Lemon Garlic Shrimp Kofta
When you want that cozy Mediterranean vibe without the long prep time.
If you're looking for a hug in bowl form tonight, these shrimp koftas are your best friend. They lean into that deep comfort of Middle Eastern spices while keeping things incredibly simple for a weary weeknight cook. The secret is the heavy hit of garlic and lemon which creates a savory, slightly charred crust on the outside of the shrimp. You won't have to spend hours over a hot stove; it's all about getting those skewers (or just the pan) going quickly. The aroma of toasted cumin and parsley will fill your kitchen, making the whole process feel like an intentional treat rather than a chore. Serve these with some pita or over rice for a satisfying, low-effort feast that feels way more sophisticated than it actually is.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp — peeled and deveined
- 4 unit garlic cloves — roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Method
- 1 In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with garlic, cumin, lemon juice, and parsley.
- 2 Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to let the flavors penetrate the shrimp.
- 3 Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil.
- 4 Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- 5 Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and opaque.
- 6 Squeeze a final tiny bit of lemon over the top before serving.
Variations
- Veggie Swap — Swap the shrimp for firm tofu cubes or halloumi cheese.
- Faster Prep — Use a pre-minced garlic jar to skip the chopping step entirely.
Notes
If you don't have skewers, a heavy cast iron skillet is perfect for achieving that slightly charred 'kofta' exterior.
Equipment that helps
- Large Skillet — Provides a wide surface area to sear the shrimp quickly without steaming them.
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