Sam Looking for a show-stopping yet easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for BBQs, weeknight dinners, or weekend get-togethers? These grilled shrimp skewers are your answer. They’re fast, flavorful, and loaded with juicy, charred shrimp kissed by garlic, lemon, and herbs. Whether you’re firing up a charcoal grill or using a stovetop grill pan, this recipe gives you tender shrimp with perfectly crisp edges every time.
What makes grilled shrimp skewers such a favorite? They’re high in lean protein, low in carbs, and naturally gluten-free—plus they cook in a flash. Marinate them quickly in a simple Mediterranean-inspired blend, skewer them up, and hit the grill. That quick blast of heat locks in moisture and flavor, giving you perfectly grilled shrimp in minutes.
Grilled shrimp skewers also work as both a main course or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Pair them with bold sauces like chimichurri, garlic yogurt, or sweet chili. Serve them solo, over rice, with a salad, or even tucked into tacos. You can even prep them ahead for meal prep or parties—just marinate and chill until you’re ready to grill.
Whether you’re planning a summer cookout or want something healthy, flavorful, and fast—this grilled shrimp skewers recipe delivers every time.
RECIPE OVERVIEW
Difficulty Level: Easy
Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-Inspired
Serving Size: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 8–10 minutes
Nutritional Snapshot (a.k.a. What You’re Really Eating!)
These grilled shrimp skewers are light, lean, and bursting with bold flavor from garlic, lemon, and herbs. Ideal for high-protein, low-carb meals.
- Total Calories: ~180 kcal
- Protein: 23g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Mood Boost Factor: The fresh lemon and smoky grill flavor will instantly transport you to sunny, breezy vibes.
Budget Breakdown
- Shrimp (1 lb): ~$7.00
- Olive Oil, Garlic, Lemon, Herbs: ~$2.50
- Skewers + Garnish: ~$1.00
- Total Cost: ~$10.50
- Cost per Serving: ~$2.63
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes or less
- Naturally low-carb, high-protein, and gluten-free
- Bright Mediterranean flavor with garlic and lemon
- Grill, grill pan, or even broiler-friendly
- Great for BBQs, meal prep, or a quick healthy dinner
Behind the Recipe
This grilled shrimp skewers recipe came out of my love for quick summer meals with huge flavor. I wanted something light but still filling—and shrimp always delivers. Once I nailed the garlic-lemon marinade, I knew this recipe would be a staple in my kitchen (and yours too!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Wooden or metal skewers
(If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes beforehand.)
Ingredient Spotlight: Shrimp
Shrimp are not only high in lean protein but also rich in iodine, selenium, and astaxanthin—an antioxidant known for its brain and heart benefits. According to Healthline, shrimp are incredibly nutrient-dense yet low in calories, making them a perfect addition to a clean-eating meal plan.
How to Make Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, zest, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Let marinate for 15–30 minutes in the fridge.
Step 2: Thread the Skewers
Thread 4–5 shrimp onto each skewer, keeping them slightly curled but not crowded.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan surface.
Step 4: Grill the Shrimp
Place skewers on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until shrimp are opaque and lightly charred.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon. Serve immediately!
Pro Tips for Perfect Grilled Shrimp Skewers
- Use large or jumbo shrimp – Smaller shrimp cook too fast and may dry out.
- Don’t over-marinate – 15–30 minutes is plenty.
- Even heat = even cooking – Keep your grill at medium-high and don’t overcrowd.
- Pre-soak wood skewers – This prevents them from burning on the grill.
Easy Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add 1/2 tsp chili flakes or cayenne to the marinade.
- Asian Twist – Swap oregano for soy sauce and fresh ginger.
- Tropical Flair – Add pineapple chunks between shrimp on skewers.
- Garlic-Lover’s Version – Double the garlic and add garlic powder to the marinade.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended—texture of shrimp may change after freezing.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes per side, or microwave for 30 seconds (do not overcook!).
Make It a Meal
Pair your grilled shrimp skewers with:
- Garlic Coconut Rice
- Tropical Mango Avocado Salad
- A cold glass of lime sparkling water or a crisp white wine
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I grill frozen shrimp?
A: Thaw them first! Frozen shrimp won’t cook evenly or get that great char.
Q: How long do I grill shrimp skewers?
A: About 2–3 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
Q: What’s the best type of shrimp to use?
A: Large wild-caught shrimp with shells removed work best. Tail-on or off is up to you.
Q: Can I make grilled shrimp skewers ahead of time?
A: Yes! Marinate up to 12 hours in advance. Skewer and grill when ready.
Q: What internal temperature should shrimp reach?
A: Shrimp are fully cooked at 120°F (48°C) and turn opaque with pink edges.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making grilled shrimp skewers at home, this is your sign to fire up the grill. These skewers are everything you want in a go-to dish: fast, flavorful, versatile, and healthy. They bring together the best of grilled flavor with a bright, garlicky lemon marinade that enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness without overpowering it.
This recipe fits just about any diet or occasion—low carb, gluten-free, high protein, quick weeknight dinner, or BBQ party food. You can adapt the flavors, play with dips, add veggies, or simply keep it classic. However you serve them, one thing’s for sure: these shrimp skewers never disappoint.
So go ahead, bookmark this one, share it with your favorite grillmaster, and make it part of your regular rotation. Happy grilling!
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Pin This Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers (Easy + Juicy!)
These grilled shrimp skewers are fast, flavorful, and perfect for BBQs, meal prep, or easy weeknight dinners. High-protein and low-carb!
Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Juicy, Smoky, and Bursting with Flavor
Ingredients
- 1 lb Large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tsp Lemon zest
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- ½ tsp Smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Wooden or metal skewers (If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes beforehand.)
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp:In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, zest, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Let marinate for 15–30 minutes in the fridge.
- Thread the Skewers:Thread 4–5 shrimp onto each skewer, keeping them slightly curled but not crowded.
- Preheat the Grill:Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan surface.
- Grill the Shrimp:Place skewers on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until shrimp are opaque and lightly charred.
- Garnish and Serve:Transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon. Serve immediately!
