Seafood That's the Best for Summer
Light grilled shrimp with citrus and herbs, perfect for warm evenings with a refreshing, vibrant profile. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 21 minutes pairs large shrimp, medium lemon, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp
- 1 medium lemon
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel and devein 1 lb large shrimp, then pat dry. In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, juice of 1 lemon, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Toss shrimp in marinade for 10 minutes. Thread onto soaked wooden skewers, leaving space between pieces.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F). Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred at edges.
- Step 4: Transfer to a plate, squeeze remaining lemon juice over top, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Seafood That's the Best for Summer take to make?
Total time is about 21 minutes (15 min prep + 6 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Seafood That's the Best for Summer?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Seafood That's the Best for Summer?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Seafood That's the Best for Summer for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Seafood That's the Best for Summer?
Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many seafood recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.