Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Name: Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 lb. large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tail on); 2 cloves garlic (minced); Juice from 1 lemon (about 3 Tablespoons of juice); 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon ground or cracked pepper; ½ teaspoon sea salt

By Brittany Mullins

4.67

Published Jun 25, 2024, Updated Sep 23, 2024

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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 chicken kabobs 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 or grilled shrimp salad.

Grilled shrimp covered in herbs and spices on metal skewers.

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

Ingredients measured out to make Grilled Shrimp Skewers: garlic, pepper, lemon juice, shrimp, sea salt and olive oil.

large shrimp – large or extra large peeled, deveined and rinsed shrimp are best for the skewers. The size is large enough to skewer but small enough to be tender and juicy. I usually pick the shrimp up from the seafood counter or a local seafood shop. If needed, the shrimp can be previously frozen.
garlic – adds a robust flavor to the marinade.
lemon – you’ll need juice from one lemon, about 3 tablespoons. The acidity helps break down the shrimp and tenderize it.
olive oil – this helps prevent the shrimp from sticking to the grill.

Find the printable recipe with measurements below.

Recipe Variations

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

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

Brittany’s Tips!

Use the right shrimp: Use large or extra large shrimp to make them easier to poke with the skewers. Also, I recommend grabbing peeled and deveined shrimp to make your life easier!
Don’t over-marinate shrimp: Don’t let the shrimp marinade for longer than one hour. Shrimp can “break down” and get mushy if it marinates too long.
Use proper skewers: Use metal skewers or if using wooden skewers be sure to soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes to keep them from catching fire while grilling. If using metal skewers be sure to tongs or an oven mitt to remove them from the grill as they’ll be hot!
Don’t overcook: Shrimp cooks very quickly. Keep an eye on the skewers and turn them as soon as they turn pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side, to avoid overcooking.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving these grilled shrimp skewers with a side of veggies and a grain for a full meal, but here are a few options that would pair well:

With a grain: Serve the grilled shrimp skewers over a bed of fluffy rice, such as jasmine or basmati, to create a complete meal. Quinoa or cauliflower rice are also great options.
With roasted vegetables: I love all the roasted veggies! Some of my favorites are roasted sweet potatoes, roasted summer squash and zucchini, roasted cauliflower and roasted broccoli.
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. You could easily swap out the fish in this fish taco recipe for your next Taco Tuesday meal!
With salad: Pair this grilled shrimp with salads like this easy kale salad or spinach salad or use shrimp instead of chicken in this grilled chicken salad.

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

How to Store Leftovers

In the fridge: Remove any leftover shrimp from the skewers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Reheat leftovers over the stovetop or in the oven on a baking sheet at 350F until warmed throughout. You can also reheat the shrimp in the microwave if you’re short on time.

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. Preheat your oven broiler to high and coat a sheet pan with cooking spray. Place the skewers on the baking sheet in a single layer and broil for about 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway. 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.

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4.67 from 3 votes