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Easy Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Easy Grilled Shrimp Skewers


  • Author: Samantha Jones
  • Total Time: 21
  • Yield: 4 servings (2 skewers per person) 1x

Description

Quick and flavorful grilled shrimp skewers with a zesty lemon and garlic marinade. Perfect for summer meals, backyard barbecues, or light dinners, these skewers offer a colorful, smoky, and fresh seafood recipe ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.


Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving
8 wooden or metal skewers


Instructions

Soak wooden skewers for 20 minutes if using. Metal skewers do not need soaking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until fragrant and fully blended.
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels, then add to the marinade bowl. Toss until evenly coated.
Let shrimp marinate at room temperature for 10–20 minutes (avoid longer, as lemon juice can overcook tender shrimp).
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
Thread shrimp evenly onto skewers, leaving small gaps between each piece for even cooking.
Grill shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, until shells (if left on) turn pink and meat is pink/opaques. Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture.
Remove skewers from grill, spritz with additional lemon juice, and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing.

Notes

Marinate no longer than 20 minutes to keep shrimp tender.
Wooden skewers may scorch if not soaked; metal skewers hold up best.
For extra flavor, add cherry tomatoes or bell pepper chunks between shrimp on skewers.
Serve with a mixed green salad, crusty bread, or rice for a complete meal.
Reseal leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days (best eaten fresh).

  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 6
  • Category: Recipes
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 skewers (one serving per person)
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg