If you’re on the hunt for a quick, flavorful seafood dish that’s sure to wow everyone at your next BBQ or family dinner, this Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how the bright lemon and fragrant garlic come together on juicy, tender shrimp straight off the grill. It’s simple, fresh, and packs a punch of flavor that keeps me coming back for more every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick and Easy: From marinade to grill, this recipe takes about 20 minutes total, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
- Bright, Fresh Flavors: The zing of lemon combined with garlic and herbs creates an irresistible taste that’s light and refreshing.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving as an appetizer or main dish, it’s a hit for all ages and occasions.
- Healthy and Protein-Packed: Shrimp is lean and loaded with protein, making this a guilt-free indulgence!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe lies in its simplicity — just a handful of ingredients that work beautifully together. Fresh shrimp and lemon zest bring brightness, while garlic and herbs deepen the flavor.
- Extra Large or Jumbo Shrimp: Bigger shrimp hold up better on the grill and make for impressive, juicy bites.
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps the spices cling to the shrimp real nicely.
- Lemon Zest and Juice: Fresh lemon is non-negotiable here; the zest gives aroma and the juice adds that fresh acidity.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic packs a punch that you just can’t get from powders.
- Italian Seasoning or Herbs de Provence: Either dried or fresh herbs work—just pick the ones you love or have handy.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to match your mood or pantry. Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs, spice levels, or even the cooking method.
- Spicy Kick: I once added a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade, and it instantly gave the shrimp a fantastic mild heat—my family went crazy for it.
- Fresh Herb Swap: If you have fresh basil or cilantro, try mixing them in instead of Italian seasoning for a different but equally delicious twist.
- Alternative Cooking: No grill? No problem! I sometimes broil the skewers in the oven and get surprisingly great results.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Throw in some cherry tomatoes or bell peppers on the skewers to add color and extra flavor.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Grill and Skewers
First things first, oil your grill grates really well and preheat them to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t skip soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling; this keeps them from burning and ruining your presentation. I learned this the hard way after a smoky disaster once!
Step 2: Make the Flavor-Packed Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, fresh lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, and your choice of herbs. Stir it all together—you’ll notice the amazing aroma right away. This is the sauce that elevates the shrimp from good to unforgettable.
Step 3: Skewer and Brush the Shrimp
Thread 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer, piercing through the tail and near the head to keep them secure. Then brush both sides generously with the lemon garlic butter mixture. Save some of that sauce for later—you’ll want to drizzle it on just before serving.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Place the shrimp skewers on the hot grill. Cook about 4-6 minutes per side, keeping an eye on them as shrimp cook quickly—you want them to turn completely pink with just a slight char. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so staying attentive helps you get that tender, juicy bite every time.
Step 5: Serve with a Heavenly Drizzle
Once off the grill, drizzle the remaining buttery lemon sauce over the shrimp skewers while they’re still hot. Serve immediately to enjoy that burst of citrusy garlic goodness at its best.
Pro Tips for Making Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe
- Soak Wooden Skewers Thoroughly: This prevents burning and helps your skewers last longer on the grill.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Giving your shrimp space ensures they cook evenly and get nice grill marks.
- Use Fresh Lemon: Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t compare; fresh lemon makes all the difference.
- Watch the Cooking Time Closely: Shrimp go from perfectly cooked to overdone in minutes, so set a timer if needed.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or extra herbs on top right before serving. A few lemon wedges on the side also brighten things up and let your guests add a little extra citrus punch if they want.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with a light arugula salad, grilled veggies like asparagus or zucchini, or even fluffy couscous. My go-to is a crisp cucumber and tomato salad—so refreshing alongside those garlicky shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try serving the skewers arranged over a bed of flavored rice or quinoa, garnished with edible flowers for a pop of color. I’ve even used a sizzling cast iron skillet for a rustic presentation that everyone loves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled shrimp will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I recommend storing the shrimp and leftover sauce separately if you have it, so the shrimp don’t get soggy.
Freezing
Freezing cooked shrimp can be tricky because they might get rubbery upon reheating, but if you want to freeze, remove the shrimp from the skewers and store in a freezer-safe bag with a little of the lemon butter sauce. They’ll maintain the best texture if consumed within one month.
Reheating
To reheat leftover shrimp, I find gentle warming in a skillet over medium-low heat works best—just a minute or two per side with a splash of water or lemon butter to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to overcook shrimp quickly.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before marinating and grilling. Removing excess moisture helps the marinade stick better and improves grilling results.
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How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?
Preheating and oiling your grill grates is key. Also, brushing your shrimp with the butter sauce right before grilling creates a natural non-stick barrier. If you’re nervous, try using a grill basket or foil lined with grill-safe oil.
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What can I use instead of butter?
If you prefer dairy-free options, olive oil is a great substitute. It still adds richness and helps the herbs and garlic coat the shrimp nicely, though the flavor will be a bit lighter.
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Can I bake the shrimp instead of grilling?
Yes! Bake the marinated shrimp on skewers at 425°F for about 8-10 minutes, turning once halfway. It won’t have the smoky char of grilling but will still be delicious.
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How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp cook quickly and are done when they turn opaque and pink and curl into a loose “C” shape. Cook just until they’re slightly browned and no longer translucent to avoid toughness.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen whenever I want something that’s both fast and packed with flavor. It’s perfect when you want to impress without fussing over complicated steps. I genuinely hope you enjoy making this as much as I do — grab your shrimp, fire up the grill, and get ready for all the compliments coming your way!
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Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Deliciously simple and quick, these Grilled Shrimp Skewers are bursting with lemon garlic flavor. Perfectly charred on the outside and tender inside, they are ideal for a healthy and satisfying meal made with just five ingredients.
Ingredients
Shrimp Skewers
- 2 pounds extra large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
Butter Sauce
- 8 tablespoons butter, melted
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons juice and zest from 1 lemon)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or herbs de Provence (or 2 tablespoons fresh herbs finely chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the Grill and Skewers: Oil and preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning. Then, thread the shrimp onto the skewers evenly.
- Make the Butter Sauce: In a bowl, stir together the melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning or herbs de Provence until well combined.
- Brush Shrimp with Sauce: Generously brush both sides of the shrimp on the skewers with the butter sauce, reserving some sauce for serving later.
- Grill the Shrimp: Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 4-6 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn completely pink and develop a slight brown char.
- Serve: Drizzle the remaining lemon butter sauce over the grilled shrimp and serve immediately for the best flavor and juiciness.
Notes
- These easy lemon garlic grilled shrimp skewers are healthy, incredibly flavorful, and quick to make with just five simple ingredients.
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning during grilling.
- The shrimp cook quickly, so watch them closely to avoid overcooking.
- This recipe is perfect for a light, high-protein meal or as a tasty appetizer for gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 252 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1794 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 575 mg