If you love vibrant flavors that come together in a snap, then this Pesto Shrimp Skewers Recipe is about to become your new go-to summer treat. Juicy shrimp marinated and grilled with a luscious homemade pesto, each bite bursts with fresh basil, tangy lime, and savory Parmesan goodness. It’s a beautiful blend of crunchy grilled char spots and tender, buttery seafood that brings the perfect balance to your taste buds. Trust me, these skewers will quickly steal the spotlight at any cookout, weeknight dinner, or casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity fool you; each ingredient plays a starring role in building layers of flavor and texture. Fresh basil lends an herby brightness, lime juice adds a splash of tang, and Parmesan cheese brings that irresistible umami. Together with quality shrimp and garlic, these ingredients make this Pesto Shrimp Skewers Recipe both approachable and unforgettable.
- Chopped fresh basil: The heart of the pesto, brightening every bite with herbal freshness.
- Lime juice: Adds a zesty kick that balances the richness of the cheese and oil.
- Olive oil: Creates a silky base for the pesto that helps it coat the shrimp perfectly.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Gives depth and a savory edge to the pesto marinade.
- Minced garlic: Infuses a hearty, fragrant punch that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- Fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors, making everything pop.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity to the marinade.
- Peeled and deveined shrimp: The star of the dish, juicy and tender with a mild sweetness.
How to Make Pesto Shrimp Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Skewers
Start by firing up your grill to a nice medium heat, around 350 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This range is ideal for getting beautiful grill marks while cooking the shrimp evenly and quickly. Thread about five shrimp onto each skewer for easy flipping and serving.
Step 2: Whip Up Your Pesto
Pop the basil, lime juice, olive oil, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper into a strong blender or food processor. Pulse everything until it transforms into a vibrant, luscious pesto sauce that smells as incredible as it tastes. Set this flavorful mixture aside while you get ready to dress the shrimp.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp with Pesto
Using a brush, slather each side of your shrimp skewers with a generous layer of pesto. This step not only infuses them with bright, herby flavor but also helps keep the shrimp juicy as they cook. Don’t be shy—more pesto means more deliciousness!
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. As you flip, brush on more pesto to maintain that glossy, flavorful coating. Look for the shrimp to turn pink and curl up slightly, a sure sign they’re ready. If you want to be extra sure, give them a couple more minutes on each side, but be careful not to overcook.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once grilled to perfection, serve your Pesto Shrimp Skewers immediately while they’re at their juiciest. Their vibrant color and intoxicating aroma will invite everyone to dig in without hesitation.
How to Serve Pesto Shrimp Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your skewers from simple to stunning. Try a sprinkle of chopped basil or a few lemon wedges to squeeze over, which brings extra brightness and complements the lime in the pesto. A light dusting of grated Parmesan right before serving is always a nice touch, too.
Side Dishes
These pesto shrimp skewers pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them alongside a crisp green salad, garlic roasted potatoes, or a fluffy couscous salad for a perfect balance. Grilled veggies like zucchini or bell peppers also make wonderful companions that echo the smokiness of the shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the skewers over herbed rice or alongside garlic butter crostini for dipping. You can also thread the shrimp alongside cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls for a colorful skewer platter. If hosting a party, arrange them on a large wooden board with bowls of extra pesto for guests to enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The shrimp will keep their flavor but lose a bit of that fresh, grilled texture, so be mindful when planning your meals.
Freezing
While shrimp skewers are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked shrimp separately without the skewers. Store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to avoid rubberiness.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat just long enough to warm them through, brushing on a little pesto or olive oil to keep them tender. Avoid microwaving, which can toughen the shrimp and diminish their fresh flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Pesto Shrimp Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating to ensure the pesto sticks well and the shrimp grills beautifully.
Is it possible to make the pesto in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the pesto a day or two ahead and keep it refrigerated in a sealed container. Just bring it to room temperature and give it a stir before brushing it on the shrimp.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or Asiago make excellent alternatives, offering a similar salty, nutty flavor that enhances the pesto.
Can I bake or pan-sear the shrimp instead of grilling?
Definitely! Baking at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes or pan-searing over medium-high heat works well if you don’t have a grill on hand. Just be sure to baste with pesto as you cook for maximum flavor.
How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?
Make sure to oil the grill grates well before placing the skewers down. You can also brush the shrimp with olive oil before adding pesto to create a barrier that helps prevent sticking.
Final Thoughts
This Pesto Shrimp Skewers Recipe is a true celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors that can be whipped up quickly for any occasion. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with elegance, making every bite feel like a little fiesta. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch how these skewers disappear from the plate faster than you can say “delicious!” Happy grilling!
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Pesto Shrimp Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This vibrant Pesto Shrimp recipe features succulent shrimp grilled to perfection with a zesty homemade basil pesto. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a fresh and flavorful dish perfect for a quick dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Pesto
- 1 cup chopped fresh basil
- ½ lime, juiced
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off (about 20 shrimp)
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat, between 350°F and 450°F. This ensures the shrimp cook evenly and get a nice char without burning.
- Prepare the pesto: Combine the chopped basil, lime juice, olive oil, grated Parmesan, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a strong blender or food processor. Pulse until the ingredients are fully blended into a smooth pesto sauce. Set aside for brushing.
- Skewer the shrimp: Thread 5 shrimp onto each skewer, making sure they are spaced evenly for even cooking.
- Brush with pesto: Generously brush both sides of the shrimp with the prepared pesto sauce to infuse flavor before grilling.
- Grill the shrimp: Place the pesto-brushed shrimp on the grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. While grilling, continue to brush shrimp with more pesto as you flip them to build layers of flavor. Shrimp are done when they turn pink and white and shrink slightly.
- Finish cooking if needed: If the shrimp are not fully cooked after the initial time, continue grilling for another 2 minutes on each side until fully opaque and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the shrimp from the grill and serve immediately while hot. Enjoy the fresh, herbaceous taste of the pesto combined with smoky grilled shrimp.
Notes
- Keep shrimp tails on for easy handling on skewers and extra flavor, or remove tails if preferred.
- If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can be adapted for stovetop grilling or broiling in the oven using a broiler pan.
- Use fresh basil for the pesto for the best vibrant flavor; dried basil will not have the same impact.
- Be mindful not to overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
