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