Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

These Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a game-changer for dinner – juicy, flavorful, and on the table in just 15 minutes! Marinated in a perfect blend of garlic, lemon, and herbs, then quickly grilled to succulent perfection, these skewers deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. They’re my go-to for both casual weeknight meals and entertaining friends on warm summer evenings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Bamboo skewers: Soak these in water to prevent burning on the grill. Metal skewers work too if you have them – no soaking required!
• Olive oil: Creates the base for our marinade and helps prevent sticking. Use a good quality one for best flavor.
• Lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the shrimp slightly. Fresh is definitely best here.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the marinade with amazing flavor. Don’t skimp here – those four cloves make all the difference.
• Italian seasoning: This herb blend brings Mediterranean flair without having to buy multiple herb jars.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that complements the grill flavor perfectly. Regular paprika works in a pinch but lacks that smoky depth.
• Sea salt: Enhances all the other flavors. Kosher salt works well too.
• Black pepper: Adds a touch of spice that balances the other flavors.
• Large shrimp: The star of the show! Look for 31/40 size shrimp that are already peeled and deveined to save time. Frozen works great too – just thaw before using.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these delicious alternatives:

Different Flavor Profiles

• Cajun: Swap Italian seasoning for Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick
• Cilantro Lime: Replace Italian herbs with fresh cilantro and use lime juice instead of lemon
• Garlic Butter: Brush with melted garlic butter during the last minute of grilling for extra richness
• Teriyaki: Use teriyaki sauce instead of the Mediterranean marinade for an Asian twist

Mix and Match

• Add chunks of bell pepper, zucchini, or onion between the shrimp for colorful veggie skewers
• Wrap each shrimp in a half slice of bacon before skewering for indulgent bacon-wrapped shrimp skewers

How to Make Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Step 1: Prepare the Skewers

Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30-60 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning and gives you enough time to prepare your marinade and shrimp.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Marinate the Shrimp

Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade and gently toss to ensure each piece is well coated. Let them soak up the flavors for 15-30 minutes—but no longer, as the acid in the lemon juice will start to “cook” the shrimp if left too long.

Step 4: Preheat Your Grill

While the shrimp marinate, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F) for about 15 minutes. If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes until hot.

Step 5: Skewer and Grill

Thread the marinated shrimp onto the soaked skewers, about 4-6 per skewer depending on size. Place them on the hot grill and cook for just 2-3 minutes per side. The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when done—be careful not to overcook them!

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Transfer the sizzling skewers to a serving platter and enjoy while hot. A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving adds a bright finish.

How to Serve

These versatile shrimp skewers can be served in so many delicious ways:

As a Main Course

Serve with a side of fluffy rice pilaf or orzo pasta and grilled vegetables for a complete meal. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette makes a perfect light accompaniment.

Appetizer Style

Serve on a platter with dipping sauces like tzatziki, cocktail sauce, or garlic aioli. Your guests will devour them!

In Other Dishes

Remove from skewers and add to pasta, grain bowls, or on top of salads for an instant protein boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Prep Ahead

You can prepare the marinade up to 2 days ahead and store in the refrigerator. The skewers can be soaked several hours in advance.

Note: Only marinate the shrimp right before cooking, as the acid in the lemon juice starts to “cook” the shrimp if left too long.

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They’re delicious cold in salads or sandwiches!

Reheating

To reheat without overcooking, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave at 50% power in short intervals until just warm.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked shrimp, the texture may change slightly. If freezing, remove from skewers and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work perfectly here. Just thaw them completely before marinating (overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water if you’re in a hurry). Make sure to pat them dry before adding to the marinade for the best flavor absorption.

How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking?
Perfectly cooked shrimp should be pink, opaque, and slightly firm to the touch. They’ll also curl into a loose “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked. This usually takes just 2-3 minutes per side on a hot grill—they cook very quickly!

Can I make these in the oven instead of grilling?
Definitely! Broil the skewers on high for about 3-4 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent overcooking. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup. They won’t have the same smoky flavor but will still be delicious.

What size shrimp works best for skewers?
Large shrimp (31/40 count) or jumbo shrimp (21/25 count) work best for skewers. They’re substantial enough to thread easily and cook evenly on the grill. Avoid smaller shrimp as they cook too quickly and are harder to skewer.

These Grilled Shrimp Skewers are truly one of those miracle recipes that deliver gourmet results with minimal effort. The perfect blend of seasoning, the quick marinade, and the fast cooking time make this an unbeatable option for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Give them a try tonight—I guarantee they’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!

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