Description
These Greek-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Lemon-Dill Sauce offer a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for grilling or stovetop cooking. Tender shrimp are marinated in a fragrant blend of olive oil, smoked paprika, herbs, and spices, then skewered with zucchini and red onion. Served alongside a creamy, tangy lemon-dill sauce, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice or your favorite grain for a fresh and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Marinade and Shrimp
- 1/4 cup plus 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. dried fennel seeds
- 1 tsp. dried cumin seeds
- 3/4 tsp. salt
- Zest of 1 lemon (reserve juice for Lemon-Dill Sauce)
- 1 lb. raw peeled and deveined shrimp
Vegetables
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch thick coins, then halved into half moons
- 1 small red onion, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
Lemon-Dill Sauce
- 1/4 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt (can substitute sour cream)
- 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (from reserved lemon)
- 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh dill
- 2 tsp. finely chopped chives
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
To Serve
- Cooked white rice, couscous, orzo, quinoa, or farro
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade and Marinate Shrimp: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, dried fennel seeds, dried cumin seeds, salt, and lemon zest until well combined. Add the raw peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces. Let the shrimp sit in the marinade for 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate up to 5 hours for enhanced flavor. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water during this time to prevent burning later.
- Make the Lemon-Dill Sauce: While the shrimp marinates, mix together Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice (from the reserved lemon zest), chopped fresh dill, chives, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Thread the Shrimp and Vegetables on Skewers: Alternate threading marinated shrimp, zucchini half moons, and red onion chunks onto 8 metal or soaked wooden skewers, aiming for about 3 shrimp per skewer. Brush any leftover marinade over the vegetables on the skewers for extra flavor. Place the skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prepare for cooking. Note: If cooking stovetop, skewers are optional as shrimp and veggies can be cooked separately in the pan.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers directly on the grill grates. Cook without moving them until the shrimp and vegetables are lightly charred and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes total, turning the skewers only once halfway through. Use tongs to carefully remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a clean platter or baking sheet.
- Stovetop Cooking (Alternative): Heat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and lightly grease it with oil. Cook the marinated shrimp and vegetables, preferably in separate batches to avoid overcrowding, for 5 to 6 minutes total, flipping or tossing once mid-way, until fully cooked and nicely seared.
- Serve: Arrange the cooked shrimp skewers over cooked white rice, couscous, or your preferred grain. Serve alongside the chilled Lemon-Dill Sauce for dipping or drizzling. Enjoy your flavorful Greek-inspired meal!
Notes
- For best results, soak wooden skewers in water while shrimp marinates to prevent burning on the grill.
- The lemon zest is used in the marinade while the lemon juice is reserved for the sauce to maximize fresh citrus flavor in both components.
- Marinating shrimp up to 5 hours enhances flavor but avoid exceeding this time to keep shrimp tender.
- If you don’t have a grill, the stovetop grill pan is a great alternative to achieve similar char and flavor.
- Vegetables like zucchini and red onion complement the shrimp and add color and texture to the skewers.
- Serve with your choice of grains such as quinoa, orzo, or farro to create a complete meal.