Healthy Eating

Grilled Shrimp Skewers – Eating Bird Food

June 26, 2024

These grilled shrimp skewers are tossed in a simple lemon garlic marinade and cook up in just 5 minutes! Pair them with veggies for a quick and easy dinner or serve them at your next summer cookout.

Throughout the summer Isaac and I grill out constantly. The grill becomes our oven and we basically use it to cook anything and everything. Some of my favorite recipes are this grilled chicken, grilled sweet potatoes, grilled salmon salad and these grilled shrimp skewers!

Seafood is one of my favorite things to grill and I’m pumped to share this simple lemon pepper shrimp skewer recipe. It’s light, fresh, cooks up in a matter of minutes and works great in just about any recipe. Serve them up along grilled veggies for a full meal or add them to pasta or salad for some protein. I love serving using these shrimp as a protein source for my kale caesar salad.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy – Ready in just a few minutes, these skewers are perfect for a quick meal or a last-minute gathering.
Flavorful – The combination of garlic, lemon, and olive oil enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp, making every bite delicious.
Healthy – Shrimp is a great source of lean protein, making this a nutritious addition to your meal plan.
Versatile – Serve them as an appetizer, main dish, or add them to salads and pasta.

Ingredients Needed

large shrimp – peeled and deveined, tail on; provides the main protein.
garlic – minced; adds a robust flavor.
lemon – juice from one lemon, about 3 tablespoons; adds freshness and acidity.
olive oil – helps to marinate and add richness.
ground or cracked pepper – adds a bit of heat and depth.
sea salt – enhances the overall flavor.

Recipe Variations

I love this recipe for its simplicity, but that doesn’t mean you can’t spice things up with your own twist. Here’s some variations to try for yourself:

Spicy Shrimp Skewers: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Garlic Herb Shrimp Skewers: Include chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil in the marinade for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
Citrus Shrimp Skewers: Substitute lemon juice with lime or orange juice for a different citrus twist.
Teriyaki Shrimp Skewers: Marinate the shrimp in a mix of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a bit of brown sugar for a sweet and savory Asian-inspired flavor.
Mediterranean Shrimp Skewers: Add a sprinkle of oregano and a splash of red wine vinegar to the marinade for a Mediterranean flair. Serve with tzatziki sauce on the side.

How to Make Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Step 1: Mix garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oil, salt and pepper in a medium mixing bowl.

Raw shrimp in a medium mixing bowl with garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oil, salt and pepper.

Step 2: Add shrimp and toss to combine. Let shrimp marinate for about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Raw shrimp on metal skewers on a baking tray.

Step 3: Thread shrimp on metal or soaked wooden skewers and discard marinade.

Raw shrimp on metal skewers over a grill.

Step 4: Fire up your grill to medium-high heat. Place shrimp skewers on grill and cook until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes on each side. Remove from grill and serve!

Recipe Tip!

Shrimp cook very quickly. Keep an eye on them and turn as soon as they turn pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side, to avoid overcooking.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these delicious shrimp skewers fresh off the grill with your favorite sauce, or add some tasty side dishes, here’s a few options that would pair well:

Over Rice: Serve the grilled shrimp skewers over a bed of fluffy rice, such as jasmine or basmati, to create a complete meal.
With Grilled Vegetables: Pair the skewers with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for a colorful and nutritious side.
In Tacos: Remove the shrimp from the skewers and use them as a filling for tacos, topped with cabbage slaw, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
With Salad: Add the grilled shrimp to a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing dish.

Multiple grilled shrimp skewers on a large white plate with lemon slices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating to ensure they absorb the flavors well.

What if I don’t have a grill?

You can cook the shrimp skewers on a stovetop grill pan or broil them in the oven. Keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary slightly.

How do I know when the shrimp are done?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. They should be firm to the touch but not rubbery, which usually takes about 2 minutes per side on the grill.

More Shrimp Recipes to Try

Be sure to check out the full collection of shrimp recipes here on EBF!

If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.

Mix garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oil, salt and pepper in a medium mixing bowl.
Add shrimp and toss to combine. Let shrimp marinate for about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Thread shrimp on metal or soaked wooden skewers and discard marinade.
Fire up your grill with heat set to medium-high. Place shrimp skewers on grill and cook until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes on each side. Remove from grill and serve hot with lemon wedges to squeeze over shrimp, if desired.