The long-awaited season has finally arrived, ushering in the joy of outdoor living and, most importantly, the tantalizing aroma of grilling. Those cozy indoor dinners are happily replaced by al fresco feasts, where the air hums with conversation and the sizzle of delicious food. My trusty stainless steel spatulas and tongs have reclaimed their rightful place by the back door, always ready for action. The subtle scent of charcoal clinging to my clothes is a welcome reminder of recent evenings spent under the stars, perfecting grilled delights. Roasting pans gather dust as skewers take center stage, transforming everyday meals into exciting culinary adventures. Taco Tuesdays with neighbors evolve into lively gatherings featuring sizzling burgers, savory brats, and refreshing cold beers. Indeed, the grilling season is officially here, and we’re ready to embrace every moment of it.
And speaking of embracing the grilling season, we’re thrilled to announce a special giveaway today right here on the blog! Prepare yourselves for the chance to win a stunning new Weber grill. Yes, I’d say the season for open flames, smoky flavors, and delightful outdoor cooking has not just arrived, it’s flourishing!
Embracing the Great Outdoors: Grilling Season’s Grand Return
After what felt like an endlessly cold and challenging winter, a part of me truly wondered if this vibrant, outdoor season would ever grace us again. But here it is, finally, in all its sun-drenched glory! Our entire city seems to be reveling in its return. Every evening, as I stroll through the neighborhood, the unmistakable scent of charcoal and various grilled delicacies wafts through the air, creating a symphony of summer. While I’m quick to admit I’m no grill master extraordinaire, I pride myself on crafting simple yet incredibly flavorful dishes. And when it comes to grilling, skewers – or kabobs, as some prefer to call them – are undoubtedly my specialty. Their ease of preparation and stunning presentation make them a go-to for any gathering.
Last weekend, a craving for shrimp struck, inspiring me to adapt one of my cherished skillet recipes for the grill. The result? A truly magnificent and “scampi-rumptious” creation. Allow me to introduce you to the star of our summer menu:
Introducing: The Irresistible Shrimp Scampi Skewers!
As you might have delightfully inferred, this recipe captures the very essence of classic shrimp scampi – all that buttery, garlicky, lemony goodness – and elevates it by placing it directly onto your grill! This innovative approach not only infuses the shrimp with a beautiful smoky char but also streamlines the cooking process, making it perfect for effortless entertaining or a quick weeknight meal. The transformation from a beloved skillet dish to a grilled sensation is truly a game-changer for seafood lovers during the warmer months.
Elevate Your Grilling Game with a Weber Grill Giveaway!
And of course, when we talk about grilling, we’re not talking about just any grill. I am absolutely thrilled to announce a fantastic collaboration with the wonderful teams at Eat Shrimp and Weber Grills! Today, we’re giving away a truly gorgeous, brand-new charcoal grill to one lucky reader. This means one of you will have the perfect tool to create your very own succulent shrimp scampi skewers and countless other grilled masterpieces right in your backyard!
Weber graciously sent me a grill to test out, and I couldn’t have been happier to put it to use with these very skewers. Unsurprisingly, it performed like an absolute champion, delivering perfectly cooked shrimp with ease and precision. The robust construction and intuitive design of the Weber grill made the entire grilling process enjoyable and highly effective, truly showcasing why it’s a staple for grilling enthusiasts everywhere. Its consistent heat distribution ensures that every skewer achieves that desirable char without overcooking, which is crucial for delicate seafood like shrimp.
The Art of Simple Grilling: Crafting Your Shrimp Scampi Skewers
Just take a look at how these beauties turned out! They were incredibly tasty, undeniably good-looking (if I do say so myself), and remarkably easy to prepare. The secret to their success lies in a few simple steps and the vibrant flavors of the scampi sauce. This recipe truly proves that gourmet grilling doesn’t have to be complicated, making it accessible even for novice grillers.
To create these delectable skewers, the process is wonderfully straightforward. You’ll simply thread fresh, plump shrimp along with thin slices of bright, tangy lemons onto your skewers. A light seasoning of kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a touch of crushed red pepper flakes (for a subtle kick!) is all they need before hitting the grill. Cook them for just a few minutes per side until they turn a beautiful pink and are perfectly opaque – a sign of doneness without overcooking. Once off the heat, generously brush them with a luscious, buttery white wine garlic sauce, allowing every crevice to absorb the rich flavors. A final flourish of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and herbaceous freshness. Serve these alongside a medley of grilled vegetables, a light pasta, fluffy quinoa, or whatever complements your meal best. This is truly a classy and simple dinner, making shrimp one of my absolute favorite summer meals.
Why Shrimp Reigns Supreme for Summer Grilling
As I’ve often shared on this blog, I make it a point to always keep several bags of shrimp in my freezer throughout the year. But when summer rolls around, I significantly boost my stock. Why? Because shrimp stands out as one of the easiest, quickest, and most delicious sources of protein to prepare on the grill. Its delicate texture and sweet flavor truly shine with the smoky kiss of the flames. Almost all of my favorite shrimp recipes, whether they’re Cajun-spiced, infused with curry, or prepared in an Italian style, can be effortlessly adapted for skewers or a grill pan. They pair beautifully with a wide range of sides, from creamy grits and al dente pasta to fresh salads and roasted vegetables.
The wonderful team at Eat Shrimp has aptly dubbed this the #SummerOfShrimp, and honestly, that sentiment perfectly encapsulates every summer for me! It’s a season of vibrant flavors, light meals, and minimal fuss in the kitchen, all of which shrimp delivers in spades.
For even more inspiring recipe ideas and to immerse yourself in the world of delicious shrimp, be sure to visit the Eat Shrimp Facebook page. And don’t forget to scroll down to enter our sizzling giveaway for your chance to win a fantastic new Weber grill. Happy grilling season, everyone – may your skewers be plentiful and your flavors unforgettable!
Shrimp Scampi Skewers
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: About 4 servings 1x
Description
All of the incredible goodness of garlicky, buttery shrimp scampi, made incredibly easy and delicious on the grill! A perfect gluten-free seafood recipe for summer.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp Scampi Skewers Ingredients:
- 1 pound raw large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails left on or off)
- 3 lemons, sliced into thin half moons (or wedges)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- garlic parsley butter (see recipe below)
Garlic Parsley Butter Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (**see notes below for non-alcoholic substitutions)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, loosely packed
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Parsley Butter: In a small sauté pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant. Pour in the dry white wine and stir to combine well. Remove the pan from the heat and gently stir in the fresh chopped parsley. This butter mixture is best used within 15 minutes. If it cools and solidifies, simply return the sauté pan to the stove (or microwave briefly) for an additional minute just before serving to re-melt the butter and ensure it’s easily brushable.
- Preheat Grill: When you are ready to cook your skewers, preheat your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium heat. Ensure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Assemble and Season Skewers: Carefully thread the raw shrimp and sliced lemon pieces onto your skewers, alternating for visual appeal and even cooking. Evenly sprinkle the threaded skewers with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the seasoned shrimp and lemon skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn a vibrant pink and are no longer translucent. Shrimp cooks quickly, so watch them carefully to avoid overcooking, which can make them rubbery.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the shrimp skewers from the grill. Generously brush them with the prepared garlic parsley butter. Squeeze the grilled lemons over the shrimp for an extra burst of fresh, zesty flavor. Serve immediately as a delightful appetizer or a light main course alongside your favorite grilled veggies, pasta, or quinoa.
Notes
**While much of the alcohol from the white wine will cook out during the preparation and grilling process, for a completely non-alcoholic version of this recipe, you can simply omit the wine. Instead, substitute it with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth. Alternatively, you can just leave out the wine entirely and add an additional 2-3 tablespoons of melted butter to the sauce for extra richness and flavor.
Sizzling Summer Fun: #SummerOfShrimp Weber Grill GIVEAWAY!
As we dive headfirst into the #SummerOfShrimp, what better way to celebrate than with the ultimate grilling companion? We’re incredibly excited to partner with Eat Shrimp and Weber Grills to bring you an exclusive giveaway. One fortunate reader will receive a brand-new Weber One-Touch Silver 22.5” Charcoal Grill, perfect for igniting your passion for outdoor cooking and creating countless memorable meals.
Giveaway Prize Details:
This classic and highly-regarded Weber grill is a staple for any serious griller, renowned for its quality and performance. The Weber One-Touch Silver 22.5” Charcoal Grill boasts impressive features designed for optimal grilling experiences:
- Generous Cooking Space: Features a robust 22-1/2-inch-diameter plated-steel cooking grate, offering ample room to grill a feast for family and friends.
- Superior Durability: Constructed with a porcelain-enameled bowl and lid, ensuring excellent heat retention and resistance to rust, cracking, and peeling.
- Comfort and Safety: Equipped with glass-reinforced nylon handles that stay cool to the touch, making it safe and comfortable to use.
- Effortless Cleanup: The innovative aluminum ash catcher, paired with the aluminized-steel One-Touch cleaning system, makes ash disposal quick and mess-free.
- Peace of Mind: Backed by Weber’s renowned quality, this grill comes with a 10-year limited warranty, guaranteeing years of reliable use.
I personally adore this grill because it perfectly embodies everything I envision in a classic charcoal grill. Its sleek and timeless design adds a touch of sophistication to any backyard, and its performance is unmatched. With the superior quality and warranty that Weber is famous for, this grill will undoubtedly help you char-grill the most mouthwatering shrimp and a wide array of other culinary delights. It’s more than just a grill; it’s an invitation to elevate your outdoor cooking adventures!
How to Enter The Giveaway:
Participating in our giveaway is simple! Please follow the instructions provided in the Rafflecopter widget below for your chance to win this fantastic Weber grill. The winner will be randomly selected and announced directly on the Rafflecopter widget once the giveaway concludes. We wish each and every one of you the very best of luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post brought to you by Eat Shrimp and Weber Grills. I am delighted to be partnering with Eat Shrimp throughout the year to share many more delicious shrimp recipes, and Weber Grills generously provided a complimentary grill for me to review. Rest assured, all opinions expressed here are 100% my own and authentically reflect my experience. Your support of the brands that help make this site possible is greatly appreciated!