So, you’re craving a mouthwatering dish that’s bursting with flavor and nutrients? Look no further! This Grilled shrimp and sausage with vegetables is a delightful combination that satisfies your taste buds and nourishes your body. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of each component and provide you with a delicious recipe to try at home.
Benefits of Grilled Shrimp
Shrimp isn’t just delicious, it’s also incredibly good for you! Let’s delve into why:
High Protein Content
Despite their small size, shrimp pack a powerful punch when it comes to protein. They are an excellent source of this essential nutrient, making them a great choice for anyone looking to fuel their muscles and stay satiated.
Low in Calories
Watching your calorie intake? Shrimp is your friend! With minimal calories per serving, you can enjoy this seafood guilt-free while still satisfying your hunger.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for heart health and brain function, and shrimp are brimming with them. Incorporating shrimp into your diet can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some serving suggestions to complement your Grilled Shrimp and Sausage with Vegetables:
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Serve alongside some grilled corn on the cob for a classic barbecue side dish. Brush the corn with butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper before grilling for extra flavor.
- Potato Salad: Pair the grilled shrimp and sausage with a creamy potato salad. The cool and creamy texture of the salad contrasts nicely with the smoky flavors of the grilled meats and vegetables.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with some garlic bread or toasted bread slices for soaking up the delicious juices from the grilled shrimp and sausage. You can also brush the bread with garlic butter for added flavor.
- Coleslaw: Serve a side of tangy coleslaw for a refreshing and crunchy accompaniment to the grilled meats and vegetables. The crisp texture and tangy dressing of the coleslaw complement the smoky flavors of the barbecue.
- Grilled Vegetables Platter: Serve a platter of grilled vegetables alongside the grilled shrimp and sausage for a colorful and nutritious side dish. Grilled asparagus, mushrooms, and eggplant are all delicious options.
- Barbecue Sauce: Offer a variety of barbecue sauces for dipping or drizzling over the grilled shrimp and sausage. Choose from sweet and tangy, spicy, or smoky barbecue sauces to suit your taste preferences.
- Fresh Salad: Serve a simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing for a light and refreshing side dish. The crisp greens provide a contrast to the hearty grilled meats and vegetables.
- Fruit Skewers: Finish off the meal with some fruit skewers or a fruit salad for a sweet and refreshing dessert option. Grilled pineapple or peaches are particularly delicious with barbecue flavors.
These serving suggestions will complement the flavors of the Grilled Shrimp and Sausage with Vegetables and create a well-rounded and satisfying meal for your family or guests. Enjoy your delicious barbecue feast!
Cooking Tips
Here are some cooking tips to help you achieve delicious Grilled Shrimp and Sausage with Vegetables:
- Preheat the Grill: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before adding the skewers. This allows for even cooking and helps prevent sticking.
- Use Skewers: Thread the shrimp, sausage, and vegetables onto skewers for easier grilling and handling. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before threading to prevent them from burning.
- Evenly Sized Ingredients: Cut the shrimp, sausage, and vegetables into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate. This helps prevent some pieces from overcooking while others are still raw.
- Oil the Grill Grates: Before placing the skewers on the grill, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and help achieve those beautiful grill marks.
- Keep an Eye on Cooking Time: Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked, so keep a close eye on them while grilling. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque. Sausage slices should be cooked through with slightly charred edges, and vegetables should be tender and slightly charred.
- Rotate Skewers: To ensure even cooking, rotate the skewers occasionally while grilling to expose all sides to the heat.
- Baste with Marinade: While grilling, you can baste the skewers with any remaining marinade for added flavor and moisture. Just be careful not to baste too frequently, as it may cause flare-ups.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the grilled skewers to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish: Garnish the grilled shrimp and sausage skewers with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a burst of freshness and color before serving.
By following these cooking tips, you’ll be able to grill up perfectly cooked and flavorful Grilled Shrimp and Sausage with Vegetables that are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy your delicious barbecue feast!
Grilled Shrimp and Sausage Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4-6 Italian sausages sweet or spicy, sliced into rounds
- 2 bell peppers red, yellow, or green, sliced
- 1 red onion sliced
- 1 zucchini sliced
- 1 yellow squash sliced
- 8-10 cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill:Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F (190-200°C).
- Prepare the Marinade:In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. This will be the marinade for both the shrimp and sausage.
- Marinate the Shrimp and Sausage:Place the shrimp and sausage slices in separate bowls. Pour half of the marinade over the shrimp and the other half over the sausage. Toss to coat evenly and let them marinate while you prepare the vegetables.
- Prepare the Vegetables:In a large bowl, toss the sliced bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, yellow squash, and cherry tomatoes with the remaining marinade until evenly coated.
- Assemble the Skewers:Thread the marinated shrimp, sausage slices, and vegetables onto skewers, alternating between ingredients. If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning.
- Grill the Skewers:Place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the shrimp is pink and opaque, the sausage is cooked through, and the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
- Serve:Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the grilled shrimp and sausage.
- Enjoy your delicious Grilled Shrimp and Sausage with Vegetables!