Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Grilled shrimp skewers are a fast, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or even elegant gatherings. With juicy, smoky shrimp threaded on skewers and charred to perfection, they’re as easy to prepare as they are impressive on the plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick cooking—ready in under 15 minutes
• Smoky, char-grilled flavor with tender, juicy shrimp
• Perfect for BBQs, parties, or weeknight meals
• Easy to customize with marinades and seasonings
• Low-carb, high-protein, and naturally gluten-free

ingredients

this Recipe

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

• Large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
• Olive oil
• Garlic (minced)
• Lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper
• Smoked paprika or chili flakes (optional)
• Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or basil)
• Wooden or metal skewers

directions

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and any optional spices or herbs.
3. Add shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat. Let sit for 15–30 minutes.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
5. Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers, about 4–5 per skewer.
6. Grill shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, or until opaque and slightly charred.
7. Remove from grill and serve hot with lemon wedges or dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 15–30 minutes (optional but recommended)
Cook time: 6 minutes
Total time: 25–40 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Cajun: Add Cajun seasoning or hot sauce to the marinade
• Asian-inspired: Use soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and a dash of rice vinegar
• Garlic butter: Baste shrimp with garlic butter while grilling for extra richness
• Coconut-lime: Marinate shrimp in coconut milk, lime juice, and a touch of honey
• Vegetable mix: Alternate shrimp with bell peppers, onions, or pineapple on the skewers

storage/reheating

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes per side, or until heated through. Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture.
Reheating in the microwave is not recommended, as it can make shrimp tough.

FAQs

What size shrimp should I use?

Large or extra-large shrimp (21–30 count per pound) work best for grilling—they’re easier to skewer and don’t overcook quickly.

Can I grill shrimp without skewers?

Yes, you can use a grill basket or thread shrimp on rosemary sprigs or lemongrass stalks for added flavor.

Should I leave the tails on?

It’s optional—leaving tails on looks great for presentation and makes the skewers easier to handle, but you can remove them if preferred.

How do I know when shrimp are done?

Shrimp turn opaque and pink with light grill marks when done. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery, so watch closely.

Can I grill frozen shrimp?

Thaw them first for best results. Grilling frozen shrimp can lead to uneven cooking.

How do I keep shrimp from sticking to the grill?

Clean and oil the grill grates well before cooking, and avoid moving the shrimp too early—let them develop a light char before flipping.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

It’s not recommended. Pre-cooked shrimp will dry out on the grill. Use raw shrimp for best flavor and texture.

What marinades work well?

Lemon-garlic, teriyaki, honey-soy, chili-lime, or even pesto all make excellent marinades for shrimp skewers.

What can I serve with grilled shrimp skewers?

Rice, grilled veggies, salad, couscous, or flatbreads all pair nicely. They’re also great in tacos or grain bowls.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. You can marinate and skewer the shrimp ahead, then grill just before serving for the freshest flavor.

Conclusion

Grilled shrimp skewers are a simple yet standout dish, combining smoky char with tender seafood in just minutes. With endless seasoning options and easy prep, they’re a go-to recipe for warm-weather meals or whenever you want something fresh, fast, and flavorful.

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