Description
These Grilled Shrimp Skewers are tender, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for summer BBQs, outdoor gatherings, or family meals. Featuring a zesty marinade with fresh garlic, lemon juice, and smoked paprika, the shrimp cook quickly on a hot grill to juicy perfection with irresistible smoky char marks. This healthy, low-calorie recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and can be customized with various herbs and spices to suit any taste, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined (large or jumbo size recommended)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Wooden or metal skewers (soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This marinade infuses the shrimp with flavor while keeping them tender.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade and toss gently to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes and no longer than 30 minutes to maintain juiciness.
- Thread the Shrimp onto Skewers: Remove shrimp from the marinade and thread 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer, ensuring they lay flat and are not overcrowded for even cooking.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, about 375-400°F (190-204°C). Clean and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Shrimp: Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink, opaque, and have nice grill marks. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Once removal from grill, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the shrimp and add an extra squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use large shrimp to help them hold up on the grill and remain juicy.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Preheat the grill properly for a perfect sear and locked-in flavor.
- Keep marinating time under 30 minutes to prevent the acid from “cooking” the shrimp.
- Flip the skewers only once during grilling to achieve beautiful char lines.
- Watch cooking time closely; shrimp cook fast and become rubbery if overcooked.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 shrimp skewers
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg