Grilled shrimp skewers are one of those effortless dishes that always feel like a celebration. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard barbecue or simply craving something light and flavorful, shrimp skewers bring bold taste and smoky char to the table with minimal fuss. They’re quick to cook, easy to season, and pair beautifully with a variety of sides, sauces, and salads.
What makes shrimp so perfect for the grill is how quickly they cook and how well they absorb flavor. A simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs transforms them into something bright and savory, while a few minutes over a hot flame adds that irresistible char and caramelization. Shrimp also pair well with global flavors, whether you’re leaning into citrus and cilantro, spicy chili and lime, or classic Mediterranean herbs like oregano and thyme.
Using skewers keeps everything neat and easy to flip, and they look beautiful when served straight off the grill. You can add chunks of bell pepper, red onion, pineapple, or even cherry tomatoes in between the shrimp for color and added flavor. The contrast between sweet, smoky vegetables and the juicy shrimp makes each bite satisfying and dynamic.
Grilled shrimp skewers are incredibly versatile. Serve them with rice, grilled corn, a crunchy cucumber salad, or wrap them in flatbread with a dollop of yogurt sauce or a drizzle of hot honey. For a light lunch, toss the grilled shrimp over a bed of greens with a squeeze of lemon. They’re also great as a starter at a summer party or piled high on a platter as the centerpiece of a seafood feast.
Whether you’re keeping things simple or layering on bold spices, grilled shrimp skewers are a warm-weather staple that feels both casual and festive. Their quick cooking time and endless possibilities make them a favorite for any cookout, weeknight dinner, or beachside meal. With just a few ingredients and a hot grill, you can turn fresh shrimp into a dish that’s bursting with flavor and ready to impress.

Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 8 pieces skewers wooden or metal
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are opaque and have grill marks.
- Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition










I tried this recipe and it didn’t turn out right. The shrimp got too chewy. Maybe I cooked them too long?
I don’t get why people rave about this. Just shrimp on a stick?? No thanks. (🙄)
I tried this and my shrimp turned out rubbery. I followed the recipe but must’ve done something wrong. 🤔
Literally just got done grilling these, and they taste exactly like summer! YUM!
Delicious! These shrimp skewers were a hit at my BBQ.
This was my first time grilling shrimp and it worked out great! The marinade is top-notch. Will use again!
These were amazing! The shrimp were so juicy and flavorful. Definitely making them again!
These are the BEST shrimp skewers I’ve ever made! So easy and flavorful! 😍
Simple recipe but it works! I added some chili flakes for extra kick. Yum!
shrimp r good but NOBODY got time to marinate for 15 minutes. I cooked it right away and it was fine.
Good but too much lemon for me. Next time, I’ll leave it out.
Grilling shrimp? Shouldn’t they be boiled? This seems off but I will give it a try anyway.
Grilling shrimp adds a lovely smoky flavor! Boiling just makes them soggy. Trust me, give it a shot!
I always thought boiling was the way to go too. But after trying grilled shrimp, I won’t go back! It’s way better.
Grilling is some hard stuff, but these shrimp were easy enough. Thanks for the clear instructions!
I think shrimp is overrated. It taste like the ocean. No thanks. 😂
OMG best skewer recipe ever! I added some cayenne for extra kick!
Shrimp skewers = summer vibes! 😎🍤
I found this recipe a bit too salty for my taste. Maybe I’ll reduce the salt next time.
I don’t know about this recipe. Was it just me, or did the shrimp turn out a bit rubbery? 🤔
Best skewers ever! I told my friends about it, and they loved it too!
Can you even grill shrimp? Aren’t they just for boiling? Not sure about this…
Easy peasy! My kids helped and they actually ate shrimp for once! 😊
My kids won’t even touch shrimp! How did you get them to eat it? 🤔
That’s awesome! Cooking with kids is the best. 👍
These shrimp skewers are amazing! So simple and delicious. Will definitely make again.
I tried these skewers yesterday, they were alright but my husband said he prefers them with teriyaki sauce instead. Maybe I’ll add that next time.
Shrimp skewers. yes plz!!! 😍
These shrimp skewers were a hit! So easy and delicious.
Does it really take 30 mins to soak the skewers? Seems a bit much.
Yeah, it does seem a bit too long for soaking. I usually just soak them for 10-15 mins and it works fine. Who has time for 30 mins? 🤷♂️
Really good, but I added some chili flakes for a kick! 🌶️
Marinated for too long and they got mushy, but I still enjoyed the flavor. Next time I’ll be more careful!
Glad you still enjoyed the flavor! Marinating is tricky sometimes. Less time next time will help! Remember, shrimp can over-marinade fast!
These shrimp skewers are AMAZING! So flavorful and juicy. Will definitely make again!
These shrimp skewers are delicious! I made them for my family and they loved it! Will definitely make again.
Are you sure they were that good? I’ve tried similar recipes and they fell flat. 🤔
So glad to hear that! These shrimp are always a hit at my gatherings too. 😊
Shrimp is too fishy for my taste. Wouldn’t recommend if you’re not a fan of seafood.
Shrimp was too salty. Maybe less salt next time? 🤷♂️
I tried this recipe but forgot the parsley. Still tasted good, but like, how much difference does the parsley really make? 🤔
I forgot to soak my wooden skewers. It was a MESS! Smoke everywhere! LOL
I don’t have a grill, can I bake them instead? Just curious.
I’m not sure about the paprika… I think it was too much!
Too much seasoning can ruin the dish. Maybe use less next time? Just a suggestion!
I thought the paprika was just right! It adds a nice kick to the shrimp. 🤤
I followed the recipe, but the shrimp turned out kinda rubbery. Not sure what went wrong.
What do I do if I dont have skewers?? Can’t wait to try this otherwise!
Shrimp, huh? Wonder if they’ll taste good in the oven too. 🤔
Yum! I used a grill pan instead and it was still super tasty! A definite keeper for summer BBQs.
I didn’t have paprika, so I used cayenne pepper instead. Was spicy but still tasty! 👍
Hmmm, I’m not sure if cayenne really works for this. Isn’t it too hot for shrimp? 🤔
Cayenne instead of paprika? That’s brave! I love a little kick in my dishes! 🌶️
Too easy! I like a challenge in the kitchen lol.
Grilling shrimp? Sounds weird, don’t you just boil them? But ok, I tried these and they’re actually good.
Saw a shrimp recipe online and was like wow they did it different. But this one works too lmao.
I followed this exactly but mine came out kind of dry. Any tips?
I dunno, I don’t really like shrimp. But I guess if you do, this might be okay? 🤷♂️
Shrimp’s awesome! But to each their own, I guess. 😄
Shrimps were really fresh! Great recipe. Just need some salsa on the side next time.
Yum yum!!! My kids loved them, even the picky eater!
That’s awesome! Kids can be so picky, but shrimp on skewers is just fun! Great idea to grill them!
Super easy recipe and quick! I subbed out shrimp for chicken and it was still delicious. #Hacks
It was good, but I think it needed more salt. My kids liked it tho!
These were AMAZING! The flavor was just right and the shrimp cooked perfectly. Will definitely make again!
Yea, well shrimp is kinda gross, huh? Why not just grill some bacon instead? Now that’s good eating!