Orange Mint Grilled Shrimp

Orange Mint Grilled Shrimp

You might think that the combination of orange and mint is a little weird and the first time I tried it I was a little skeptical too but I found myself making them again and again. We now often serve them at weekend barbeques as an appetizer.  When served on a mixed green salad with fresh mint leaves and orange sections, it also makes a perfect light summer lunch dish.

• 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and de-veined

For the marinade mix, together:

• 1/3 cup orange juice
• zest of one orange. finely chopped
• 3 tbsp chopped fresh mint
• 2tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove finely minced garlic
• 1 tbsp honey
• pinch salt
• pinch black pepper

Marinate the shrimp in the marinade for no longer than 20 minutes; longer than this can allow the citric acid in the orange juice to break down the surface of the shrimp and dry them out when cooked. While the shrimp are marinating you can also soak 3 or 4 bamboo skewers in water to prepare them for the grill.

Push the shrimp onto the pre-soaked bamboo skewers. If you like, you can alternate the shrimp with pieces of sweet bell peppers and/or red onions.

Place the shrimp skewers onto a preheated grill on medium heat and grill for only 2 to 3 minutes per side depending on the size of shrimp that you are using.

These are delicious served as an appetizer for 4 or with an orange, mint and mixed green salad as a main course for two.