Zesty Grilled Shrimp & Vegetable Skewers

Ingredients

Localized ingredient list prepared for quick scanning.

• 1/4 cup zesty or classic Italian dressing
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup premium extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder OR 1 clove fresh garlic, finely crushed
• 1 dash dried cilantro
• to taste sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lb large cooked shrimp, tails intact
• 1 firm yellow squash
• 1 fresh green zucchini
• 1 vibrant red or green bell pepper
• to taste Emeril's Original Essence seasoning or your preferred Creole spice blend
• 1 large poblano pepper OR spicy jalapeño pepper

Method

Follow the steps in order for the best result.

1. In a sealable bag or shallow dish, combine the Italian dressing, white wine, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon pepper, garlic powder (or crushed fresh garlic), dried cilantro, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create your marinade. Add the large cooked shrimp, ensuring they are thoroughly coated by gently shaking the bag or stirring.
2. Refrigerate the marinated shrimp for a minimum of one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
3. While the shrimp marinates, prepare your skewers. If using wooden skewers, immerse them in a shallow tray of salted water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from scorching on the grill.
4. Wash and chop the yellow squash, zucchini, bell pepper, and poblano or jalapeño pepper into uniformly sized, skewer-friendly pieces. Feel free to include other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or red onion wedges for added variety.
5. Carefully remove the marinated shrimp from the bag.
6. Reserve any remaining marinade in a small bowl; this will be used for basting the skewers during cooking.
7. Thread the prepared vegetables and shrimp onto the soaked skewers, alternating ingredients for an appealing presentation and even cooking.
8. Arrange the assembled skewers on a clean baking sheet.
9. Lightly dust the skewers with Emeril's Original Essence or your chosen Creole spice blend for an extra layer of flavor and a touch of zest.
10. Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat. For an authentic smoky essence, consider using mesquite wood chips. Position the kabobs on the grill grates, ideally away from direct intense flame, to prevent burning.
11. As the skewers cook, periodically brush the shrimp and vegetables with the reserved marinade, ensuring they remain moist and flavorful.
12. Grill the kabobs for approximately 3-5 minutes per side, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp and the shrimp are heated through and beautifully charred.
13. Serve these vibrant grilled skewers immediately, piping hot from the grill! They pair wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or a fluffy rice pilaf.