Fresh shrimp? Check. Homemade pesto? Check. Combine the two and throw em on the grill, and you’ve got a main course that pairs perfectly with rice pilaf, salad, or grilled veggies. (Hint: Also great to toss with pasta.) Though you can definitely use pre-made pesto, we can’t recommend the homemade version enough especially if you have some fresh basil growing in the garden!
Grilled Pesto Shrimp
(makes about 4 servings)
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds extra large or jumbo shrimp, peeled (tails left on), and deveined
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup basil leaves
- 2 large garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts (omit for nut allergies)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges, for garnish
- Wooden or metal skewers, for grilling
Directions:
- Thread the shrimp onto the skewers.
- Combine the olive oil, basil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts in a food processor or blender. Pulse until well-blended, and reserve 2-3 tablespoons of the pesto in a small bowl (for extra dipping later).
- Pour the rest of the pesto onto the shrimp and let it marinate at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly grease the grill. Place the shrimp on the grill and cook for a few minutes on each side the shrimp should look slightly charred and plump.
- Serve the shrimp skewers with a lemon wedge for garnish and a little extra pesto on the side.
- Enjoy!
Recipe adapted from Once Upon a Chef