Grilled Pesto Shrimp

As seen on

once upon a chef

Total Time

40 Minutes

Cook Time

5 Minutes

Rating

(60)

Ingredients

4-6 servings

2 pounds extra large (26/30) or jumbo shrimp, peeled (tails left on) and deveined, thawed if frozen
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 cup basil leaves
3 large garlic cloves, roughly chopped
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
¼ cup walnuts
1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving (optional)

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Preparation

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Step 1

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.)

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Chef’s notes

The 'fresh' shrimp you see in the seafood case at the supermarket is typically thawed frozen shrimp; so, for the freshest shrimp, you’re better off buying it frozen and defrosting it yourself.

Pesto is very strong and garlicky, so use it sparingly.

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Grilled Pesto Shrimp

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