Quick and Easy Low-Carb Grilled Shrimp

1. Skewer the shrimp. Skewing them closer together will produce juicier results while skewing them further apart will yield crispier shrimp. Place about six shrimp per skewer. (If you are not using a skewer and are placing the shrimp directly on the grill, make sure they are large enough that they will not fall through your grill's grates.)

2. Baste the skewed shrimp with olive oil. In a separate bowl, mix together the rest of the ingredients and coat the shrimp evenly. Marinate the shrimp for about 15–20 minutes before grilling. If you marinate for longer, the lemon can start to "cook" the shrimp. If you are not skewing the shrimp, simply mix all the ingredients together and coat the shrimp evenly.

3. Heat the grill to high heat. The grill or rack should be hot before putting the shrimp on. They will cook in about 2 minutes on each side. If you're cooking them directly on the grill, lay them all out and as soon as you get them all out, you'll likely have to start turning the first ones over.

4. The shrimp are ready when they are just finished turning opaque all the way through.

Variations and Substitutions

There are so many ways to enjoy grilled shrimp! Try these variations to customize the recipe according to your tastes and preferences:

• Swap pepper for your favorite herb. If you prefer your shrimp more mild in flavor, reduce the red pepper or simply swap it out for another favorite herb. Herbs are naturally flavorful and contain little to no calories and zero fat. Consider using parsley, oregano, thyme, or basil.
• If you don't feel like grilling, sauté instead. Shrimp can easily be cooked in a pan, too. Simply sauté these shrimp for an equally tasty dish. Sauté shrimp over medium-high heat until they are bright pink and opaque, typically around two minutes.
• Pair these shrimp with some vegetables. Toss some grilled shrimp on top of your favorite green salad, or add them alongside some roasted or sautéd vegetables for a filling meal. They are also a great addition to spaghetti squash.
• Add more garlic. If you love garlic and would like to have a more garlicky shrimp, add a few more cloves to the marinade.
• Worried about cholesterol? Literature has suggested that dietary cholesterol isn't as problematic as once thought. Although shrimp does contain cholesterol, one 4-ounce serving contains very little fat and no saturated fat. Saturated fat has been more directly linked with elevating blood cholesterol than dietary cholesterol. Therefore it's safe to say that shrimp can be part of a low-cholesterol diet.

Cooking and Serving Tips

Follow these guidelines to ensure your shrimp stay fresh, juicy, and delicious:

• Purchase fresh shrimp. Shrimp should be clear with a pearl-like color and little or no odor.
• Prevent shrimp from drying out. The bigger the shrimp, the less likely they will dry out during the cooking process. Avoid overcooking to yield a more succulent shrimp by cooking just until done and immediately removing from the grill or pan.
• Make a tasty dipping sauce. A yogurt-based dipping sauce or an herb-based sauce such as pesto is a great addition to any shrimp dish and can be served as an appetizer or main course.