Grilled Shrimp with Thyme and Lemon
At Restaurante La Venus in Marbella, we offer a delicious twist on the classic Italian Grilled Shrimp with Thyme and Lemon. This dish features large, juicy shrimp grilled to perfection and topped with a fragrant thyme and lemon sauce. Inspired by the traditional Italian salmoriglio, the sauce is simple but flavorful, made with lemon, thyme, and garlic. It's not only perfect for shrimp, but also pairs beautifully with grilled swordfish or other meaty fish.
Ingredients for Grilled Shrimp with Thyme and Lemon (Serves 8)
1/2 cup salted capers, washed, soaked in water for 1 hour, and drained
1/2 cup thyme leaves
1 garlic clove, minced
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Freshly ground black pepper
2 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Kosher salt (to taste)
Crispy bread for serving
Instructions for Preparing Grilled Shrimp with Thyme and Lemon
Prepare the Thyme and Lemon Sauce
On a cutting board, finely chop the drained capers with the thyme leaves and minced garlic.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season the sauce with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Grill the Shrimp
Preheat the grill to high heat.
In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season lightly with kosher salt and pepper.
Skewer the shrimp on metal skewers and grill for about 3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are lightly charred and cooked through.
Serve the Shrimp
Remove the shrimp from the skewers and transfer them to a serving plate.
Drizzle the thyme and lemon sauce over the grilled shrimp and serve with crispy bread on the side.
Recommended Wine Pairing for Grilled Shrimp with Thyme and Lemon
Pair this dish with a spicy California Sauvignon Blanc. The wine's acidity complements the lemon and thyme flavors of the sauce, creating a refreshing and balanced experience that pairs beautifully with the shrimp.
Benefits of Eating Shrimp
Shrimp is a low-calorie, high-protein seafood that's rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including selenium, vitamin B12, and antioxidants. Grilling shrimp with olive oil and herbs like thyme not only enhances its natural flavors but also offers a heart-healthy option that's light and delicious.