These Zesty Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers are an absolute treat, bursting with bright citrus and savory garlic flavors. They’re incredibly easy to make and are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun backyard barbecue.
Juicy, tender shrimp marinated in a vibrant lemon-garlic blend and perfectly grilled to a delightful char, these skewers are sure to become a summer favorite.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: Bright, zesty, garlicky, savory, with a hint of fresh herbs.
- Textures: Tender and succulent shrimp with a slight char from grilling.
- Total Active Time: 20 minutes. Marinating Time: At least 30 minutes.
- Difficulty: Easy. This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal culinary skill.
What You’ll Need
For these delightful skewers, you’ll primarily need fresh shrimp, a flavorful marinade composed of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs, and wooden or metal skewers.
Ingredient Notes
- Shrimp – Opt for large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture and ease of handling on skewers. Ensure they are peeled and deveined.
- Olive Oil – Extra virgin olive oil provides a fruity richness that complements the other marinade ingredients beautifully.
- Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key for that bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness and enhances the shrimp.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic offers the most potent and authentic flavor.
- Fresh Parsley – Finely chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor and a lovely green fleck to the marinade.
- Red Pepper Flakes – These add a subtle warmth and a touch of heat that makes the shrimp even more interesting.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Herbs – Feel free to swap parsley for other fresh herbs like cilantro or chives, or use a combination.
- Spice Level – If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For less heat, omit them entirely.
- Garlic Intensity – If you’re a serious garlic lover, you can add an extra clove or two to the marinade.
- Vegetables – You can thread chunks of bell peppers, onions, or zucchini onto the skewers alongside the shrimp for a complete meal on a stick.
How to Make Zesty Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Whipping up these delightful skewers is a breeze! The magic happens in the simple marinade that infuses the shrimp with incredible flavor before they hit the grill.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl with the marinade. Toss gently to ensure each shrimp is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour. Do not marinate for too long, as the lemon juice can start to “cook” the shrimp.
- Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Thread the Shrimp: Once marinated, thread the shrimp onto the prepared skewers, leaving a little space between each shrimp for even cooking. Discard any remaining marinade.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400-450°F (200-230°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Shrimp: Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become tough quickly.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately.
Pro Tip: Don’t over-marinate the shrimp! While marinating adds flavor, leaving them in the acidic liquid for too long will start to break down the shrimp’s texture, making them mushy. Stick to the 30-60 minute window for perfect results.
Recipe Tips
- Doneness is Key: Shrimp cook very quickly. Watch them closely – they’re done when they turn pink and opaque and curl into a “C” shape. An overcooked shrimp will look like an “O” and will be rubbery.
- Preventing Sticking: Always oil your grill grates before placing the shrimp on them. This is especially important for delicate proteins like shrimp.
- Soaking Wooden Skewers: Don’t skip this step if you’re using wooden skewers. Soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from igniting on the hot grill.
- Even Sizing: Try to use shrimp of similar size for the most even cooking across all skewers.
FAQs
- Can I cook these indoors? Yes! While grilling is ideal, you can cook these shrimp skewers in a hot cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side, or under the broiler, watching them very closely to prevent burning.
- How long can I marinate the shrimp? For the best texture, marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 1 hour. The lemon juice can make the shrimp mushy if left in the marinade for too extended a period.
- Can I make these ahead of time? You can prepare the marinade and marinate the shrimp up to an hour in advance and refrigerate. It’s best to grill them just before serving for optimal texture.
- Are there any substitutions for shrimp? While this recipe is designed for shrimp, you could try it with firm white fish cut into cubes, or scallops, though cooking times might vary.
Serving Suggestions
These Zesty Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers are wonderfully versatile. They pair beautifully with a simple side of fluffy rice, a fresh quinoa salad, or a light and crisp green salad. For a more substantial meal, serve them alongside grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. A dollop of cooling tzatziki sauce or a drizzle of extra lemon juice can add another layer of deliciousness.
Make This Recipe in Advance
The marinade can be prepared and the shrimp can be marinated in the refrigerator for up to 1 hour ahead of grilling. It’s best to thread the shrimp onto skewers just before cooking. The cooked shrimp skewers are best enjoyed immediately, as they can lose their ideal texture if stored after cooking.
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Zesty Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
These Zesty Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers are an absolute treat, bursting with bright citrus and savory garlic flavors. They’re incredibly easy to make and are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun backyard barbecue. Juicy, tender shrimp marinated in a vibrant lemon-garlic blend and perfectly grilled to a delightful char, these skewers are sure to become a summer favorite.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
1/3 cup Extra virgin olive oil
Zest of 2 lemons
4 garlic cloves minced
1/4 cup packed chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon coriander
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
For the Shrimp
2 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
Kosher salt
Instructions
Whisk all of the marinade ingredients together in a small bowl, reserving 2 tablespoons in a separate dish for later.
Pat the shrimp dry and season them with kosher salt, then place them in a large bowl and toss with the remaining marinade to coat them evenly.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes, keeping to this timeframe to prevent the shrimp from becoming mushy.
Thread about 4 shrimp onto each skewer, ensuring you have soaked bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand if using them.
To cook on an outdoor grill, preheat your gas grill to high, then lower the heat to medium-low (aiming for 275 to 325 degrees Fahrenheit), carefully grease the grates, and grill the skewers with the lid closed for 2 to 3 minutes per side until opaque.
To cook indoors, heat a dry griddle or cast-iron grill pan over medium-high heat and sear the skewers for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Transfer the hot skewers to a serving platter, drizzle with the reserved marinade, finish with a fresh splash of lemon juice, and serve immediately.
Notes
Don’t over-marinate the shrimp! While marinating adds flavor, leaving them in the acidic liquid for too long will start to break down the shrimp’s texture, making them mushy. Stick to the 30-60 minute window for perfect results.
Shrimp cook very quickly. Watch them closely – they’re done when they turn pink and opaque and curl into a “C” shape. An overcooked shrimp will look like an “O” and will be rubbery.
Always oil your grill grates before placing the shrimp on them. This is especially important for delicate proteins like shrimp.
Don’t skip this step if you’re using wooden skewers. Soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from igniting on the hot grill.
Try to use shrimp of similar size for the most even cooking across all skewers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Cuisine: American
