Are you craving a delicious and easy meal that transports you to the heart of Australia? Then look no further! This Outback Shrimp on the Barbie recipe is your ticket to a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinner. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual weekend barbecue, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Get ready to experience the taste of sunshine with juicy, succulent shrimp bursting with vibrant Aussie flavors!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss gently to coat them evenly with the marinade. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator for maximum flavor. This step is key for juicy and flavorful shrimp!
Step 2: Prepare the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean the grill grates to prevent sticking. For best results, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Grill the Shrimp
Once the grill is hot, place the marinated shrimp on the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the shrimp tough.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the shrimp from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing. Enjoy your delicious Outback Shrimp on the Barbie!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Shrimp:
- Don't overcrowd the grill: Overcrowding will lower the grill temperature and result in steaming instead of grilling, leading to less flavorful shrimp. Grill in batches if necessary.
- Check for doneness: Shrimp cook quickly. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. The best way to check is to gently press on one – it should feel firm but not hard.
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor: While 15 minutes is sufficient, marinating for up to 30 minutes allows the flavors to penetrate the shrimp more deeply.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preference. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick, or experiment with different herbs and spices.
Variations:
- Spicy Shrimp: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy twist.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp: Melt butter on the grill before adding the shrimp and baste them with the melted butter during cooking. Add minced garlic to the butter for extra flavor.
- Lemon Herb Shrimp: Add fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary to the marinade for a more herbaceous flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 5-10g
- Carbohydrates: 1-2g
This Outback Shrimp on the Barbie recipe is a fantastic example of quick and healthy dinner ideas, perfect for those busy weeknights. It's a simple recipe that delivers big on flavor and offers a taste of the Australian outback right in your backyard. Enjoy this delicious and easy homemade dish!