Dill and Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Dill and Garlic Shrimp Skewers Recipe - Flavorful & Easy Grilled Dish

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Dill and Garlic Shrimp Skewers are a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a light and refreshing meal. The combination of fresh dill, garlic, and lemon juice creates a zesty marinade that perfectly complements the succulent shrimp. These skewers are easy to prepare and cook quickly, making them a great option for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends and family.

History

The combination of dill and garlic in seafood dishes has been a popular culinary tradition for centuries. Dill is a versatile herb that adds a fresh and slightly tangy flavor to dishes, while garlic adds a rich and savory taste. When combined with shrimp, these ingredients create a harmonious blend of flavors that is both delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients

18 large garlic cloves, unpeeled
1 tbsp dill seed
2 tbsp minced fresh dill
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
0.5 tsp dried hot red pepper flakes
0.67 cup vegetable oil
18 x 8 inches wooden skewers, soaked in warm water for 1 hour
18 large shrimp, shelled

How to prepare

Boil the garlic cloves in a saucepan of boiling water for 15 to 20 minutes, until they are tender but not soft. Drain and carefully discard the peel, keeping the cloves whole.
In a bowl, whisk together the dill seed, fresh dill, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
While whisking, slowly add the oil to the mixture until the marinade is emulsified.
Thread a shrimp and 1 garlic clove onto the end of each skewer.
Arrange the skewers, with the shrimp end down, in a bowl that is just large enough to hold them.
Pour the marinade over the shrimp and let them marinate. Cover loosely and refrigerate for 3 hours, basting them occasionally.
Drain the shrimp and arrange them in a shallow baking pan.
Bake the shrimp in the upper third of a preheated oven at 425°F (218°C) for 1 to 2 minutes, or until they are just cooked through.

Variations

Substitute the shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
Add chopped bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes to the skewers for added flavor and color.
Use different herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or basil in place of dill for a unique twist on the recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 1 hour before using them to prevent them from burning during cooking.

- Marinate the shrimp for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop and infuse into the shrimp.

- Cook the shrimp just until they are opaque and cooked through to avoid overcooking and making them tough and rubbery.

- Serve the skewers with a side of rice, salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Dill and Garlic Shrimp Skewers with a side of rice pilaf, a fresh green salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the garlic cloves before peeling to make them tender and easier to skewer.

- Marinate the shrimp for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Bake the shrimp in the oven at a high temperature to cook them quickly and evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use dried dill in place of fresh dill if fresh dill is not available.

- Substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.

- Use olive oil or avocado oil in place of vegetable oil for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the marinade and marinate the shrimp in advance to save time on the day of cooking.

- Skewer the shrimp and garlic cloves ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Dill and Garlic Shrimp Skewers on a platter garnished with fresh dill sprigs and lemon wedges. - Arrange the skewers on a bed of mixed greens or rice for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Dill and Garlic Shrimp Skewers with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

- Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious marinade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Dill and Garlic Shrimp Skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the skewers in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Dill and Garlic Shrimp Skewers contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Dill and Garlic Shrimp Skewers contains approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Dill and Garlic Shrimp Skewers contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Dill and Garlic Shrimp Skewers contains approximately 12 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Dill and Garlic Shrimp Skewers are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp) and garlic, which may be allergens for some individuals. Please check for any food allergies before consuming.

Summary

Dill and Garlic Shrimp Skewers are a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in carbohydrates and calories, high in proteins, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Dill and Garlic Shrimp Skewers are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a zesty marinade and succulent shrimp, these skewers are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy this delicious recipe as a light and refreshing meal that is both nutritious and satisfying.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Sarah in her quaint little beach house by the sea. Sarah and I have been friends for many years, and I always looked forward to our visits because she was not only a wonderful friend but also an incredible cook.

On this particular day, Sarah had planned a barbecue on the beach for dinner. As we sat on the porch, sipping on ice-cold lemonade and chatting about old times, the delicious aroma of grilled seafood wafted through the air. I couldn't help but ask Sarah what she was cooking.

She grinned mischievously and said, "I'm making my famous Dill and Garlic Shrimp Skewers. Would you like to learn how to make them?" My eyes lit up with excitement, as I had always admired Sarah's cooking skills and had never tried this particular recipe before.

As we made our way to the kitchen, Sarah handed me a bowl filled with plump, juicy shrimp, fresh dill, garlic, and a few other secret ingredients. She guided me through the process of marinating the shrimp in a fragrant mixture of dill, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. The scent that filled the room was absolutely intoxicating, and I knew that this was going to be a recipe that I would treasure forever.

Once the shrimp had marinated for a while, Sarah showed me how to thread them onto skewers and grill them to perfection. As the skewers sizzled on the barbecue, I couldn't help but admire the beautiful caramelization that was forming on the shrimp. The vibrant green dill and the aromatic garlic combined to create a mouthwatering dish that was as beautiful as it was delicious.

As we sat on the beach, enjoying the fruits of our labor, I took a bite of the Dill and Garlic Shrimp Skewers and was instantly transported to a state of pure bliss. The flavors were bold and bright, with the dill lending a fresh herbal note to the dish and the garlic adding a warm, earthy richness.

I couldn't believe how simple and yet how incredibly flavorful this recipe was. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the ocean, I made a mental note to ask Sarah for the recipe before I left.

The next day, as I packed my bags to head back home, I asked Sarah for the recipe for her Dill and Garlic Shrimp Skewers. She smiled and reached for a tattered old recipe card that she kept tucked away in her recipe box. "This recipe has been passed down in my family for generations," she said. "I'm honored to share it with you."

I read through the recipe, taking note of the simple yet elegant ingredients and the methodical process that went into creating this masterpiece. I thanked Sarah profusely and promised to make this dish for my own family when I returned home.

And true to my word, I did just that. Over the years, I have refined and perfected the recipe for Dill and Garlic Shrimp Skewers, adding my own personal touch while still paying homage to the traditional flavors that make this dish so special. Whenever I make this dish, I am reminded of that magical summer day on the beach with Sarah, and I am grateful for the gift of this timeless recipe that she shared with me.

So, whenever I make these Dill and Garlic Shrimp Skewers for my loved ones, I tell them the story of how I learned to make this dish from my dear friend Sarah, and how it has become a cherished part of my family's culinary tradition. And I hope that one day, they too will pass down this recipe to their own loved ones, creating new memories and new stories to be shared around the dinner table.