Beef Free Basil-Lemon Shrimp Skewers
Bright, herby, and kissed with citrus, these shrimp skewers are the kind of dish that disappears fast at any cookout or weeknight dinner. The homemade basil pesto is the real star here — blended with fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and a subtle warmth from turmeric and ginger, it's nothing like the jarred stuff sitting on a grocery shelf. Shrimp get tossed in a few spoonfuls before hitting the grill, then the reserved pesto gets spooned generously over the top right before serving, so every bite is layered with flavor. Two to three minutes per side over medium-high heat is all it takes to get that perfect pink, opaque char without overcooking. The whole recipe leans on seafood, fresh herbs, and olive oil, so there's no red meat anywhere in sight — just clean, vibrant ingredients that come together effortlessly. A squeeze of lemon wedge at the table ties everything together and makes the flavors pop even more. Whether you're grilling outdoors or using a grill pan on the stovetop, this one is an easy crowd-pleaser that feels far fancier than the effort required.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the pesto
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ⅛ tsp ground ginger
For the skewers
- 1 ½ lb large shrimp (21–25 count), peeled and deveined, tails on
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
For serving
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
- fresh basil leaves, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
If using wooden skewers, submerge them in water for at least 20 minutes so they don't char on the grill.
- 2
Combine the basil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, turmeric, and ginger in a blender or food processor. Pulse several times until the herbs are roughly broken down. With the motor running, stream in the 1/2 cup olive oil and blend until the pesto is smooth and bright green, about 30 seconds. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
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