Grilled Pesto Shrimp Recipes

GRILLED SHRIMP WITH WALNUT PESTO

Steps:

• Preheat a grill to high. Soak six 10-inch wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the pesto: Pulse the walnuts, lemon zest and juice, olive oil and a pinch of salt in a food processor until the walnuts are in small pieces. Pulse in the scallions, basil and parsley until fairly smooth. With the machine on, drizzle in 2 to 4 tablespoons cold water to loosen. Transfer to a bowl and season with salt.
• Make the shrimp: Thread the shrimp through the tail and top end onto the prepared skewers so they lie flat. Brush with the vegetable oil and season on both sides with salt and the red pepper flakes. Grill the shrimp on the hottest part of the grill until marked, 3 to 4 minutes; flip and grill until cooked through, 2 to 3 more minutes. Remove from the grill and drizzle with the red wine vinegar. Remove the shrimp from the skewers, if desired, and serve over mixed greens. Drizzle with some of the pesto and serve the remaining pesto on the side.

GRILLED PESTO SHRIMP

Steps:

• Thread the shrimp onto skewers, if desired. (I usually don't bother, unless the shrimp are on the smaller side, in which case they might slip through the grill grates.)
• In a food processor or blender, combine the olive oil, basil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, Parmigiano-Reggiano and walnuts. Process until the mixture is well blended. Reserve two tablespoons of the pesto in a bowl large enough to hold all of the shrimp and set aside. Pour the remaining pesto over the shrimp and let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to marinate.
• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly dip a wad of paper towels in vegetable oil and, using tongs, carefully rub over the grates several times until glossy and coated. Place the shrimp on the grill and cook until plump and slightly charred, a few minutes per side. Transfer the cooked shrimp to the bowl with the reserved pesto and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately.

GRILLED PESTO SHRIMP SKEWERS

Steps:

• Fill a dish with water and soak skewers for 30 minutes.
• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Thread shrimp onto skewers; place on a large serving dish. Brush skewers with 1 ounce pesto.
• Grill shrimp skewers on the preheated grill until they are bright pink on the outside and the meat is opaque, about 4 minutes per side. Brush cooked shrimp with 1 ounce pesto. Sprinkle with basil and serve with remaining pesto and lemon slices.

ASIAN PESTO WITH GRILLED SHRIMP

Steps:

• In a food processor: puree peanuts, chiles, garlic, ginger, lime juice, fish sauce, oil, salt and sugar until smooth. Do not overmix as you can heat the mixture. Add the herbs and puree smooth. Check for seasoning. Oil shrimp on both sides and season. Grill on both sides for about 5 minutes total.
• Place a layer of romaine on a plate. Lay 3 grilled shrimp on top and liberally drizzle with pesto.

GRILLED PISTACHIO-LEMON PESTO SHRIMP

Steps:

• Place the first 6 ingredients in a food processor; pulse until finely chopped. Continue processing while gradually adding oil in a steady stream. Add Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper; pulse just until combined. Transfer 1/3 cup pesto to a large bowl. Add shrimp; toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, 30 minutes., Thread shrimp onto 8 metal or soaked wooden skewers; place on greased grill rack. Cook, covered, over medium heat until shrimp turn pink, 5-6 minutes, turning once. Serve with remaining pesto.