Seared Shrimp Skewers (Santa Monica Style) | Arteflame

Introduction

Close your eyes and imagine the perfect California sunset—the air is crisp, salt-kissed, and the scent of sizzling garlic and citrus is wafting from the grill. These Santa Monica Shrimp Skewers capture that exact moment on a plate. The combination of zesty lemon, aromatic basil, and a touch of heat creates a marinade that makes the shrimp sing, while the high heat of the Arteflame locks in a sweet, smoky char that you just can't get from a standard pan. It is a dish that feels like a vacation, bright with acidity and grounded by the savory richness of olive oil.

Why This Recipe is a Summer Essential

Aside from the incredible flavor, this recipe is a total lifesaver for entertaining. It balances convenience with restaurant-quality results, coming together in minutes while looking stunning on the platter. The marinade does double duty, tenderizing the seafood while infusing it with bright, herbaceous notes. Plus, grilling on the solid steel cooktop means no fear of losing your delicate shrimp to the fire—just pure, stress-free searing.

Mastering the Sear

• Watch the Clock: Shrimp cook incredibly fast! Pull them off the moment they turn pink and opaque (usually 2-3 minutes per side) to ensure they stay plump and juicy rather than rubbery.
• Zone Cooking: Utilize the heat zones of your Arteflame. Start the skewers near the center for a rapid sear, then move them to the outer ring if they need a moment longer without burning.
• Soak Your Skewers: If you are using bamboo skewers, soaking them for at least 30 minutes is non-negotiable to prevent them from catching fire on the grill.

Make It Your Own

This marinade is wonderfully versatile. If you aren't a fan of mint, swap it for fresh parsley or cilantro for a different herbal kick. No shrimp on hand? This mixture works wonders on cubed chicken breast or firm tofu, though you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Ingredients

The Marinade and Shrimp

• 2 lbs large shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined (tails left on for presentation)
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust for heat)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes) or metal skewers
• Lemon wedges (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
2. Stir in the chopped fresh basil, mint, red chili flakes, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Taste the marinade; it should be vibrant and slightly salty to penetrate the shrimp.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

1. Place the peeled and deveined shrimp into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow glass dish.
2. Pour the marinade over the shrimp, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 1 hour, as the acid from the lemon can start to "cook" the seafood and alter the texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Fire up your Arteflame grill by building a wood fire in the center basket.
2. Allow the grill to burn down until the center cooktop reaches searing temperature (over 400°F). The outer edges will be cooler, perfect for keeping cooked food warm.
3. Wipe the steel cooktop with a little vegetable oil to ensure a non-stick surface.

Step 4: Skewer and Grill

1. Thread the marinated shrimp onto the soaked skewers. Pierce through the tail and the thickest part of the body to keep them secure and flat.
2. Place the skewers directly onto the hot steel cooktop. You should hear an immediate sizzle.
3. Grill for approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side. The shrimp are done when they turn opaque and pink, with a nice golden-brown sear from the flat top.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the skewers from the grill immediately to prevent overcooking.
2. Transfer to a serving platter and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for a final pop of brightness.
3. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.

Tips

Grilling seafood requires a bit of finesse, especially when aiming for that restaurant-quality texture. The most critical tip for this recipe is to watch the clock; shrimp cook incredibly fast. Once they turn pink and curl slightly into a 'C' shape, they are ready. If they curl tightly into an 'O' shape, they are likely overcooked and may become rubbery. Utilizing the heat zones on your Arteflame is also a pro move. Start the skewers closer to the center fire to get a rapid sear, then move them toward the outer edge of the cooktop to finish cooking gently if they are particularly large prawns.

Furthermore, do not skip soaking your wooden skewers. Dry wood catches fire easily, which can lead to burnt sticks and skewers falling apart before the food reaches the plate. If you grill often, investing in flat metal skewers is a great idea; they prevent the shrimp from spinning around when you try to flip them, ensuring an even sear on both sides. Lastly, ensure your cooktop is well-seasoned and oiled right before the shrimp go on to guarantee a flawless release.

Variations

While the classic Santa Monica blend of basil, mint, and citrus is a crowd-pleaser, this recipe is wonderfully versatile. You can easily adapt the flavor profile to match whatever other dishes you are serving or to suit your personal palate. Experimenting with different herbs or heat levels can transform the dish entirely while keeping the cooking method the same. Here are a few delicious variations to try on your Arteflame:

• Spicy Baja Style: Swap the basil and mint for cilantro, and add a finely diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of cayenne powder to the marinade for a Mexican-inspired kick.
• Garlic Butter Richness: Replace half the olive oil with melted butter and double the garlic quantity for a richer, scampi-style skewer.
• Surf and Turf: Alternate shrimp on the skewer with cubes of marinated steak or chorizo sausage for a hearty protein-packed meal.
• Tropical Twist: Add pineapple chunks between the shrimp and swap the lemon juice for lime juice and a splash of coconut milk in the marinade.
• Mediterranean Herb: Use oregano and thyme instead of mint and basil, and serve with a side of tzatziki sauce.

Best pairings

To create a cohesive dining experience, pair these Santa Monica Shrimp Skewers with sides that complement their light and zesty nature without overpowering them. Since you already have the Arteflame fired up, grilled vegetables are a natural choice. Asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini slices tossed in a little olive oil and salt grill beautifully alongside the shrimp. For a starch, a fluffy couscous salad with cucumber and feta or a light quinoa pilaf works wonders to soak up the juices.

Beverage pairings are equally important to elevate the meal. A crisp, chilled white wine is the standard go-to; look for a Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Pinot Grigio, as their high acidity cuts through the garlic and olive oil perfectly. If you prefer beer, a light Mexican lager with a lime wedge or a citrus-forward IPA pairs harmoniously with the char from the grill. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling lemonade infused with fresh mint leaves mirrors the ingredients in the marinade beautifully.

Conclusion

Mastering these Santa Monica Shrimp Skewers on the Arteflame grill is about more than just cooking dinner; it is about embracing a lifestyle of fresh ingredients and outdoor enjoyment. The combination of the smoky sear from the carbon steel cooktop and the bright, herbaceous marinade creates a flavor profile that is truly unforgettable. It’s a simple recipe that yields sophisticated results, making you look like a seasoned chef with minimal effort.

We hope this recipe becomes a staple in your grilling rotation. Whether you are reliving memories of a West Coast vacation or simply trying to bring a bit of sunshine to your backyard, these skewers deliver every time. Gather your friends, pour some drinks, and enjoy the sizzle of the grill. Don't forget to share your culinary creations with us—we love seeing how you bring these recipes to life on your Arteflame!