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!
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!
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.