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Donna R. Luis

Spicy Turkish Shrimp Kebabs

Tender shrimp are seasoned with Urfa biber, grilled alongside caramelized lemons, then finished with fragrant garlic butter, fresh parsley, and optional Aleppo pepper for a smoky, spicy, citrusy seafood main dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Ingredients
  

Urfa Biber Garlic Butter
  • cup butter
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon Urfa biber
Shrimp & Grilled Lemons
  • 1 pound raw shrimp 21–30 count per pound, thawed, peeled, and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ –1 tablespoon Urfa biber
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
  • ¼ teaspoon Aleppo pepper optional
  • 6 –8 wooden skewers soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
  • 2 lemons halved and lightly brushed with olive oil on the cut sides

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Outdoor grill
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Wooden skewers
  • Small bowl for soaking skewers
  • Pastry brush or basting brush
  • Tongs
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife

Method
 

  1. Make the Garlic Butter: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
  2. Cook the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring as needed, until softened and fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.
  3. Season the Butter: Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the olive oil, sea salt, and ½ teaspoon Urfa biber.
  4. Let the Butter Rest: Leave the seasoned butter in the saucepan and set it aside so the flavors can meld; the residual heat will slightly brown the butter and deepen its flavor.
  5. Preheat the Grill: Heat an outdoor grill over high heat, or prepare a charcoal grill for direct-heat cooking.
  6. Prepare the Shrimp Skewers: Thread four shrimp onto each soaked wooden skewer.
  7. Season the Shrimp: Brush both sides of the shrimp lightly with olive oil, then season them with sea salt and ½–1 tablespoon Urfa biber.
  8. Grill the Lemons: Place the lemon halves cut-side down over direct heat and cook undisturbed for about 4–6 minutes, or until the cut surfaces are visibly charred and caramelized.
  9. Grill the Shrimp: While the lemons cook, place the shrimp kebabs over direct heat and grill for 2–3 minutes per side.
  10. Check for Doneness: Continue grilling until the shrimp are pink and opaque, with an internal temperature of 145°F measured with an instant-read thermometer.
  11. Finish the Kebabs: Remove the shrimp kebabs and grilled lemons from the heat, then spoon the prepared garlic butter over the kebabs and squeeze the juices from the warm lemons over the shrimp.
  12. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the kebabs with finely chopped parsley and the optional Aleppo pepper, then serve immediately.

Notes

  • Soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
  • For quicker thawing, place frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water for approximately 10–20 minutes.
  • Keep a close eye on the garlic while cooking so it softens without burning.
  • The residual heat in the saucepan helps the butter slightly brown after it is removed from the heat.
  • Aleppo pepper is optional and adds extra flavorful heat along with a pop of red color.
  • Grill the lemon halves cut-side down without moving them for the best charring and caramelization.
  • The shrimp are ready when they are pink and opaque and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.