Introduction

Grilled shrimp skewers are a quick and flavorful way to enjoy seafood at home. Marinated with garlic, lemon, and spices, these skewers cook in just minutes and are perfect for a light dinner or a summer barbecue.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

8 bamboo skewers
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 lb large shrimp (31/40 size, peeled and deveined)

Instructions

Step 1: Soak the bamboo skewers in water for 30-60 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
Step 3: Add the shrimp to the marinade and gently toss to coat. Let them marinate for 15-30 minutes, but no longer to avoid over-tenderizing.
Step 4: Preheat your grill for about 15 minutes over medium-high heat, or heat a grill pan for 3-5 minutes on the stove.
Step 5: Thread the marinated shrimp onto the soaked skewers, discarding the leftover marinade.
Step 6: Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque on the bottom but remain slightly translucent on top.
Step 7: Flip the skewers and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are fully opaque and cooked through.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the cooked skewers before serving.
Use metal skewers if preferred; just skip the soaking step.
Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftover grilled shrimp skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave just until warm to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating to ensure the flavors stick well and the shrimp grill properly.

How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque throughout. They cook quickly, so watch carefully to avoid overcooking, which can make them rubbery.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 98 reviews

These Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a quick and flavorful dish perfect for summer cookouts or a simple weeknight dinner. Marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic spices, the shrimp are tender, juicy, and infused with a smoky hint from paprika. Grilled to perfection, they offer a deliciously charred exterior while remaining juicy inside.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp Skewers

8 Bamboo skewers
1 lb Large shrimp (31/40 size, peeled and deveined)

For the Marinade

1/4 cup Olive oil
1 tbsp Lemon juice
4 cloves Garlic (minced)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
1/2 tsp Sea salt
1/4 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

Soak Skewers: If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30-60 minutes before grilling to prevent burning during cooking.
Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade for the shrimp.
Marinate Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade and gently toss to coat evenly. Let the shrimp marinate for 15-30 minutes, ensuring they absorb the flavors without becoming mushy.
Preheat Grill: Preheat your outdoor grill for about 15 minutes over medium-high heat, or if using a grill pan indoors, preheat it for 3-5 minutes over medium-high heat.
Thread Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the marinade and thread them carefully onto the soaked bamboo skewers, ensuring they are evenly spaced for uniform cooking.
Grill Shrimp: Place the shrimp skewers on the hot grill and cook for 2-3 minutes until the underside of the shrimp turns pink and opaque but the top remains slightly translucent. Flip the skewers and grill for an additional 2-3 minutes until the shrimp is fully opaque and cooked through.