Delicious Grilled Spiced Shrimp Kabobs with Zhoug Sauce

Grilled Spiced Shrimp Kabobs

Summer grilling season is upon us, and there’s nothing quite like the delectable taste of freshly grilled shrimp kabobs to elevate your outdoor dining experience. This Grilled Spiced Shrimp Kabobs recipe delivers an explosion of flavors with every bite, thanks to the zesty Zhoug sauce that accompanies it. With bright notes from herbs and spices, it makes for a dish that’s not only mouthwatering but also visually stunning, making it perfect for impressing your guests.

The magic of this dish lies in the marinade, which combines garlic, fresh basil, lemon juice, and an extra virgin olive oil blend. This not only infuses the shrimp with irresistible flavor but also helps in keeping them tender and juicy. Plus, the Zhoug sauce, packed with fresh cilantro and parsley, adds a vibrant green hue that complements the grilled shrimp beautifully.

Before we dive into the recipe, here’s a little note about selecting shrimp: When purchasing, look for uncooked peeled and deveined shrimp labeled by count per pound. Larger shrimp result in a satisfying bite, and they grill to perfection without drying out. It’s a simple, elegant dish that can easily become your summer go-to!

Ingredients

• 8 metal skewers or wooden skewers*
• 1-1/4 lbs. extra-large peeled deveined shrimp
• 1 c cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, cut into 1-2” pieces
• 1 red or yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-2” pieces

Marinade Ingredients:

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 T. fresh basil, chopped
• 1 T freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 T extra virgin olive oil
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Zhoug Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 c. fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 c. fresh parsley, chopped
• 4 fresh jalapeño peppers, stems and seeds removed
• 1/2 c. extra virgin olive oil
• 4 medium garlic cloves
• Approximately 1 t. sea salt, more or less to taste
• 1 t. cumin
• 1/2 t. ground coriander
• 1/2 t. chili flakes

Directions

1. Add the shrimp to a deep bowl along with the marinade ingredients (garlic, basil, lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper to taste). Mix well and let the shrimp marinate for 30 minutes.
2. While the shrimp marinates, prepare the Zhoug sauce by blending cilantro, parsley, jalapeños, garlic, salt, cumin, and chili flakes in a food processor. Pulse until well combined.
3. With the processor running, slowly add olive oil and pulse until the mixture transforms into a thick sauce.
4. Thread the shrimp alternately with cherry tomatoes, onion, and bell pepper onto the skewers.
5. Preheat your grill (or grill pan) over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium. Lightly oil the grate and cook the skewers until the shrimp are no longer translucent, around 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Carefully remove the skewers from the grill and place them on a serving platter. Serve hot with the Zhoug sauce drizzled over or on the side.

These Grilled Spiced Shrimp Kabobs with Zhoug sauce are perfect for any occasion! Enjoy the vibrant flavors and stunning presentation at your next barbecue. Have you tried making shrimp kabobs before? Share your experiences in the comments below!