Grilled Harissa Shrimp Skewers with Zesty Basil Oil: An Easy & Flavorful Recipe
This delightful recipe is brought to you in partnership with Mina Harissa.
Embark on a culinary journey to North Africa with these incredible Grilled Harissa Shrimp Skewers, brilliantly enhanced by a vibrant homemade basil oil. This dish effortlessly combines the bold, aromatic flavors of harissa with the fresh, herbaceous notes of basil, creating a truly unforgettable experience. As someone who appreciates both convenience and gourmet taste, I’ve teamed up with the wonderful people at Mina Harissa to showcase the versatility and irresistible quality of their harissa sauces – they’re so good, you might just find yourself eating them straight from the jar!
I admit, I can be a little enthusiastic when describing food, but these shrimp skewers are truly exceptional. They strike the perfect balance between spicy and fresh, making them incredibly addictive. I could honestly devour about fifteen of these in one sitting, and I bet you’ll feel the same way once you try them!
Discover the Rich Flavors of Harissa
If you’re not already familiar with harissa, prepare to be amazed. Originating from North Africa, particularly Tunisia, harissa is a fiery and aromatic chili paste that has captivated palates worldwide. It’s traditionally made from roasted red peppers, Baklouti peppers, serrano peppers, or other chili peppers, along with olive oil and spices like garlic, caraway, coriander, and mint. The result is a complex flavor profile that is smoky, earthy, and deeply savory, with a vibrant kick.
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a huge fan of harissa, and specifically, Mina Harissa sauces. What sets Mina Harissa apart is its authentic flavor and incredible quality. Their sauces are bold and incredibly versatile, elevating any dish they touch. You can use harissa in countless ways: as a simple condiment or topping, stirred into soups and stews, mixed with yogurt for a creamy dip, or as a powerful flavor boost in marinades. Just imagine the depth it adds to dishes like these spicy harissa lamb meatballs or these savory egg puff pastry squares. The possibilities are truly endless!
Tailoring the Spice to Your Palate with Mina Harissa
Traditional harissa can be quite intense, often made almost entirely from red chili peppers, delivering a significant heat. For spice lovers like me, the hotter, the better! However, if you prefer a milder flavor, you’re in luck. Mina Harissa offers a fantastic mild harissa option that’s perfect for those who enjoy the complex flavors of harissa without the overwhelming heat. This delicate and flavorful version carries just the slightest hint of spice, making it incredibly approachable. It works wonderfully as a marinade, allowing the shrimp to absorb its rich notes without being too piquant.
The beauty of Mina Harissa is its commitment to authentic taste, whether you opt for their traditional spicy variety or the more gentle mild version. Both are crafted with care, ensuring a high-quality product that brings genuine Moroccan culinary traditions to your kitchen. Using their mild harissa for these shrimp skewers means you can enjoy all the vibrant flavors without fear of overpowering your taste buds, making it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
The Bright Counterpoint: Homemade Basil Oil
While the harissa-marinated shrimp are undoubtedly the stars of this dish, the homemade basil oil plays a crucial supporting role. It’s the secret ingredient that elevates these skewers from delicious to extraordinary. The vibrant, herbaceous freshness of the basil oil cuts through the richness of the grilled shrimp and complements the smoky, spicy notes of the harissa beautifully. This refreshing contrast not only enhances the flavor profile but also adds a stunning visual appeal, with its bright green hue against the perfectly grilled, reddish-orange shrimp.
Preparing the basil oil is incredibly simple, requiring just a few minutes and a blender. The effort is minimal, but the impact is profound. It’s a simple addition that makes these Grilled Harissa Shrimp Skewers feel gourmet and elegant, perfect for entertaining guests or simply treating yourself to a sophisticated meal at home. Don’t skip this step – the pairing of harissa and fresh basil is a culinary match made in heaven!
Effortless Elegance: Perfect for Entertaining
This recipe truly shines as the perfect dish for entertaining. These Grilled Harissa Shrimp Skewers are not only simple and quick to prepare, but they also exude an effortless elegance that will impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a casual get-together, or a more formal dinner party, these skewers fit the bill. The short cooking time for shrimp means you can whip up a batch in minutes, leaving you more time to socialize and enjoy the company.
Presentation is key, and serving these colorful skewers drizzled with the vivid basil oil and sprinkled with fresh cilantro adds an extra touch of sophistication. They can be served as a delightful appetizer, allowing guests to mingle and enjoy bite-sized bursts of flavor, or as a light yet satisfying main course alongside a fresh salad or couscous. Their vibrant appearance and irresistible aroma make them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Grilled Harissa Shrimp Skewers with Basil Oil and Cilantro
Pin
Review
SaveSaved!
Mina Harissa is widely available at many Whole Foods and other grocery store locations. For your convenience, you can also easily order their authentic harissa sauces online via Amazon.
Ingredients
Grilled Harissa Shrimp Skewers
- 1 lb (16 oz) large raw gulf shrimp shelled and de-veined
- ¼ cup Mina Mild Harissa plus more for basting
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- cooking spray
Basil Oil
- 1 cup (240 mL) extra virgin olive oil
- 1½ ounces (45g) fresh basil leaves
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt or more to taste
For Serving:
- fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
-
Marinate Shrimp: Begin by placing the shelled and deveined shrimp in a medium bowl. Add the ¼ cup of Mina mild harissa and toss thoroughly to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and allow the shrimp to marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours. This marination time is crucial for infusing the shrimp with the rich harissa flavor. Before grilling, remove the bowl from the fridge and let the shrimp rest at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes; this helps them cook more evenly.
-
Prepare Basil Oil: While the shrimp are marinating, prepare your fresh basil oil. In a blender container, combine the extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil leaves, and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and vibrant green. Taste and add more salt if desired. Pour the finished basil oil into a small, leakproof jar or container and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. This oil can be made a day in advance.
-
Assemble Skewers: If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning, especially if using an outdoor grill. Using either metal or pre-soaked wooden skewers, carefully thread 3 to 4 marinated shrimp horizontally onto each skewer (refer to the photos above for a visual guide on threading for optimal cooking). Lightly season the threaded shrimp on both sides with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside a small spoonful of additional Mina mild harissa in a separate small bowl; this will be used for basting the shrimp during the grilling process to enhance their flavor and moisture.
-
Grill the Shrimp: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. If using an outdoor gas grill, preheat it to achieve a good sear. Alternatively, if cooking indoors, heat a large (10 to 12-inch) cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, lightly spray the cooking surface with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Carefully place the shrimp skewers on the hot grill or grill pan. Grill the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side. During cooking, use a brush to baste the shrimp with the reserved additional harissa. Cook until the shrimp turn opaque and pink, indicating they are perfectly cooked through and slightly charred. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become tough quickly.
-
Serve: Once cooked, transfer the hot shrimp skewers to a large serving platter. Give the basil oil a good shake to recombine any separated ingredients, then generously drizzle it over the grilled shrimp. For a final flourish, garnish the skewers with a scattering of fresh cilantro leaves. Serve these exquisite Grilled Harissa Shrimp Skewers immediately and watch them disappear!
Tips for Success:
- Source Your Harissa: Mina Harissa products are conveniently available at many Whole Foods and other specialty grocery store locations. For an even easier option, you can also purchase their delicious harissa sauces online through Amazon, ensuring you always have this fantastic ingredient on hand.
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cooks very quickly, typically just 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking will make them rubbery, so keep a close eye on them!
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, immerse them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the shrimp. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Rest the Shrimp: Allowing the marinated shrimp to come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes before grilling helps ensure even cooking.
- Fresh Ingredients are Key: For the basil oil, use fresh, vibrant basil leaves and high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
Beyond the Skewer: Serving Suggestions and Variations
While these harissa shrimp skewers are undeniably delicious on their own, especially with a generous drizzle of basil oil and fresh cilantro, their versatility allows for numerous serving possibilities. For a light and vibrant meal, serve them alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette. To create a more substantial main course, consider pairing them with fluffy couscous, fragrant basmati rice, or even quinoa. The warm, earthy grains provide a perfect contrast to the zesty shrimp.
Feeling adventurous? You could also serve these skewers as part of a larger tapas spread, alongside other Mediterranean-inspired small plates. Consider adding grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the skewers themselves for an extra burst of color and flavor. And don’t limit yourself to shrimp! The harissa marinade works wonderfully with chicken breast, firm white fish, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The basil oil also makes a fantastic dressing for salads or a finishing touch for roasted vegetables, showcasing its versatility beyond this specific recipe.
Achieving Grilling Perfection for Your Shrimp Skewers
Grilling shrimp requires a little attention, but the payoff in flavor and texture is immense. The key is high heat and quick cooking. Whether you’re using an outdoor gas grill or an indoor cast iron grill pan, ensure it’s preheated adequately to medium-high. This intense initial heat will give the shrimp a beautiful sear and prevent it from sticking, while ensuring it cooks through rapidly without becoming rubbery. Don’t crowd the grill; cook the skewers in batches if necessary to maintain consistent heat. Basting with extra harissa during the grilling process not only reinforces the vibrant flavor but also helps keep the shrimp moist and tender.
Remember, shrimp cooks very quickly – typically just 2-3 minutes per side. Watch for them to turn opaque and pink; that’s your cue that they’re done. A slight char on the edges adds fantastic flavor and visual appeal. Once off the grill, transfer them immediately to your serving platter and get ready to enjoy a burst of incredible taste!
This comprehensive post and the exciting recipe development project were proudly sponsored by Mina Harissa. We extend our sincere gratitude for your continued support of the brands we genuinely love, trust, and frequently feature in our own kitchen. We hope you enjoy bringing these exquisite Grilled Harissa Shrimp Skewers to your table!