Marinated shrimp skewers are a vibrant, flavorful dish that turns a simple seafood dinner into something special. By letting shrimp soak in a zesty, seasoned marinade, you infuse every bite with bold flavors before they even touch the grill. This technique not only enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness but also ensures they stay tender and juicy. Perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, or even a quick weeknight meal, marinated grilled shrimp skewers are a delicious way to elevate your seafood game.
The secret lies in the marinade. A good blend often includes olive oil, garlic, citrus juice, and a mix of fresh herbs or spices. Lemon or lime juice adds brightness, while garlic and chili flakes bring depth and a touch of heat. Soy sauce, honey, or paprika can also be added for extra layers of flavor. Allowing the shrimp to marinate for at least 15–30 minutes gives them time to soak up all the seasonings without becoming mushy, which can happen if seafood sits in acidic marinades for too long.
Once threaded onto skewers, the shrimp are ready for the grill. Cooking them over high heat takes just a few minutes, which makes this recipe ideal for busy days. The quick cook time also means the marinade remains fresh and vibrant, creating a balance between smoky grill marks and bright, bold flavors. For an extra pop of color and taste, alternate shrimp with vegetables like bell peppers, red onions, or zucchini, turning the skewers into a full meal on a stick.
These skewers pair beautifully with a variety of sides, from a simple green salad to garlic bread, rice pilaf, or a fresh pasta salad. They also make an excellent appetizer when served with dipping sauces like garlic aioli or sweet chili sauce.
Marinated shrimp skewers aren’t just delicious, shrimps are also a healthy option. Shrimp are high in lean protein, low in calories, and packed with nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, this dish proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat all pieces evenly. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers.
- Grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- Remove shrimp from the grill, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Nutrition
Awesome recipe! I subbed the garlic with garlic powder, and it still turned out great! 🍤
These shrimp skewers were a hit at my BBQ! The marinade was super tasty and easy to make.
shrimp? no thanks. not my thing. but good for those who like it.
Simple and delicious! I’m definitely making these again for my family. Thanks for sharing!
Well, I tried it but I don’t know if I did somethin wrong. Mine didn’t taste like that… 😕
Did anyone else find the shrimp kinda rubbery? I followed the recipe exactly but maybe I grilled it too long.
Shrimp skewers r always a hit at BBQs. Can’t go wrong with lemon and garlic!
Honestly, I followed the recipe and they were just okay. I’ve had better shrimp elsewhere.
I forgot to buy lemon juice and used vinegar instead. Still turned out great!
This was so good! The shrimp were so tender and flavorful.
Meh. Not impressed, just shrimp on a stick, right?
So easy to make! I just threw on some extra seasoning. Yum!
Instructions are confusing…what’s medium-high heat? My shrimp got burnt. 🙁
I thought they were okay, nothing special. Maybe would have been better with some chili flakes.
These shrimp skewers are phenomenal! So easy to make and full of flavor. My family devoured them! Definitely a 5!
Shrimp on a skewer? Pretty sure that’s a seafood thing. My grandma made it differently!
Well, grandma’s way might be different, but this recipe sounds delicious! I love shrimp on skewers!
Do the shrimp have to be peeled? I feel like the shells give flavor. Just a thought…
Tried this at a family BBQ. Everyone raved about them! Perfect for summer!
Wow, I can’t believe how good these turned out! Perfect for our BBQ. Will definitely make again!
Shrimps are tasty but I dunno about the parsley on top, feels like a waste. Just don’t get it.
These were fantastic! My family loved them, especially the garlic flavor. Will make again!
I’m so glad to hear that! The garlic really does make a difference, doesn’t it? Great choice for summer BBQs!
Yummmm!!! 😍 Can’t wait to make these again, perfect for summer.
These are sooo good! I make them all the time for summer BBQs!
Bland. I don’t know why people rave over this. Shrimp just tastes like water. 2 stars.
I think you just need to season it more! The marinade is key to bring out the flavors. Shrimp can be delicious if done right.
Eh, it was okay. The shrimp kinda shrunk when I grilled them and were hard to thread on the skewers. Maybe my grill was too hot? 3/5.
3 outta 5? That ain’t too bad! You just gotta practice grilling. Maybe try at a lower temp?
I had the same problem with my shrimp! I think maybe they were too small. Next time I’ll look for larger ones.
Looks good in photos but mine didn’t taste much, kinda bland. Smh.
Sounds like you might have skimped on the seasoning! I never had that problem. Try adding more garlic next time!
These shrimp skewers were a hit at my BBQ! So good and easy to make!
I tried this recipe but added some chili flakes for heat. They were good but didn’t live up to the hype, felt like something was missing.
Too salty for me! Next time, less salt please.
I dunno, they were kinda bland for me. Maybe I overcooked them?
I’m not good at grilling, but these came out nice. Thanks for the tips!
Simple and delicious! I added some chili flakes for a kick!
I love chili flakes too! They really add a nice touch. Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Followed the recipe but my shrimp stuck to the grill lol. Still tasted ok tho.
I’m not a shrimp person but my husband loved it! Will make again for him.
That’s great to hear! At least one of you enjoyed it. Maybe try adding some spices to make it more appealing for you too?