Tantalizing Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Sizzling Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe: A Beachy Delight

Summers buzz with excitement when succulent grilled shrimp skewers sizzle on the backyard grill.

These delectable seafood delights promise a burst of flavor that dances across your palate.

Marinated in a zesty blend of herbs and spices, each skewer delivers a perfect balance of smoky char and tender shrimp.

The marinade infuses every bite with a vibrant, mouthwatering essence that transforms a simple meal into a culinary adventure.

Fresh ingredients and a quick cooking technique make this recipe a go-to for effortless entertaining.

With minimal prep and maximum flavor, these grilled shrimp skewers will become your new favorite summer dish.

Fire up the grill and get ready to impress everyone at your next cookout.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 21 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients For Grilled Shrimp Skewers

For Marinade:
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and prevents shrimp from sticking during grilling.
  • Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic flavor that complements seafood perfectly.
  • Lemon Juice and Zest: Brings bright, citrusy tang and helps tenderize the shrimp.
  • Parsley: Provides fresh, herbal notes and vibrant green color.
  • Paprika: Adds subtle smoky warmth and beautiful reddish hue.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps season the shrimp.
  • Black Pepper: Introduces gentle heat and aromatic complexity.
For Protein:
  • Shrimp: Choose fresh, firm, wild-caught shrimp with shells removed for best texture and grilling performance.
For Grilling and Serving:
  • Skewers: Wooden or metal options work well; soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning.
  • Lemon Wedges: Provides extra zesty freshness and allows guests to adjust citrus intensity.

Tools For Grilling Shrimp Skewers

  • Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing marinade and coating shrimp evenly.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending marinade ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, pepper, and spices.
  • Skewers: Wooden or metal sticks for grilling shrimp securely.
  • Grill: Key tool for cooking shrimp with perfect char marks.
  • Tongs: Great for flipping and removing shrimp from grill safely.
  • Cutting Board: Used for preparing lemon wedges and zesting.
  • Zester or Grater: Helps extract fresh lemon zest quickly.
  • Citrus Juicer (optional): Convenient for squeezing lemon juice.

Instructions For Grilled Shrimp Skewers

  • Create Flavor Explosion

Whip up a zesty marinade mixing olive oil, crushed garlic, bright lemon juice and zest, chopped parsley, smoky paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.

  • Bathe Shrimp in Goodness

Toss succulent shrimp into the marinade, ensuring every morsel gets coated. Let them soak up the incredible flavors in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes.

  • Prepare Skewers

Carefully thread shrimp onto skewers, arranging about 4-5 per stick for perfect grilling.

  • Fire Up the Grill

Heat grill to medium-high and lightly brush grates with oil to prevent sticking.

  • Grill to Perfection

Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink, become opaque, and develop delicious light char marks.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Pull shrimp off the grill and plate immediately. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrusy brightness.

Cooking Tips For Grilled Shrimp Skewers

  • Cool Cooking Hacks: Quick Seafood Success
  • Marinade Magic
  • Skewer Secrets: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and ensure even cooking without charred edges.
  • Temperature Tricks: Always pat shrimp dry before marinating to help seasonings stick better and achieve perfect caramelization on the grill.
  • Dietary Swaps: For gluten-free version, confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free; for low-carb dieters, serve with cauliflower rice instead of traditional sides.
  • Flavor Boosters: Experiment with alternative herbs like dill or cilantro instead of parsley, or add red pepper flakes for subtle heat and extra zest.

Serving Up Grilled Shrimp Skewers

  • Summer Beach Feast: Pair these sizzling shrimp skewers with fresh corn on the cob and a crisp cucumber salad for a perfect outdoor meal.
  • Mediterranean Plate Presentation: Arrange skewers over a bed of herbed quinoa, garnish with extra chopped parsley, and serve with tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired spread.
  • Cocktail Party Appetizer: Cut shrimp into smaller portions, slide onto mini skewers, and serve as a delightful finger food alongside chilled white wine or a zesty mojito for elegant entertaining.
  • Weeknight Dinner Combo: Complement the grilled shrimp with a light Greek salad and warm pita bread to create a quick, nutritious meal that brings fresh flavors to the table.

How To Store Grilled Shrimp Skewers

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Chill Quickly: Allow shrimp to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and prevent bacterial growth. Freezing Strategy: Pack cooled shrimp in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air, and store for maximum 1 month. Reheating Tips: Gently warm refrigerated shrimp in a skillet with a splash of olive oil to prevent overcooking and maintain moisture.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Tantalizing Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Tantalizing Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 21 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Sizzling grilled shrimp skewers spotlight Mediterranean flavors with zesty lemon and herb marinade. Succulent prawns deliver a perfect summer grill experience for those craving fresh seafood with bold, tangy notes you can savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ lbs (680 g) shrimp, large, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
  • 3 tbsps olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)

Instructions

  1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk citrus, garlic, parsley, and spices in a large bowl to create a vibrant flavor base that will elevate the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
  2. Marinating Process: Immerse shrimp completely in the zesty mixture, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to deeply penetrate the seafood.
  3. Skewer and Grill Setup: Soak wooden skewers in water while shrimp marinates, then carefully thread each piece with uniform spacing to promote even cooking.
  4. Grilling Technique: Heat grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates. Arrange skewered shrimp, grilling approximately 2-3 minutes per side until they turn opaque and develop a golden-brown caramelized exterior.
  5. Serving Presentation: Remove skewers from heat and immediately plate, garnishing with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley to enhance the dish’s aromatic profile and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Prevent Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent charring and potential flame-ups during cooking.
  • Marinade Timing: Limit shrimp marination to 15-20 minutes maximum, as citrus acids can start to “cook” the delicate seafood if left too long, potentially making texture tough.
  • Grill Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high heat around 400-450°F, ensuring quick cooking without drying out shrimp – they cook rapidly and can become rubbery if overcooked.
  • Spacing Technique: Leave slight gaps between shrimp on skewers to allow heat circulation, promoting even cooking and creating perfect golden-brown caramelization on each piece.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 220 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star