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Grilled Spiced Shrimp Kabobs with Zhoug Sauce – A Bold & Flavorful Delight

Grilled Spiced Shrimp Kabobs with Zhoug Sauce

Czarryy
These Grilled Spiced Shrimp Kabobs are bursting with bold, smoky flavors and are perfectly complemented by a vibrant Zhoug sauce, a Middle Eastern-inspired blend of cilantro, parsley, garlic, and warm spices. Quick to grill and easy to prepare, these kabobs are perfect for summer cookouts or a light, flavorful dinner.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean Grilled, Middle Eastern-Inspired
Servings 5
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Grill (or grill pan)
  • Food processor
  • Mixing bowls
  • Metal or wooden skewers
  • Tongs

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp Skewers:

  • 8 metal skewers (or wooden skewers, soaked for 30 minutes)
  • 1 ¼ lbs. extra-large shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red onion, cut into 1-2” pieces
  • 1 red or yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-2” pieces

For the Marinade:

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Zhoug Sauce:

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 4 fresh jalapeño peppers, stems & seeds removed
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 medium garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes

Instructions
 

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

  • In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, minced garlic, chopped basil, lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper.
    Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly and let marinate for 30 minutes while preparing the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Zhoug Sauce

  • In a food processor, add cilantro, parsley, jalapeños, garlic, salt, cumin, coriander, and chili flakes.
    Pulse until ingredients are finely chopped.
    With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the sauce reaches a thick, pesto-like consistency. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

  • Thread the shrimp and vegetables onto skewers in the following pattern:
    Shrimp, cherry tomato, red onion, shrimp, cherry tomato, bell pepper, ending with another shrimp.
    Repeat until all ingredients are used.

Step 4: Grill the Kabobs

  • Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Reduce to medium heat before cooking.
    Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
    Place skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once, until shrimp are opaque and slightly charred.
    Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

  • Serve the shrimp kabobs hot, drizzled or served with Zhoug sauce on the side.
    Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired.
    Enjoy immediately!

Notes

Pro Tips & Variations

  • For extra smoky flavor, grill over charcoal or wood chips.
  • For a spicier Zhoug sauce, leave the jalapeño seeds in.
  • No grill? Use a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat to sear the kabobs.
  • Pairing Suggestion: Serve with warm pita, rice pilaf, or grilled vegetables.
🔥 These Grilled Spiced Shrimp Kabobs with Zhoug Sauce bring the perfect balance of smoky, citrusy, and herby flavors to your plate—perfect for warm-weather grilling! 🍤🔥
 
 
 
Keyword cilantro sauce, grilled shrimp kabobs, Middle Eastern shrimp, spicy shrimp skewers, summer grilling