Marinated Shrimp

Marinated Shrimp is a flavorful and versatile dish where shrimp are marinated in a zesty mixture of herbs, spices, and citrus, then either grilled, sautéed, or served cold. It's perfect as an appetizer, salad topping, or part of a main course. Here’s a simple recipe for marinated shrimp:

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Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or lime juice)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh, finely chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

2. Marinate the Shrimp:

• Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss them in the marinade to ensure they are evenly coated.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the shrimp and marinade to a resealable plastic bag.
• Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Do not marinate longer than 2 hours, as the citrus can begin to "cook" the shrimp and affect their texture.

3. Cook the Shrimp (Choose one method below):

Grilled Shrimp:

• Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Thread the shrimp onto skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning).
• Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are opaque and cooked through. Remove from the grill.

Sautéed Shrimp:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
• Remove from heat.

Chilled Shrimp (for a cold dish or salad):

• After marinating, simply drain the shrimp and serve them cold on a platter or as part of a salad.

4. Serve:

• Arrange the shrimp on a serving plate, garnish with fresh parsley and cilantro (if desired), and serve with additional lemon wedges on the side.
• Pair with a side salad, rice, or crusty bread to soak up any leftover marinade.

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Tips:

• Marinating: If you prefer more flavor, marinate the shrimp for up to 2 hours, but avoid longer marination to prevent the shrimp from becoming mushy.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your desired spice level.
• Serving Suggestions: These marinated shrimp can be served on skewers, tossed in a salad, or even in tacos or wraps for a delicious meal.

This Marinated Shrimp recipe is quick, easy, and full of vibrant flavors that elevate any meal. Enjoy!