Grilled shrimp skewers are a perfect way to enjoy seafood. They’re easy to make, quick to cook, and packed with flavor. When paired with a simple rice dish, you have a well-rounded and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by everyone. The shrimp is marinated with aromatic herbs, garlic, and citrus, which infuses it with a bright, fresh flavor. The rice, seasoned with a few basic ingredients, complements the shrimp and creates a wholesome meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through how to make juicy, perfectly grilled shrimp skewers and a flavorful rice dish to serve on the side. The ingredients are simple, but the combination of flavors is vibrant and fresh.
Ingredients:
For the Grilled Shrimp Skewers:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or lime juice)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice for extra fragrance)
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (for color and flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Skewers
- Marinate the shrimp: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, dried oregano, ground cumin, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir the ingredients together until well mixed.
- Add the shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl with the marinade. Toss the shrimp until they are evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Prepare the skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 20-30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step. Once the shrimp has marinated, thread them onto the skewers, ensuring they’re spaced evenly and snugly. If you prefer, you can alternate the shrimp with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for added flavor and color.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- Sauté the onion and garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the rice: Stir in the rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast and absorb the flavors of the onion and garlic.
- Add the liquid and spices: Pour in the 2 cups of water (or chicken broth for added flavor), ground turmeric, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the rice simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and become fluffy.
- Fluff the rice: After the rice has rested, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or spices if needed.
- Garnish the rice: Stir in some chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. This step adds a nice herbal note that complements the grilled shrimp.
Step 3: Grill the Shrimp Skewers
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, lightly oil it to prevent the shrimp from sticking. If you’re grilling outside, brush the grill grates with oil or spray them with non-stick cooking spray.
- Grill the shrimp: Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. The shrimp should cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them.
- Remove from the grill: Once the shrimp are cooked through, remove the skewers from the grill and set them aside to rest for a few minutes.
Step 4: Serve the Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Rice
- Plate the rice: Serve the flavorful rice on individual plates or a large serving platter. You can create a bed of rice for the shrimp to sit on, or serve it alongside the skewers if you prefer.
- Top with shrimp skewers: Carefully remove the shrimp from the skewers and arrange them on top of the rice, or serve the skewers as is for a more rustic presentation.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the dish with additional fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a vibrant pop of color. You can also drizzle some extra lemon juice or olive oil on top for added richness. Serve the grilled shrimp skewers with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Serve your grilled shrimp skewers with rice immediately while they’re still warm. This dish pairs well with a light salad, grilled vegetables, or even a cool, refreshing drink like iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp white wine.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Rice:
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on them while they’re on the grill. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery, so remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Marinate the shrimp: Marinating the shrimp helps to infuse them with flavor and keeps them tender. While you can marinate the shrimp for as little as 30 minutes, marinating for 1-2 hours will give the best flavor.
- Use chicken broth for the rice: For a more flavorful rice, use chicken broth instead of water. It enhances the overall taste and adds depth to the rice, making it a more robust side dish for the shrimp.
- Customize the rice: You can add other ingredients to the rice to make it more flavorful. Sautéed bell peppers, corn, or peas are great additions. For extra flavor, try adding a bit of saffron or curry powder to the rice.
- Grill vegetables: To make the dish even heartier, grill some vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. These vegetables add color, flavor, and nutrition, making the dish more balanced.
Serving Suggestions:
- Grilled Vegetables: Pair the grilled shrimp skewers with a side of grilled vegetables. Consider grilling asparagus, zucchini, or a vegetable medley for a colorful and nutritious addition to the plate.
- Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple vinaigrette will complement the richness of the shrimp and rice. You can also add some avocado or olives for extra flavor.
- Drinks: This dish pairs wonderfully with light and refreshing beverages. Consider serving it with a chilled glass of white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio), iced tea, or lemonade. For a non-alcoholic option, you can also pair it with sparkling water with a squeeze of lime.
Conclusion:
Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Rice is a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The shrimp are marinated and grilled to perfection, while the rice is aromatic and satisfying. This dish is a wonderful choice for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or meal prepping. By combining simple ingredients with bright, fresh flavors, you’ll have a meal that is sure to impress your guests or provide a satisfying family dinner. Enjoy the delightful combination of grilled shrimp and aromatic rice, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs for that final touch of flavor.