Lemon Garlic Seafood Souvlaki
When you want a 'fancy' dinner but only have 20 minutes and zero energy to prep complex sauces.
Listen, we get it. Some nights you want something that feels like a vacation in Greece, but the thought of heavy prep work is just too much. This seafood souvlaki gives you those hit notes of lemon, garlic, and oregano without the fuss. We’re swapping traditional meat for heartier shellfish or white fish—it cooks incredibly fast and soaks up that zesty marinade perfectly. It's bright, satisfying, and honestly feels like a reward for surviving your Monday. Serve it with some store-bought pita and a dollop of hummus to keep things effortless.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb large shrimp or scallops — peeled and deveined if using shrimp
- 4 unit garlic cloves — minced
- 0.25 cup olive oil
- 1 unit lemon — juiced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes — optional for a tiny kick
Method
- 1 Preheat your oven to 400°F or heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.
- 2 In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes.
- 3 Toss the seafood in the mixture until evenly coated. If you're using a skillet, do this right in the pan to save a dish.
- 4 Spread the seafood in a single layer on a baking sheet or into the hot skillet.
- 5 Roast in the oven for 6-8 minutes (or sear in the skillet for 3-4 minutes per side) until the seafood is opaque and firm.
- 6 Squeeze an extra wedge of lemon over everything as soon as it comes out of the heat. Serve with pita bread.
Variations
- Vegetarian Swap — Swap the seafood for cubed firm tofu or halloumi cheese; it absorbs the lemon and garlic beautifully.
- Faster Prep — Use a pre-minced garlic jar to skip the chopping step entirely.
Notes
For a full 'souvlaki' experience, serve with sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a dollop of store-bought tzatziki.
Equipment that helps
- Large Bowl — Makes tossing and coating the seafood uniform and easy.
- Cast Iron Skillet — Provides even heat for a quick sear that mimics a grill.
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