Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a culinary journey that combines the zesty punch of ginger, the succulent sweetness of perfectly grilled shrimp, and the aromatic essence of lemongrass! This show-stopping Asian-inspired dish is about to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary dining experience that will transport you straight to the vibrant street markets of Southeast Asia. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a curious foodie looking to impress, these ginger shrimp skewers are your ticket to a mouthwatering adventure that's both elegant and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 stalks lemongrass, cut into 6-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the lemongrass skewers by trimming the tough outer layers and cutting each stalk into 6-inch long pieces. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine minced ginger, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and garlic powder. Whisk the ingredients together to create a smooth marinade.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Lightly oil the cooking surface to prevent sticking.
- Thread the marinated shrimp onto the lemongrass skewers, carefully piercing each shrimp through its thickest part. Leave a small space between each shrimp for even cooking.
- Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and develop light char marks. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can quickly become tough.
- Remove skewers from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions if desired.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or a light Asian-inspired salad. The lemongrass skewers can be used as both a cooking tool and a fragrant serving presentation.
Tips
- Marinating Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. The 15-20 minute marinade allows the ginger, soy, and honey to deeply infuse the shrimp with incredible flavor.
- Skewer Secret: When threading shrimp, pierce them through the thickest part to ensure even cooking and prevent them from spinning on the skewer.
- Heat Management: Medium-high heat is crucial. Too hot, and you'll burn the outside; too cool, and you'll lose that perfect caramelization.
- Lemongrass Hack: If fresh lemongrass skewers are hard to find, you can substitute with bamboo skewers and add lemongrass zest to the marinade for similar aromatics.
- Doneness Indicator: Shrimp are done when they turn pink and slightly curl. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery, so watch them carefully.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra flavor boost, serve with a quick dipping sauce made from additional soy sauce, lime juice, and a touch of honey.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 151kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
