Juicy shrimp marinated in a zesty garlic herb blend, then grilled to perfection and served on wooden skewers—this vibrant dish is quick, flavorful, and ideal for summer cookouts or a light Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These grilled garlic herb shrimp skewers are a perfect combination of simplicity and bold flavor. The marinade infuses the shrimp with garlic, lemon, and spices, while the grill brings a smoky char that enhances every bite. They’re ready in under 30 minutes, making them a fantastic option for busy evenings, outdoor gatherings, or light yet satisfying meals. Serve them on their own, over salads, or alongside rice or vegetables for a balanced plate.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 1/2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water (if using grill)
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, ground cumin, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated shrimp onto soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Grill the skewers for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and develop slight char marks.
- Remove from the grill, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve warm with lemon wedges.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 20–30 minutes
Cooking time: 6 minutes
Total time: 36–46 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
- Citrus Twist: Swap lemon juice with lime or orange juice for a different flavor profile.
- Herb Swap: Try using fresh cilantro, basil, or dill in place of parsley.
- Surf and Turf: Alternate shrimp with chunks of steak or sausage on the skewers.
- Vegetable Addition: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the skewers for a complete grilled meal.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat for 1–2 minutes or enjoy cold over a salad. Avoid overcooking during reheating to prevent rubbery texture.
- Freezing: Raw marinated shrimp can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating.
How long should I marinate the shrimp?
20 to 30 minutes is ideal. Marinating too long can make the shrimp mushy due to the acidity in the lemon juice.
Can I cook these in the oven?
Yes, you can broil the skewers on a baking sheet for 2–3 minutes per side until the shrimp are opaque and slightly browned.
What can I serve with shrimp skewers?
They pair well with rice, couscous, grilled vegetables, salads, or flatbreads.
How do I prevent the shrimp from sticking to the grill?
Ensure your grill is preheated and well-oiled before placing the skewers on it.
Do I have to use skewers?
No, you can grill the shrimp directly in a grill basket or on a grill pan without skewers.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
It’s not recommended, as they can become rubbery when grilled. Use raw shrimp for best results.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes. You can marinate the shrimp in advance and grill them quickly just before serving.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free and gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free as written.
Can I grill these indoors?
Absolutely. Use a grill pan or electric indoor grill for a smokeless, indoor option.
Conclusion
Grilled garlic herb shrimp skewers are a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s both easy to prepare and impressive to serve. With minimal ingredients and a quick cooking time, they’re perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to summer parties. This recipe brings out the best in shrimp—tender, juicy, and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavor—making it a reliable favorite you’ll return to again and again.
Print
Grilled Garlic Herb Shrimp Skewers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Juicy shrimp marinated in a zesty garlic herb blend, then grilled to perfection and served on wooden skewers—this vibrant dish is quick, flavorful, and ideal for summer cookouts or a light Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water (if using grill)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss well to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes.
- Thread the marinated shrimp onto soaked wooden skewers.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill shrimp skewers for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and slightly charred.
- Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve warm with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.
- Use metal skewers as an alternative for easier handling.
- This recipe also works well with a grill pan or under the broiler.
- Serve over rice, salad, or in wraps for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer portion
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
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