Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Tomato, Garlic & Herbs

By angelahon

Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Tomato, Garlic & Herbs

Ingredients

• 2-1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 large shallot, roughly chopped
• 4 large cloves garlic, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1-1/2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 pounds jumbo shrimp (21-25 per pound), peeled and de-veined (leave tails on if desired)

Preparation

Step 1

To make the marinade, combine all of the ingredients except for the shrimp in a mini food processor or blender; blend until the mixture forms a smooth paste.
Combine the shrimp and the marinade in a medium bowl and stir until shrimp are evenly coated. Let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes - 1 hour.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Meanwhile, thread the shrimp onto skewers (going through the top and bottom of each shrimp). Lightly dip a wad of paper towels in vegetable oil and, using tongs, carefully rub over grates several times until glossy and coated. Grill the shrimp skewers about 1-1/2 minutes per side. Be sure not to overcook! Serve hot, room temperature or cold.
*If you're entertaining and want to get everything done ahead of time, you can thread the shrimp onto the skewers right after mixing with the marinade.