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Want to impress your friends with a dish that’s both juicy and tasty? Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers are the perfect choice! They’re easy to make and bursting with flavor. In this blog post, I’ll guide you step-by-step. You’ll learn about the best ingredients, grilling tips, and even how to fix them up for your next gathering. Get ready to dive into a delicious treat that everyone will love!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of lemon and garlic creates a refreshing and aromatic marinade that enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Grill Appeal: Cooking on the grill adds a smoky char that elevates the dish, making it a hit at summer barbecues.
- Versatile Serving Options: These skewers can be served as an appetizer, a main dish, or even tossed into salads and pasta for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– Shrimp: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– Marinade Ingredients:
– 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
– Zest and juice of 2 fresh lemons
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
– ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– Garnish: Fresh parsley, finely chopped
– Skewers: Wooden skewers (soaked in water) or metal skewers
Lemon garlic shrimp skewers are simple to make. You need fresh ingredients to get the best flavor. For the shrimp, I recommend using large ones. They hold up well on the grill and taste juicy. The marinade is key to this dish. It includes olive oil, garlic, and lemon. Garlic adds a rich flavor, while lemon brings brightness.
Smoked paprika gives a slight smokiness that enhances the dish. Don’t skip the salt and pepper. They bring out the natural taste of the shrimp.
For garnish, I like to use fresh parsley. It adds a nice green touch and freshness.
When it comes to skewers, you can use either wooden or metal. If you choose wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent burning when you grill.
These ingredients combine to create a dish that is not only tasty but also visually appealing. Enjoy the process of preparing them!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinating the Shrimp
To start, you need to mix the marinade. In a bowl, combine:
– 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
– Zest and juice of 2 fresh lemons
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
– ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Once mixed, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Toss gently so every shrimp gets coated well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This time helps the shrimp absorb all the tasty flavors.
Preparing for Grilling
If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This step keeps them from burning on the grill. While they soak, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Make sure it’s hot enough for searing the shrimp.
Assembling the Skewers
Now it’s time to thread the shrimp. Carefully slide 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer. Leave a small gap between each shrimp. This gap helps them cook evenly and get that nice char.
Grilling the Skewers
Place the skewers on the grill. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink, look opaque, and have a light char. These signs mean they are perfectly cooked and packed with flavor.
Serving Suggestions
After grilling, take the skewers off the heat. Lightly sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This adds a nice touch. Serve with wedges of extra lemon on the side. The lemon gives an extra zesty kick that brightens the dish.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Marinate
To boost flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This gives your shrimp a nice kick. You can also try fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for a fresh taste. Adjust the spice to your liking by adding more or less smoked paprika. If you love garlic, toss in an extra clove or two. Just remember, balance is key.
Grilling Techniques
Grill the shrimp over medium-high heat. This helps them cook evenly. Use a grill thermometer to check the heat. If it’s too hot, shrimp may burn. If it’s too cool, they might not cook fast enough. Aim for a cooking time of 2-3 minutes per side. Watch for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes shrimp tough, so stay close to the grill.
Presentation Tips
For a beautiful display, serve shrimp skewers on a wooden board. Arrange lemon wedges around them for color and zest. You can also sprinkle smoked paprika on top for an eye-catching look. Pair skewers with a fresh salad or grilled veggies. These sides add color and nutrition. Guests will love the appealing setup at your next gathering!
Pro Tips
- Marination Magic: Allow shrimp to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but you can marinate them for up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd: When skewering, don’t overcrowd the shrimp; this ensures even cooking and that they get that perfect char.
- Perfect Grill Marks: For beautiful grill marks, avoid moving the skewers around too much once placed on the grill. Let them sear for a couple of minutes before flipping.
- Serve with Style: Serve your shrimp skewers with a side of garlic butter or a light dipping sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Variations
Flavor Additions
You can really change the taste of these skewers. Try adding fresh herbs like basil or dill. They give a nice twist. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or cayenne. You can even mix in tropical flavors. Think about using pineapple juice or mango for a fruity marinade!
Cooking Methods
Grilling gives the best char and flavor. But you can also broil the skewers in your oven. This method works well, especially in colder months. If you want ease, try oven-baked shrimp skewers. Just place them on a baking sheet and cook at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes.
Ingredient Swaps
If you want a veggie option, use firm tofu or mushrooms. They can soak up the marinade well. You can also swap shrimp for chicken or fish. Chicken thighs work great and stay juicy. For fish, try salmon or tuna. Both offer rich flavors that match well with lemon and garlic.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep leftover Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Store the skewers in the fridge for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Wrap each skewer in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Instructions
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating can be simple. Use the oven or a skillet for the best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. If using a skillet, add a little olive oil. Heat over medium heat for about 5 minutes. This keeps the shrimp juicy and tasty. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers. To thaw them, place the shrimp in the fridge overnight. If you need to thaw them faster, put the shrimp in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about 30 minutes. Avoid using hot water, as it can cook the shrimp unevenly.
How long can I marinate the shrimp?
You should marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes. However, the best flavor comes from marinating them for up to 2 hours. Do not marinate for more than 2 hours. The acid in the lemon juice can change the shrimp’s texture.
What sides go well with Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers?
Several sides pair nicely with these skewers. Consider serving them with:
– Rice pilaf
– Garlic bread
– Grilled vegetables
– A fresh green salad
– Couscous with herbs
Can I use citrus other than lemon?
Yes, you can try other citrus fruits. Lime and orange add a different flavor. Grapefruit can also work, but it may be stronger. Always adjust the amount based on your taste.
What is the best way to know when shrimp is fully cooked?
Look for these signs to know shrimp is done:
– They turn bright pink.
– The flesh becomes opaque.
– They curl into a C-shape.
Do not overcook; shrimp can become rubbery if left too long on heat.
We covered the key steps for making delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers. Start with fresh shrimp, marinate them well, and grill to perfection. Remember to adjust flavors and spice levels to your taste. Serve with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a bright touch. These skewers are great for gatherings and easy to customize. Store any leftovers carefully, and enjoy them later. With these tips, you can create a tasty dish your friends and family will love. Happy grillin
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers Delight
Deliciously marinated shrimp grilled on skewers with a zesty lemon and garlic flavor.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 whole fresh lemons, zest and juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- to taste fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- as needed wooden skewers (soaked in water) or metal skewers
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, finely minced garlic, lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, smoked paprika, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Once mixed well, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Toss gently to ensure each shrimp is thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
If opting for wooden skewers, immerse them in water for about 30 minutes to avoid burning on the grill. While the skewers are soaking, preheat your grill or grill pan to a medium-high heat.
Carefully thread the marinated shrimp onto the soaked wooden or metal skewers, aiming for about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
Position the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a vibrant pink and become opaque.
After removing the skewers from the grill, lightly sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp and serve with wedges of extra lemon.
For best results, marinate the shrimp for longer if time allows.
Keyword garlic, grill, lemon, shrimp, skewers
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