Shrimp on the Barbie

January 26: Australia Day

Before they started their family, our awesome Aussie friends Gary and Girlie B. were our double date couple in New Jersey. We would often go out to dinner and a movie together. Then when their boys were born a year apart, date nights became family weekends at their house. We would bring sides and sweets and Gary would throw some “shrimp on the barbie” (barbecue/grill). It does seem stereotypical, but this is everyone’s favorite shellfish and is relatively simple to make. The buttery herb marinade adds a little flavor to the grilled shrimp and Gary and Girlie’s sons thought any food on a stick seemed more special. Good friends, good food, good times! Celebrate Australia Day with some shrimp on the barbie.

Recipe
(Adapted from The Spruce Eats)

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds large/jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails intact
  • ½ cup butter, melted
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon each of chopped fresh herbs: parsley, thyme and cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon shallot, minced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lemon, cut in half
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

In a shallow dishpan, soak the wooden skewers, if using instead of metal skewers. Wash the shrimp and pat dry with paper towels. Set aside. Melt the butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the olive oil.

Chop the herbs and mince the shallot and garlic cloves. Add to the butter-oil mixture. Cut one lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the bowl (reserve the other half as a garnish).

Stir then add the shrimp. Marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature of 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Preheat the grill. Thread some shrimp onto the skewers and grill on one side for 2 minutes. Turn and finish grilling the shrimp on the other side for another minute or 2. Transfer to a platter. Serve hot with slices or wedges or remaining lemon.

Notes

  • Happy anniversary to Gary and Girlie B. who were married on Australia Day. Girlie said it was cheaper to have their wedding on a weekday back in 1997! Plus, since it was a national holiday, they got fireworks for free under the Sydney skies. What a celebration of love and country.
  • Search our blog for other Australian-inspired recipes under the A-F countries recipes tab.