Juiciest Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe for Summer Fun

Barbecue enthusiasts adore these mouthwatering grilled shrimp skewers that promise a burst of ocean-fresh flavor.

Every summer gathering needs a showstopper dish like this.

Tender marine gems dance with zesty marinades, creating a perfect blend of smoky and bright notes.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings bring unexpected depth to these delectable seafood bites.

Quick-cooking and incredibly simple, these skewers will become your new warm-weather favorite.

Marinate, thread, and grill for an effortless meal that impresses without complicated techniques.

You can easily master this recipe and become the star of any outdoor feast.

Why Grilled Shrimp Skewers Always Win at Cookouts

• Quick and easy preparation lets you whip up delicious shrimp in just 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Zesty marinade infused with garlic, lemon, and parsley creates a mouthwatering taste that transforms simple shrimp into a restaurant-quality dish.
• Grilled skewers make an impressive and crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course for backyard barbecues, beach parties, and casual get-togethers.
• Low-calorie shrimp packed with lean protein offers a nutritious meal that's both satisfying and good for your body, making it ideal for health-conscious eaters.

What You’ll Need for Shrimp Skewers That Pop

• Shrimp: Fresh, sweet seafood that becomes tender and flavorful when grilled, best when large or jumbo size for easier skewering.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Creates a bright, tangy liquid that helps tenderize and add zesty flavor to the shrimp.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic punch that complements the seafood's natural sweetness.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a clean, light green flavor and color to the dish.
• Paprika: Mild spice that brings warm, slightly sweet color and gentle heat.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the shrimp.

• Skewers: Wooden or metal tools for holding and turning shrimp during grilling, ensuring even cooking.
• Lemon Wedges: Fresh citrus garnish that adds bright, acidic notes and extra zestiness when squeezed over grilled shrimp.

How to Grill Shrimp Skewers Without Overcooking

Step 1: Craft Zesty Marinade

• Olive oil
• Freshly minced garlic
• Bright lemon juice
• Grated lemon zest
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Smoky paprika
• Sea salt
• Cracked black pepper

Blend ingredients until smooth and fragrant.

Step 2: Bathe Shrimp in Flavor

Toss clean shrimp into the marinade, ensuring complete coverage.

Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes, allowing flavors to penetrate.

Step 3: Prepare Skewers

Slide marinated shrimp onto wooden or metal skewers.

Arrange 4-5 shrimp per skewer, keeping them snug but not crowded.

Step 4: Fire Up the Grill

Heat grill to medium-high temperature.

Lightly brush grates with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Place skewers on hot grill.

Cook 2-3 minutes per side.

Look for pink color, translucent flesh, and light char marks.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer grilled skewers to serving platter.

Garnish with fresh lemon wedges.

Enjoy immediately while hot and succulent.

Smart Tips for Tender, Juicy Shrimp on the Grill

• Maximize Marinade Flavor: Let shrimp soak in the marinade for at least 15 minutes to allow herbs and spices to deeply penetrate and enhance the seafood's natural taste.
• Prevent Sticking: Brush grill grates with oil before cooking to ensure shrimp release easily and develop beautiful grill marks without tearing.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, which typically takes 2-3 minutes per side; overcooking makes them tough and rubbery.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Select fresh, high-quality shrimp and recently squeezed lemon juice to guarantee the most vibrant and authentic flavor profile.
• Smart Skewering Technique: Thread shrimp in a curved position to help them cook evenly and prevent uneven charring on the grill.

Keeping Grilled Shrimp Skewers for Later

• Store leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm shrimp in a preheated 275°F oven for 10-12 minutes, wrapped in foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Gently reheat shrimp in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking and maintaining tender texture.
• Discard any leftover shrimp that smells off or has been stored longer than 2 days to prevent foodborne illness.

Perfect Pairings for Grilled Shrimp Skewers

• Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the grilled shrimp's bright, tangy marinade and cut through its richness.
• Create a refreshing side of cucumber, tomato, feta, and herbs that echoes the shrimp's lemony Mediterranean flavor profile and adds cooling contrast to the charred seafood.
• Prepare light, fluffy couscous seasoned with parsley and lemon zest to mirror the skewers' herb and citrus notes, providing a perfect textural companion.
• Whip up a quick garlic aioli dipping sauce that amplifies the shrimp's garlicky undertones and offers a creamy, luxurious accompaniment to the grilled protein.

Shrimp Skewer Ideas with a Twist

• Mediterranean Herb Swap: Replace parsley with a mix of fresh oregano, thyme, and basil for a robust Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Coconut Lime Fusion: Substitute olive oil with coconut milk, add lime zest, and sprinkle shredded coconut for a tropical-inspired marinade.
• Spicy Cajun Kick: Mix in cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and replace regular salt with Cajun seasoning for a zesty New Orleans-style shrimp skewer.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Use avocado oil instead of olive oil, omit sugary marinades, and serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb protein-packed meal.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers Q&A

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure proper seasoning and even cooking.

• How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?

Lightly oil the grill grates and make sure they’re clean before cooking. Also, don’t move the shrimp too much while grilling.

• What if I don't have a grill?

You can use a grill pan on the stovetop or broil the shrimp in the oven, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.

• Is it okay to marinate shrimp longer than 15-30 minutes?

No, marinating shrimp too long can make them tough and change their texture due to the acidic lemon juice.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 21 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Mediterranean-style Grilled Shrimp Skewers bring zesty flavors straight from coastal waters to dinner tables. Lemon, herbs, and perfectly charred prawns create an irresistible culinary journey you’ll savor with every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish and Additional Items:

• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together aromatic olive oil, minced garlic, zesty lemon juice and delicate zest, chopped parsley, smoky paprika, and essential salt and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
2. Immerse fresh shrimp into the marinade, gently tossing to ensure complete coverage. Refrigerate for approximately 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
3. Prepare wooden or metal skewers by carefully threading shrimp, ensuring each skewer holds 4-5 plump crustaceans in a neat, uniform arrangement.
4. Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature, creating an even cooking surface. Lightly brush grates with oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor development.
5. Position marinated shrimp skewers onto preheated grill, maintaining consistent distance between each skewer for uniform cooking.
6. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, watching for transformative color change from translucent to vibrant pink and developing subtle charred edges.
7. Once shrimp reach opaque appearance and exhibit delicate caramelization, carefully remove from grill using long-handled tongs.
8. Transfer grilled skewers to serving platter, accompany with fresh lemon wedges to provide bright, citrusy accent and allow guests to customize seasoning.

Notes

• Marinate shrimp for maximum flavor infusion, but avoid exceeding 30 minutes to prevent the citrus from breaking down the delicate protein.
• Use wooden skewers soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
• For gluten-free variation, ensure all marinade ingredients are certified gluten-free and substitute dried herbs if needed.
• Alternative cooking methods include using a grill pan or broiler if outdoor grilling isn’t available, maintaining similar high-heat cooking technique.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg