Grilled Shrimp Skewers 

Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or backyard parties. Marinated in a zesty blend of herbs, citrus, and spices, the shrimp are grilled to perfection—juicy, slightly charred, and bursting with smoky goodness. Whether served on their own or paired with sides, these skewers are a surefire favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cooks in just minutes on the grill
• Packed with bold, fresh flavor
• Customizable marinades and seasoning options
• Perfect as a main course, appetizer, or part of a surf-and-turf meal
• Naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and high in protein
• Great for outdoor grilling or indoor grill pans
• Elegant enough for entertaining, easy enough for everyday
• Pairs with salads, rice, pasta, or grilled veggies
• Minimal prep and clean-up
• Versatile—use any shrimp size or seasoning you love

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
• Olive oil
• Garlic (minced)
• Lemon juice and zest
• Paprika or smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
• Skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers)

directions

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and zest, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for 15–30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand.
4. Thread the shrimp onto skewers, about 4–6 per skewer depending on size.
5. Grill the skewers for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly charred.
6. Remove from grill and garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 skewers (serves 2–4 people depending on portion size).

Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinate time: 15–30 minutes
Cook time: 6 minutes
Total time: 30–45 minutes

Variations

• Use lime juice, chili powder, and cumin for a Tex-Mex twist
• Add honey or maple syrup to the marinade for a touch of sweetness
• Try Cajun seasoning for a spicy Southern flavor
• Thread with veggies like bell peppers, red onion, or zucchini for full kabobs
• Use pre-cooked shrimp for a quick reheat (reduce grill time to 1–2 minutes per side)
• Make garlic butter or herb sauce to drizzle on after grilling
• Serve with dipping sauces like chimichurri, garlic aioli, or yogurt-based tzatziki

storage/reheating

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for 20–30 seconds to avoid overcooking. Shrimp is also delicious served cold in salads or wraps. Freezing cooked shrimp is possible, but texture may change slightly.

FAQs

What size shrimp is best for skewers?

Large (21–25 count) or jumbo shrimp are ideal—they’re easier to skewer and less likely to overcook.

Can I grill shrimp without skewers?

Yes, you can use a grill basket or thread them onto metal skewers individually for easier flipping.

How do I keep shrimp from sticking to the grill?

Make sure your grill is hot and lightly oiled. Also, don’t move the shrimp too soon—let them sear before flipping.

Should I peel the shrimp before grilling?

That’s up to you. Peeled shrimp are easier to eat, but unpeeled shrimp retain more moisture and flavor.

How do I know when shrimp are done?

They’ll turn pink, opaque, and curl into a “C” shape. Avoid overcooking or they’ll become rubbery.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can marinate the shrimp a few hours in advance, but grill them just before serving for best results.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.

Are grilled shrimp skewers healthy?

Yes, they’re high in protein, low in fat, and low in carbs—great for most dietary plans.

Can I use a grill pan indoors?

Absolutely. A grill pan over medium-high heat will work perfectly for this recipe.

What should I serve with grilled shrimp skewers?

They go great with rice, quinoa, grilled vegetables, pasta salad, couscous, or fresh green salad.

Conclusion

Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a delicious and versatile way to enjoy shrimp at its best—charred, juicy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, planning a weeknight dinner, or prepping for a summer party, these skewers are quick to make and sure to impress. Keep the marinade simple or get creative, and enjoy this tasty grilling favorite any time of year.

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