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Appetizers

Camarão Grelhado (Grilled Garlic Shrimp)

The Quirky Foodster Team

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (0)
20 min
Prep
5 min
Cook
4
Servings

Ingredients

  • 500 g (1.1 lb) Large shrimp, shell-on
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp Lime juice
  • 3 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 Fresh chilli, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped

Method

  1. Combine garlic, lime juice, olive oil, chilli and salt in a bowl.
  2. Toss the shrimp in the marinade and set aside for 15–20 minutes.
  3. Heat a grill or griddle pan until very hot.
  4. Grill the shrimp for 2 minutes per side, until pink and lightly charred.
  5. Scatter with parsley and serve immediately with extra lime wedges.

Introduction: Simple grilled shrimp, seasoned generously with garlic and lime, reflect the everyday abundance of the Atlantic around the islands.

Cultural Background: Simple grilled shrimp, seasoned generously with garlic and lime, reflect the everyday abundance of the Atlantic around the islands. Served as a starter at gatherings or from small roadside grills, they are eaten with fingers, shells and all.

Tips: Don't marinate longer than 30 minutes — the lime juice will start to 'cook' the shrimp and make them mushy. Cook over high, direct heat for the shortest possible time to keep the shrimp juicy.

Variations: Skewer the shrimp for easier grilling. Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade. No authentic vegetarian version exists for this shellfish-defined dish.

Storage: Best eaten immediately; leftovers keep refrigerated for 1 day.

Reheating: Reheat briefly in a hot pan for 1 minute per side; avoid the microwave, which toughens shrimp.

Nutrition: Approx. 150 kcal, 20 g protein, 2 g carbohydrate, 7 g fat per serving.

FAQs:

Q: Should I peel the shrimp first?
A: Shell-on is traditional and keeps the shrimp juicier, but peeled shrimp work fine and cook slightly faster.

Q: Can I make this indoors without a grill?
A: Yes, a very hot griddle pan or heavy skillet gives a similar result. SEO Keywords camarao grelhado, cape verdean grilled shrimp, crioulo appetizer Image Prompt Charred garlic shrimp piled on a wooden board with lime wedges and a scatter of chopped parsley, smoky grill marks visible.

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