Carrageenan Free Garlic Shrimp Skewers
These skewers are the kind of dish that disappears from the platter before you even sit down — smoky, garlicky, and bright with lemon in every bite. The marinade is built entirely from whole, recognizable ingredients: olive oil, fresh garlic, lemon juice and zest, turmeric, smoked paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat. That matters because carrageenan, a seaweed-derived thickener, hides in a surprising number of processed marinades, sauces, and even some seafood products that have been treated to improve texture or water retention. Sticking to fresh shrimp and making the marinade from scratch means you sidestep that concern entirely without sacrificing any flavor. The technique is just as smart as the ingredient list — a quick 20-minute soak in the marinade keeps the shrimp tender, and grilling them flat on the skewer gives you those gorgeous charred edges in just a few minutes per side. A shower of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon at the end ties everything together with a clean, vibrant finish. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just a weeknight dinner, this one is fast, fuss-free, and genuinely impressive.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the marinade and shrimp
- 1 ½ lb large shrimp (16/20 count), peeled and deveined, tails on
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
- 1
If using wooden skewers, submerge them in water for at least 20 minutes so they don't scorch on the grill.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, turmeric, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until combined.
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