Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lemon Herb Marinade

Introduction

Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lemon Herb Marinade is a delightful summer dish that’s vibrant, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Imagine succulent shrimp, marinated in zesty lemon juice, fragrant herbs, garlic, and olive oil, then perfectly grilled to achieve a smoky char while staying juicy and tender. This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly versatile—perfect as an appetizer, main course, or party dish.

The combination of citrus, fresh herbs, and garlic creates a bright, aromatic experience that’s irresistibly delicious. It’s simple to prepare yet feels sophisticated enough for entertaining guests. Each bite is a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and smoky notes, making it one of the most satisfying seafood recipes you’ll ever try.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures the essence of summer in a bite. The shrimp cook quickly but remain juicy and tender, never rubbery, and the lemon herb marinade gives them a flavor that’s both fresh and complex. It’s one of those dishes where every ingredient shines, yet they work in harmony to create a dish that feels special.

Grilling the shrimp adds a smoky depth that elevates this dish beyond ordinary weeknight dinners. The aroma of sizzling shrimp on the grill, infused with herbs and garlic, instantly makes your kitchen—or backyard—feel like a gourmet restaurant.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it’s:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Healthy and Light: Low in calories but high in protein and flavor.
• Versatile: Perfect for tacos, salads, pasta, or served straight off the skewers.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Great for BBQs, family dinners, or summer parties.

The combination of zesty lemon, fresh herbs, and perfectly grilled shrimp makes it a dish you’ll come back to again and again.

Preparation Time and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Marinating Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
• Cooking Time: 5–7 minutes
• Total Time: 50–55 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: ~220 kcal
• Course: Main course or appetizer
• Cuisine: Mediterranean / American / Grilled Seafood

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Skewers:

• 1.5 lbs (700 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden)

For the Lemon Herb Marinade:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a mild kick)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
   Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes (do not exceed 1 hour to prevent the shrimp from “cooking” in the acid).
3. Prepare the Skewers:
   Thread the marinated shrimp onto soaked wooden or metal skewers, leaving a small space between each shrimp for even cooking.
4. Preheat the Grill:
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking.
5. Grill the Shrimp:
   Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until shrimp turn pink and opaque with a slight char.
6. Serve:
   Remove from grill and transfer to a platter. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and extra chopped parsley for garnish.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Wash and peel shrimp, removing veins.
2. Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
3. Toss shrimp in marinade and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Soak wooden skewers (if using) in water.
5. Thread shrimp onto skewers.
6. Preheat grill and oil grates.
7. Grill shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side.
8. Remove from grill, garnish, and serve hot.

How to Serve

• Serve straight off the skewers with lemon wedges.
• Pair with grilled vegetables, rice, or a light salad.
• Add to tacos, pasta, or grain bowls for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Drizzle with extra lemon herb sauce or garlic aioli for more flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t over-marinate: Acidic marinades can “cook” the shrimp if left too long. 30 minutes is perfect.
• Keep shrimp uniform in size: Ensures even cooking.
• Oil the grill well: Prevents shrimp from sticking.
• Wooden skewers: Always soak in water to prevent burning.

Variations

1. Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or hot paprika to the marinade.
2. Coconut Lime: Replace olive oil with coconut oil and add a touch of coconut milk to the marinade.
3. Garlic Butter Finish: Brush shrimp with melted garlic butter during the last minute of grilling.
4. Mediterranean Twist: Add chopped oregano, basil, and a splash of balsamic vinegar to the marinade.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Shrimp skewers can be frozen raw (unmarinated) for up to 3 months. Freeze on a tray first, then transfer to a zip-lock bag.
• Storage: Cooked shrimp skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.

Special Equipment Needed

• Grill (gas, charcoal, or electric)
• Skewers (wooden or metal)
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs for turning shrimp

Conclusion

Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lemon Herb Marinade is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that works for any occasion—from casual weeknight dinners to elegant summer BBQs. Bursting with citrus, herbs, and garlic, the shrimp are perfectly tender, juicy, and irresistibly delicious. With simple steps, versatile serving options, and endless variations, this recipe is a must-have in your culinary repertoire. Once you try it, it will quickly become a go-to favorite that everyone will love.

Print Recipe

Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lemon Herb Marinade

Author: Laura Bennett Cuisine: American Courses: Appetizer & Snacks

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 5 mins Rest Time 30 mins Total Time 50 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: per Serving: ~220 kcal

Description

Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lemon Herb Marinade is a delightful summer dish that’s vibrant, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Imagine succulent shrimp, marinated in zesty lemon juice, fragrant herbs, garlic, and olive oil, then perfectly grilled to achieve a smoky char while staying juicy and tender.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Shrimp Skewers:

• 1 lbs 1.5 (700 g)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden)

For the Lemon Herb Marinade:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a mild kick)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes (do not exceed 1 hour to prevent the shrimp from “cooking” in the acid).
3. Prepare the Skewers: Thread the marinated shrimp onto soaked wooden or metal skewers, leaving a small space between each shrimp for even cooking.
4. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking.
5. Grill the Shrimp: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until shrimp turn pink and opaque with a slight char.
6. Serve: Remove from grill and transfer to a platter. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and extra chopped parsley for garnish.

Keywords: Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lemon Herb Marinade