Can I make these skewers without a grill?

Absolutely! You can use an indoor grill pan with ridges to achieve similar grill marks. Alternatively, broil the skewers in your oven on high for 2-3 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Why is the marinating time limited to 5 hours?

The acid in the lime juice begins to "cook" the shrimp (similar to ceviche) if left too long. This changes the texture of the shrimp, making them less pleasant when actually cooked.

What size shrimp works best for this recipe?

Large (31-35 count per pound) or jumbo (21-25 count) shrimp work best for skewers. They're easier to handle, less likely to overcook, and create a more impressive presentation. Smaller shrimp tend to cook too quickly and can dry out.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! In fact, unless you live coastal with access to truly fresh shrimp, frozen is often the better option. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight, or place in a colander under cold running water for quick thawing. Pat dry thoroughly before marinating.

Asian Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Name: Asian Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 3 Tbsp unsalted butter; 2 Tbsp soy sauce; 2 tsp fresh-squeezed lime juice; 1 tsp grated ginger; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 Tbsp sugar; 2 thinly sliced scallions; 1 lb large shrimp, shelled and deveined

Description

This Asian Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers recipe bursts with bold and zesty flavors. Marinated in a tantalizing mix of soy sauce, lime juice, ginger, garlic, and sugar, then char-grilled to perfection, these shrimp skewers are the perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet with a hint of tanginess. They’re tender, juicy, and make for an ideal appetizer or light meal. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce or a side of veggies for a dish that will impress your guests!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Marinade:

3 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 Tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp fresh-squeezed lime juice
1 tsp grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 Tbsp sugar
2 thinly sliced scallions

For the Shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp, shelled and deveined

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Instructions

Prepare the marinade:
In a small saucepan, combine the butter, soy sauce, lime juice, ginger, garlic, and sugar. Whisk the ingredients together and bring them to a simmer over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until everything is well combined. Once simmered, remove the saucepan from the heat and fold in the sliced scallions. Allow the marinade to cool to room temperature.
Marinate the shrimp:
Place the shrimp in a resealable bag or a bowl covered with plastic wrap. Pour the marinade over the shrimp, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but ideally, between 3 to 5 hours. Avoid marinating for longer than 5 hours to prevent the shrimp from becoming mushy.
Prepare the skewers:
Remove the shrimp from the marinade and place them onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to avoid burning during grilling.
Simmer the marinade:
Pour the leftover marinade back into the saucepan and bring it to a simmer for 1 minute. This will ensure it’s safe for basting or dipping.
Grill the shrimp:
Preheat your grill to high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the shrimp skewers, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and lightly charred, about 3-4 minutes per side depending on shrimp size. While grilling, baste the shrimp with the simmered marinade every couple of minutes for extra flavor.
Serve:
Garnish the grilled shrimp skewers with additional sliced scallions and serve with any remaining marinade as a dipping sauce.

Notes

If outdoor grilling isn’t an option, you can use an indoor grill pan to cook the skewers.
It’s best to marinate the shrimp for 3-5 hours, but not longer as the acidic marinade can alter the texture.
Large shrimp (or larger, such as extra-large or colossal) work best for this recipe as smaller shrimp may overcook and shrink too much.
Double the recipe if serving a larger crowd.
This dish works well as both an appetizer or a main course when paired with a side of rice or veggies.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 skewer
Calories: 198
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 470mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 160mg