Go Back
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - Zest and juice from 1 large fresh lemon - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving alongside) These ingredients create a bright and zesty flavor that makes the dish come alive. The fresh lemon juice and garlic work together to enhance the shrimp's natural taste. You can customize the marinade for even more flavors. Consider adding: - A dash of red pepper flakes for heat - A splash of soy sauce for umami - Fresh herbs like thyme or basil for extra aroma These additions can change the dish's character and make it even more exciting. Once you grill the skewers, serve them hot off the grill. Here are some ideas: - Pair the skewers with a fresh green salad for a light meal. - Serve with rice or quinoa to soak up the juices. - Add grilled vegetables for color and nutrition. These options can transform your meal into a feast that everyone will love. To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Next, toss in 4 cloves of finely minced garlic. Then, add the zest and juice from one large lemon. This mix brings a bright flavor to your dish. Now, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Finish with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Whisk everything well until combined. You’ll smell the fresh and zesty aroma as you mix. Now, it’s time to add the shrimp. Use 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Toss the shrimp in the marinade gently. Make sure each shrimp gets coated well. This is key for great taste. Once coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets the shrimp soak up all those tasty flavors. While the shrimp marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This step keeps them from burning. After marinating, take the shrimp and thread them onto the skewers. Aim for 4-5 shrimp per skewer, but don’t pack them too tightly. This ensures even cooking. When your grill is hot, place the skewers on it. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. Watch them closely as they cook. The shrimp will turn opaque and have nice grill marks when done. Avoid overcooking, or they will become tough. After grilling, remove the skewers and let them rest for a minute. This helps the juices to set. Finally, sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a burst of flavor. When skewering shrimp, choose large shrimp. They hold up well on the grill. Always peel and devein them first. This keeps the shrimp clean and tasty. For wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This prevents burning while grilling. When threading shrimp, use a gentle hand. Aim for 4-5 shrimp on each skewer. Leave space between them for even cooking. Shrimp cook fast. Grill them for just 2-3 minutes on each side. Watch their color change from gray to opaque. This means they are ready. Remove them from the heat as soon as they are done. Overcooked shrimp can be tough and chewy. Use a timer if needed. It helps keep track of cooking time. To serve, arrange skewers on a rustic wooden platter. This adds charm to your meal. Nestle lemon wedges around the skewers for color. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of green. This makes the dish look fresh and inviting. Serve with extra lemon wedges on the side. They add a zesty touch and enhance flavor. Enjoy your beautiful creation! {{image_4}} You can swap shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works well with the same marinade. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, and make sure to cook it fully. Salmon also tastes great when grilled. Just ensure it stays moist. For a quick option, use firm fish like swordfish. It holds up well on the grill and has a nice flavor. Try adding different herbs and spices to change the taste. Fresh basil adds a sweet note. Cilantro gives a fresh twist. You can also use thyme or rosemary for a woodsy flavor. For heat, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. This will give your skewers a nice kick. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors you love! For a vegetarian or vegan twist, use mushrooms or bell peppers. Both can soak up the marinade nicely. Zucchini and eggplant also grill well and taste great. Just cut them into pieces for easy skewering. Tofu is another good choice. Use firm tofu and marinate it just like the shrimp. These options keep the meal fresh and lively while catering to different diets. After you enjoy the skewers, store any leftovers right away. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool to room temperature before sealing. This helps keep them fresh. The skewers can last in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save them longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat shrimp skewers, use a skillet on medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil to the pan. Cook the skewers for about two to three minutes, flipping them once. This warms them up and keeps them tender. You can also microwave them. Cover the skewers with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second bursts until warm. You can freeze your shrimp skewers for later use. Wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Cook them on the grill or stovetop when thawed for the best flavor. You should marinate shrimp for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the shrimp to soak in the lemon and garlic flavors. If you have more time, you can marinate for up to 2 hours. Just be careful not to go too long, or the shrimp can turn mushy. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. Place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, remove the shells and devein if needed. The flavor will stay just as good! Lemon garlic shrimp skewers pair well with many sides. A fresh green salad works great. You can also serve them with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. Garlic bread adds a nice touch too. Enjoying them with grilled veggies can boost the flavor and colors on your plate! In this blog post, we explored the essentials for perfect shrimp skewers. You learned about key ingredients and optional marinades to boost flavor. I shared step-by-step instructions for making and grilling shrimp. We also discussed tips for skewering, cooking, and presenting your dish. Lastly, I covered variations, storage, and answered common questions. Remember, with a few simple steps, you can create a tasty meal. Enjoy making your shrimp skewers delicious and fun!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Savor the taste of summer with these delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers! Perfectly marinated in a vibrant blend of olive oil, garlic, and fresh lemon, these shrimp are grilled to perfection for a juicy, flavorful bite. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue, this recipe is sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your next meal with this mouthwatering dish!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

Zest and juice from 1 large fresh lemon

1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a subtle depth of flavor

1 teaspoon dried oregano for an aromatic touch

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving alongside)

Instructions
 

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, finely minced garlic, fresh lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add in the smoked paprika, dried oregano, and a generous pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they are fully integrated, creating a fragrant marinade.

    Introduce the cleaned shrimp into the bowl, tossing them gently to ensure that each shrimp is thoroughly coated in the marinade. Once coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes. This resting time allows the shrimp to absorb the zesty flavors.

      As the shrimp marinates, preheat your grill or grill pan to a medium-high heat. If opting for wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent any burning during grilling.

        Carefully thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, aiming for about 4-5 shrimp per skewer, ensuring they aren’t packed too tightly for even cooking.

          Once your grill is hot, place the shrimp skewers on it. Grill for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, watching closely as they cook until the shrimp turn opaque and display appealing grill marks. Take care not to overcook them, as they can become tough.

            After cooking, gently remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for a minute, helping the juices set.

              For serving, sprinkle the skewers with finely chopped fresh parsley and accompany them with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrusy brightness.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Arrange the skewers on a rustic wooden platter and nestle the lemon wedges around them for an inviting tableau. A sprig of parsley can also elevate the visual appeal. Enjoy!