Blackened Shrimp Grapefruit Skewers

Category:Appetizers & Snacks

Fire up your grill for these delicious Blackened Shrimp Grapefruit Skewers! Juicy shrimp seasoned with bold spices, paired with zesty grapefruit for a refreshing twist make this dish a true standout. Perfect for summer BBQs or weeknight dinners. Save this recipe for your next gathering—you won’t want to miss it!

These Blackened Shrimp Grapefruit Skewers are a fun and tasty treat! Juicy shrimp are seasoned with bold spices, then grilled to perfection and paired with zesty grapefruit for a refreshing bite.

I love how the sweetness of the grapefruit balances the spicy shrimp. It’s like a little party on a stick! Perfect for summer gatherings or when you’re feeling fancy at home. 🌞

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Shrimp: Large shrimp work best for this recipe as they stay juicy on the grill. For a change, you can use scallops or firm fish like swordfish or tuna.

Cajun Seasoning: This adds a spicy kick! If you’re looking for a milder taste, you can make your own blend with paprika, garlic powder, and a bit of cayenne. A simple blend of chili powder and cumin can also work.

Grapefruit: The tartness of grapefruit complements the shrimp nicely. If you can’t find grapefruit, orange or melon segments are tasty substitutes that maintain the freshness.

Avocado: Creamy avocado adds richness, but you can skip it for a lighter dish. Alternatively, try using diced mango or a sprinkle of feta for a different flavor.

Green Onions: They add crunch and freshness. If you don’t have them, try chives or red onion for a different taste.

How Do I Get the Perfect Grill Marks and Cooked Shrimp?

Getting those beautiful grill marks while ensuring the shrimp is cooked perfectly can be tricky. Here’s how to nail it:

  • Make sure your grill is hot—medium-high heat is key. This helps sear the shrimp quickly.
  • Don’t overcrowd the skewers; give them space to breathe, which helps in even cooking.
  • Watch the timing! Cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Shrimp are done when they turn opaque and firm to the touch. Overcooking can make them rubbery.
  • Let the skewers sit for a minute before serving; this keeps them juicy.

How to Make Blackened Shrimp Grapefruit Skewers

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Skewers:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
  • 1 grapefruit, segmented
  • 1 avocado, cut into small cubes
  • 2 green onions (scallions), sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Skewers (wooden or metal)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep time and 10 minutes for cooking. So, in total, you’re looking at around 25-30 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shrimp:

Start by placing the shrimp in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to toss everything together until the shrimp are well coated. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes to soak up those delicious flavors.

2. Preheat the Grill:

While the shrimp is marinating, you can preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for about 10 minutes to keep them from burning on the grill. This is an important step!

3. Assemble the Skewers:

Now it’s time for some fun! Take the marinated shrimp and start threading them onto the skewers. Alternate with segments of grapefruit and cubes of avocado. For a well-balanced skewer, try to place 2-3 shrimp, a couple of grapefruit segments, and several avocado pieces on each skewer.

4. Grill the Skewers:

Place your beautifully assembled skewers on the grill. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when the shrimp turn opaque and get lovely grill marks. Just be cautious not to overcook them, or they can get tough!

5. Garnish and Serve:

Once cooked, carefully remove the skewers from the grill. To make them look extra nice, sprinkle sliced green onions over the top. Serve your skewers warm with some extra grapefruit segments on the side if you like. Enjoy your blackened shrimp grapefruit skewers! They’re a delightful treat!

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the frozen shrimp completely before marinating. You can do this overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing the shrimp in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat them dry before seasoning to ensure they get a good char on the grill.

What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?

No problem! You can easily make your own by mixing equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper. Adjust the spice levels to your preference, adding less or more cayenne depending on how spicy you like it!

How to Store Leftover Skewers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can warm them gently on a grill or in the oven at a low temperature to prevent overcooking the shrimp again. Enjoy them as a quick snack or toss them into a salad!

Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Grapefruit?

Yes, you can substitute grapefruit with other fruits like pineapple, mango, or even peach for a sweet twist. Each fruit will bring its unique flavor to the dish, so feel free to experiment based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences!

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