Grilled Garlic and Herb Shrimp

This grilled shrimp has a wonderful smokey flavor.  The marinade is quick and simple to put together.  It just needs a couple hours to marinate with the shrimp to bring out the wonderful flavors.

Shrimp serves as an excellent source of lean protein. Each 6-ounce portion provides 39 grams of protein -- a significant amount toward the 46 grams recommended daily for women and 56 grams for men.  Loaded with protein, vitamin D, vitamin B3, and zinc, shrimp are an excellent, carbohydrate-free food.  Shrimp also contains 165.8mg of cholesterol per serving, over half the recommended limit of 300mg per day.  However, shrimp also contains omega-3, a fatty acid that could help prevent or reduce your risks for heart disease and other health conditions, such as diabetes.

Whisk together the olive oil, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, basil, pepper in a bowl.  Mix together with the shrimp and cover and refrigerate or place in a ziploc baggie.  Refrigerate for a couple hours.

Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat. Lightly oil grill grate, and place about 4 inches from heat source.  Remove shrimp from marinade, drain excess, and discard marinade.  Place shrimp on preheated grill and cook, turning once, until opaque in the center, 5 to 6 minutes. Keep a close eye on the cooking process,  shrimp can overcook quickly.  Serve immediately.

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 Printable Recipe

Ingredients:
2 teaspoons ground smoked paprika
2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
2 pounds large shrimp (21-25 per pound), peeled and deveined

Directions:
1. Whisk the paprika, garlic, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, olive oil, pepper, and basil together in a bowl until thoroughly blended. Stir in the shrimp, and toss to evenly coat with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours, turning once.
2. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat. Lightly oil grill grate, and place about 4 inches from heat source.
3. Remove shrimp from marinade, drain excess, and discard marinade.
4. Place shrimp on preheated grill and cook, turning once, until opaque in the center, 5 to 6 minutes. Serve immediately.