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. 😂
The recipe says to soak the skewers, but I forgot and they burned! The shrimp were tasty, just not perfect. 3 stars.
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 was skeptical at first, but they turned out pretty good. Didn’t have parsley, so used cilantro instead.
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!
Okay but 3-5 minutes a side seems a little long for shrimp depending on size. Mine got close to overcooked, still tasty though.
Grilled shrimp is da bomb! I always use a lil bit of hot sauce too, adds a nice kick!
Super easy recipe and quick! I subbed out shrimp for chicken and it was still delicious. #Hacks
This is the easiest and most delicious shrimp recipe I’ve ever tried! I didn’t have paprika so I used chili powder and it was still great!
Best shrimp ever! My husband can’t stop raving about them. Thank you for sharing! 🌟
I dunno… I tried similar recipe and it was just okay. Maybe I did something wrong?
So glad to hear that! The marinade really makes a difference, doesn’t it?
Good, but I think it need more flavor. I added some chili flakes and it helped. Next time, I will marinate longer!
Shrimp skweres? Is that even a real thing? I dunno, sounds weird.
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!
These shrimp skewers are AMAZING! So easy to make and packed with flavor. My family loved them! Definitely a 5-star dish!
It was good, but I think it needed more seasoning. I added some cumin too, which helped.
Glad you liked it! Yeah, seasoning can make a big difference. Cumin adds a nice touch. I usually go heavy on the spices too!
Not gonna lie, I forgot to soak the wooden skewers. They charred a bit, but the shrimp still tasted amazing. Next time I’ll do it right.
Yummm! 🦐 Grilled shrimp are the best! My kids loved them too!
So glad to hear that! Grilled shrimp is a favorite in our house too! 🦐
They are good, but isn’t shrimp a bit too pricey for kids? Just saying! 😅
I love shrimp but I’m always worried about overcooking them. This recipe was easy to follow and they didn’t end up rubbery at all! So happy! 5 stars!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Shrimp can definitely get tough if overcooked. Yours sounds great!
I marinated mine about 30 minutes and they turned out great. Skewer timing is the key—mine cooked faster than I expected.
Good to know! I always underestimate how fast shrimp cook—will definitely keep an eye on the timing and watch for that “opaque” stage.
Yummy! Just yum. Grilled shrimp and summer, perfect combo! 5!
Looks good, but isn’t 15 minutes too short for marinating? I usually let them sit longer!
I totally agree! Shrimp and summer vibes are unmatched. Perfect recipe!
I followed the recipe but my shrimp ended up chewy. Maybe overcooked? Not very happy with the result.
The shrimp turned out rubbery. I followed the recipe but maybe I overcooked them? Not sure if I’ll try again.
This sounds good but is it really grilled? I mean, what if I bake them instead? 😂
Baking them could work too! Just keep an eye on the time so they don’t get tough. 😅
Shrimp is gross. This recipe is dumb. 1 star.
Why do you need parsley? Can’t taste it anyway. The shrimp were okay. 2 stars.
I think parsley adds a nice freshness and color to dishes! Plus, it’s good for you. Don’t dismiss it too quickly! 5 stars for me!
This turned out perfect! I added some chili flakes for a little kick. My family devoured them, thanks!
I don’t know… Shrimp kinda gross me out. Can’t believe your family liked it. But good for you!
That sounds delicious! Chili flakes are a great idea for extra flavor. I’m definitely trying this next time.
These shrimp skewers are out of this world! So easy to make and tasted amazing!
I totally agree! These shrimp skewers are like a party in your mouth! 😋
My husband loved these! But my kids wouldn’t touch them lol. More shrimp for me!
Shrimp on a stick! Yum 😋. But who needs parsley? Honestly, everyone should try this!
I dunno about using paprika with shrimp. Just seems weird. But I tried it and it’s not too bad. Still prefer plain!
Easy and yummy! Gonna make this for dinner every week now. 🦐
I tried this last night and it was a hit! 😍 Shrimp cooked perfectly. Thanks for sharing!
Not a fan. The shrimp ended up a bit rubbery. Maybe I overcooked them?
These shrimp skewers were a hit at my BBQ! So flavorful, and super easy to make. Will definitely be making them again!
Easy peasy! I love grilling in the summer, these were a hit at my BBQ. 😊
These are the best shrimp skewers I’ve ever made! So juicy and flavorful.
These shrimp skewers were amazing! So flavorful and easy to make. The garlic and lemon really shine through! Will definitely make again.
Totally agree! These skewers are life! I added some chili flakes for extra kick. 🍤🌶️
They’re ok I guess, wasn’t what I expected. I think I cooked them too long. Shrimp can be tricky.
Too much paprika, I think. Next time I will reduce it. My kids didn’t like them much.
Paprika feels kind of random here, but it worked! Also the parsley at the end is a nice fresh touch.
These were seriously juicy. The lemon + garlic combo is perfect, and I loved the little paprika kick.
Mine turned out good but I think I maybe grilled them too long. They got a little chewy. Next time I’ll do the 3-5 min each side for sure—also I didn’t soak the skewers and they charred a bit lol.
Totally agree—those lemon + garlic flavors really pop. I also loved the paprika; it adds just enough kick without being overpowering.
I tried this recipe but ended up burning the shrimp. Maybe I left them too long? Not sure if I’ll try again.
Honestly, who puts parsley on shrimp? I didn’t have it but the shrimp was good anyway, just kind of odd.
I don’t like garlic so I skipped it and they still tasted fine! But maybe not as good? 3 out of 5 stars.
I was skeptical at first, but these turned out pretty good! I ended up adding some chili flakes for a kick. 4 stars!
These skewers were a hit at my BBQ! Perfectly seasoned and super easy to make. Will definitely make again!
My grill was too hot and I burned one side—shrimp dried out a bit. Still edible. Flavor was good, though!
Ahh that happens—shrimp go from perfect to dried out fast. Next time, I’d pull them closer to 3 minutes per side and keep the grill more like medium. Also make sure they’re not over-marinated with lemon too long.
I don’t have fresh parsley, so I used dried. It was fine but kinda bland. Recipe overall is solid.
Dried parsley always tastes weird to me 😅 I usually just skip it and do more garlic + extra lemon. Also, 3-5 min per side feels like a lot—my shrimp overcook fast on high heat.
Good to know dried parsley can come out a bit bland. Maybe next time I’d use half the amount and add it closer to the end, or mix in a little lemon zest too?