(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Olive oil
Garlic cloves
Lemon juice
Lemon zest
Paprika
Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper
Fresh parsley
Wooden or metal skewers
Optional additions:
Red pepper flakes
Butter
Lime wedges
Vegetables for skewers
Directions
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Let marinate for about 15–20 minutes.
Thread the shrimp onto skewers, placing them close together but not overcrowded.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
Grill the shrimp skewers for several minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and slightly charred.
Remove from the grill and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve immediately with lemon or lime wedges.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Variations
Add bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skewers.
Use Cajun seasoning for a spicier flavor.
Brush the shrimp with garlic butter after grilling.
Replace lemon with lime for a citrus twist.
Add honey for a sweet and savory glaze.
Serve over rice, salad, or pasta.
Use fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover shrimp skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat or briefly in the microwave. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery.
Cooked shrimp can also be enjoyed cold in salads or wraps.
FAQs
How long should I marinate shrimp?
About 15–20 minutes is ideal. Longer marinating can affect the texture because of the citrus juice.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating.
How do I know when shrimp are done cooking?
Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn pink and opaque with a slight curl.
Can I cook these skewers indoors?
Yes, a grill pan or stovetop skillet works well if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
What size shrimp works best?
Large or jumbo shrimp are ideal because they stay juicy and are easier to skewer.
Should I leave the tails on?
You can leave the tails on for presentation or remove them for easier eating.
What side dishes pair well with shrimp skewers?
Rice, grilled vegetables, salad, couscous, or garlic bread are excellent choices.
Can I make these skewers spicy?
Yes, add red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning for extra heat.
How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?
Preheat and lightly oil the grill grates before cooking.
How long do leftover shrimp last?
Cooked shrimp are best enjoyed within 2 days when refrigerated properly.
Conclusion
Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a fresh, flavorful, and easy seafood recipe perfect for any occasion. With juicy shrimp, bright citrus, and savory garlic seasoning, these skewers deliver delicious grilled flavor in just minutes. Whether served as an appetizer, light dinner, or cookout favorite, this simple recipe is sure to become a go-to meal for seafood lovers.
These Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a quick and flavorful seafood recipe made with juicy shrimp marinated in garlic, olive oil, lemon, and savory seasonings, then grilled to perfection. Perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or easy appetizers, these shrimp skewers are light, healthy, and packed with smoky citrus flavor.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:8 minutes
Total Time:28 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Dinner, Appetizer
Method:Grilling
Cuisine:American
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
1½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Wooden or metal skewers
Optional Additions
Red pepper flakes
Melted butter
Lime wedges
Bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for skewers
Instructions
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Let marinate for 15–20 minutes.
Thread the shrimp onto skewers, placing them close together without overcrowding.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
Grill the shrimp skewers for 2–3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and slightly charred.
Remove from the grill and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve immediately with lemon or lime wedges.
Notes
Avoid marinating shrimp too long, as the citrus can affect the texture.Large or jumbo shrimp work best because they stay juicy on the grill.Add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to make complete skewers.Brush with garlic butter after grilling for extra richness.Shrimp cook quickly, so watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
