Grilled Shrimp with Pea and Garlic Butter Sauce

Instructions

1. 1

   Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and place in a bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss gently to coat evenly and let sit for 10 minutes.

   Tip: Dry shrimp ensures better browning on the grill and prevents sticking.

2. 2

   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.

   Tip: A hot grill creates a beautiful char and cooks shrimp quickly to maintain tenderness.

3. 3

   Thread shrimp onto skewers, leaving small gaps between each piece to allow heat to circulate. This prevents them from steaming rather than grilling.

   Tip: Alternating shrimp with cherry tomatoes or bell peppers adds color and flavor.

4. 4

   Place skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn opaque and develop a light char. Remove to a plate immediately.

   Tip: Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery, so watch carefully—they cook very quickly.

5. 5

   While shrimp cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

   Tip: Toasted garlic adds depth; burnt garlic tastes bitter, so stir constantly.

6. 6

   Pour in white wine and let it reduce by half, about 2 minutes. This concentrates the flavor and cooks off the alcohol.

   Tip: Deglazing the pan captures all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.

7. 7

   Add fresh peas to the garlic butter sauce and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through. If using frozen peas, they'll thaw quickly in the warm sauce.

   Tip: Fresh peas only need minimal cooking to stay tender; frozen peas benefit from thawing in the warm sauce.

8. 8

   Carefully remove shrimp from skewers and add to the pan with peas. Toss gently to coat with the sauce. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and dill.

   Tip: Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their bright, fresh flavor.

9. 9

   Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Drizzle remaining olive oil and serve immediately over rice or pasta.

   Tip: The fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter.