real life test kitchen: a super-fast shrimp appetizer

When I have people over for dinner, I like to set out a plate of cheese and crackers with olives and other nibbly things — lots of little finger food for everyone to snack on before the main event. But lately I’ve started serving just one thing: lemon-oregano shrimp. It’s about as fast to make as opening a box of crackers, goes well with a cocktail or beer, and seems a bit more surprising than the usual pre-dinner fare I put out. It’s an especially good idea to make this when shrimp are on sale — I usually buy a pound of pre-peeled shrimp for every two to four people. You could peel and de-vein the shrimp yourself, but that’s a little more labor-intensive, especially when people are on their way over. I’d rather spend that time having a drink. –Lisa C. Click for the recipe!
Lemon-oregano shrimp
(Serves about 2 to 4 people as an appetizer)
1 lb. shrimp, peeled and de-veined
olive oil
zest of 1 lemon
1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
salt and pepper, to taste
In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with a healthy glug of olive oil. Sprinkle on the lemon zest and oregano. Toss to coat. Heat your grill pan on medium-high heat. When the grill is hot, cook the shrimp so that they are pink, firm, and opaque on both sides. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from the pan and serve in a bowl immediately. (Don’t forget an extra bowl to throw away the tails.)



















May 27th, 2009 at 10:33 am
I’m a SERIOUS shrimp lover, so anytime I see a new recipe for shrimp anything, I’m all over it! Thanks for sharing!
May 27th, 2009 at 10:51 am
Thanks, Rebecca! I hope you’ll try it.
May 27th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
this is an excellent alternative to cheese and crackers. i love shrimp and am always looking for new shrimp recipes. Would you eat this with your fingers or with a fork?
May 27th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
that looks absolutely delicious– my mouth is watering just a bit!!
May 28th, 2009 at 8:20 am
Hi Venetia–maybe we are animals at our house, but I would eat these with my fingers, similar to peel-and-eat shrimp. More civilized people might want to use a fork, but it wouldn’t be as much fun.
Thanks, Erica!
June 10th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Sounds good and looks so simple.