Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Looking for a quick and flavorful seafood dish that’s sure to impress? These Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers are the perfect solution! With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have juicy shrimp marinated in zesty lemon, savory garlic, and aromatic spices, all grilled to perfection.

Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, a casual dinner, or a special gathering, these shrimp skewers are the ideal appetizer or main course. They’re packed with fresh flavors and take no time at all to prepare, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, including prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

2. Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of garlic, lemon, and spices creates a deliciously vibrant marinade that makes the shrimp tender and full of flavor.

3. Versatile: Serve these shrimp as a main dish with sides or as a finger food appetizer at parties or BBQs.

Contents

Ingredients:

For the Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers, you’ll need:

1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)

2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon wedges (for serving)
Fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well-mixed.

2. Marinate the Shrimp: Place your shrimp in a shallow dish or large resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the shrimp, making sure they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for about 10–15 minutes to soak up all those wonderful flavors. If you want to marinate them longer (up to 30 minutes), feel free, but don’t leave them too long as the lemon juice can start to “cook” the shrimp.

3. Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers. Make sure the shrimp are arranged in a single layer, without overlapping too much for even cooking. You can use metal or soaked wooden skewers to prevent burning.

4. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan indoors, heat it over medium-high heat as well.

5. Grill the Shrimp: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill the shrimp for about 2–3 minutes on each side or until they are opaque and have nice grill marks. Be careful not to overcook them—shrimp cook quickly!

6. Serve and Garnish: Remove the shrimp from the grill and place them on a serving plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra pop of flavor.

Tips for Success:

Choose Fresh Shrimp: The fresher your shrimp, the better! You can also buy frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them properly before marinating.
Metal or Soaked Wooden Skewers: To prevent your skewers from burning on the grill, consider using metal skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the shrimp onto them.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked. As soon as they turn opaque and curl up, they’re done!

Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Make it a Meal: Add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions to the skewers to create a colorful and complete meal.

Serving Ideas:

With a Side Salad: Pair these lemon garlic shrimp skewers with a fresh salad like a Greek salad, arugula salad, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad.

With Rice or Couscous: Serve the shrimp with a side of rice, couscous, or quinoa for a well-rounded meal.
Appetizer at Parties: These shrimp skewers are also great as an appetizer for your next BBQ or dinner party. Simply arrange them on a platter with extra lemon wedges and parsley for a beautiful presentation.
Grilled Veggies: If you’re grilling other items, such as vegetables, serve them alongside your shrimp for a colorful and tasty plate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before marinating. A quick way to thaw shrimp is to place them in a bowl of cold water for 10–15 minutes, then pat them dry with paper towels.

2. Can I use the marinade for other seafood or proteins?
Absolutely! This marinade works well with other seafood, such as scallops or fish fillets. You can also use it for chicken or pork, just adjust the marinating time based on the protein.

3. How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?
To prevent sticking, make sure your grill is preheated and lightly oiled. You can also oil the shrimp directly before grilling. Avoid flipping the shrimp too early—they’ll naturally release from the grill once they’re cooked through.

4. How long can I store leftover shrimp skewers?
Leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. They can also be reheated on the grill for a few minutes or in a hot pan on the stove, though the texture may slightly change.

5. Can I bake these shrimp skewers instead of grilling them?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for about 8-10 minutes or until they’re cooked through. For a nice crisp, broil them for the last 1–2 minutes.

6. Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the shrimp and marinate them up to 30 minutes in advance. However, we recommend grilling them fresh for the best flavor and texture. If you want to make them even earlier, you can prepare and cook the shrimp, then store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just reheat quickly on the grill or in a pan.

Conclusion:

These Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers are a must-try recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Quick, simple, and bursting with fresh flavors, they’ll quickly become a favorite for weeknight dinners, parties, or BBQs. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or the main course, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. So fire up the grill, marinate those shrimp, and enjoy a delicious meal in no time!

Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next seafood feast, and share your results in the comments. We’d love to hear how you made these skewers your own!