chimichurri, and juicy tomatoes is a winning combination that is both healthy and satisfying. So, fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this flavorful summer dish!
More Recipe Suggestions:
Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Thighs
Air-Fried Chimichurri Chicken Thighs
Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice
Grilled Chimichurri Shrimp Skewers
Equipment
- Large Cast Iron Grill Pan Optional
Ingredients
Chimichurri Sauce:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup parsley finely chopped
- 1 small Fresno Chile finely chopped
- 3 –4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
Shrimp and Extras:
- 1- pound jumbo shrimp raw
- 1/2 cup tzatziki for serving
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved, for serving
- Bread or rice for serving
Instructions
Chimichurri:
- Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, parsley, Fresno Chile, garlic, oregano, and salt in a food processor and blend until smooth. Divide into three portions.
Prepare the Shrimp:
- Thaw shrimp if frozen and remove shells and tails. Pat dry and toss with one portion of the chimichurri sauce.
Grill the Skewers:
- Thread shrimp onto pre-soaked wooden skewers. Grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side or until opaque. Use another portion of the sauce to brush the shrimp while grilling.
Serving:
- Toss cherry tomatoes with the remaining chimichurri. Serve the grilled shrimp with cherry tomatoes, rice or bread, and a side of tzatziki.
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