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Looking for a quick and tasty meal? You’ll love these Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers! They are loaded with bold flavors, easy to make, and perfect for any gathering. In this guide, I will walk you through every step, from choosing the right shrimp to grilling them to perfection. Let’s dive in and learn how to create this mouthwatering dish that will impress everyone at your table!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Zesty Flavor: The combination of lemon juice and garlic gives these shrimp skewers a vibrant and refreshing taste that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Perfect for Grilling: These shrimp skewers are perfect for the grill, adding a smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Customizable and Versatile: You can easily adjust the marinade ingredients or add your favorite vegetables to the skewers for a personalized touch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers
To make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers, you will need:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients bring out the bright flavor of lemon and the warmth of garlic. Each shrimp gets a lovely coat of marinade, making every bite juicy and zesty.
Additional Ingredients for Garnishing
For garnishing, you will want:
– Fresh parsley, chopped
– Lemon wedges, for serving
Chopped parsley adds a fresh touch. Lemon wedges give you a chance to add more zing right before eating.
Recommended Equipment for Cooking
To cook these skewers, you will need:
– Skewers (wooden or metal)
– Grill or grill pan
If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water before grilling. This step helps prevent burning. A good grill or grill pan gives you those perfect grill marks and keeps the shrimp juicy.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Marinade
To start, gather your mixing bowl. In it, combine three tablespoons of olive oil and three tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Add in four minced garlic cloves, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, and one teaspoon of dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk these together until they blend well. This marinade gives the shrimp a bright flavor that shines through.
Marinating the Shrimp
Next, add your one pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Toss the shrimp gently until each piece is coated in the mix. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the fridge for at least thirty minutes. This step lets the flavors soak into the shrimp, making them more tasty.
Grilling the Shrimp Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for ten to fifteen minutes. This helps prevent burning on the grill. While the skewers soak, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates if you’re using a grill. Now, thread four to five marinated shrimp onto each skewer.
Place the skewers on the grill. Cook them for two to three minutes on each side. Keep an eye on the shrimp; they should turn pink and opaque when done. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become tough. Once cooked, let the skewers rest for a minute. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for extra zest. Enjoy your delicious lemon garlic shrimp skewers!
Tips & Tricks
How to Choose the Best Shrimp
When picking shrimp, size matters. Look for large shrimp, about 16-20 per pound. Fresh shrimp should smell like the ocean, not fishy. Check for a firm texture and a shiny look. If you can, buy shrimp that is wild-caught. It often tastes better and is more sustainable.
Perfect Grilling Techniques
To grill shrimp well, preheat your grill or pan on medium-high heat. This step ensures that you get a good sear. Lightly oil the grill grates or the skewers to stop sticking. Place the shrimp on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. You want them to be pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking; shrimp can turn rubbery.
Marinade Time Recommendations
For the best flavor, marinate shrimp for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the shrimp to soak in the lemon and garlic goodness. If you have more time, marinating for up to 2 hours is even better. Just keep it in the fridge to stay fresh. Don’t marinate too long, as the acid from the lemon can change the shrimp’s texture.
Pro Tips
- Fresh Shrimp: Always opt for the freshest shrimp available. Fresh shrimp not only taste better but also have a firmer texture that holds up well on the grill.
- Marinade Time: For best flavor, marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes, but not more than 2 hours. This ensures they absorb the flavors without becoming mushy.
- Skewering Technique: To prevent shrimp from spinning on the skewers, thread them through the tail and body. This will help them stay in place while grilling.
- Grill Temperature: Make sure your grill is preheated properly. Grilling shrimp on too low a heat can lead to uneven cooking and a rubbery texture.
Variations
Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers
To add some heat, try spicy lemon garlic shrimp skewers. Just mix in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the marinade. This gives a nice kick that pairs well with the lemon and garlic. The spice enhances the shrimp’s flavor and makes each bite exciting.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers with Vegetables
You can also make lemon garlic shrimp skewers with vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes work well. Simply cut the veggies into chunks and add them to the skewers with the shrimp. They soak up the marinade and add color to your dish. This option makes the meal more filling and adds extra nutrition.
Alternative Cooking Methods (Oven, Broiler)
If you don’t have a grill, you can still enjoy these skewers. You can cook them in the oven or under the broiler. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. For the broiler, place the skewers on the top rack and broil for 2-3 minutes on each side. This method gives you that charred flavor without a grill.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Shrimp Skewers
After enjoying your shrimp skewers, let them cool to room temperature. Place the skewers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat the shrimp, use your grill or a skillet. Heat the grill to medium. Place the skewers on the grill for about 1-2 minutes per side. This warms them without drying them out. If using a skillet, heat it on medium-low. Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning once. Always check that the shrimp are hot all the way through.
Freezing and Thawing Tips
To freeze shrimp skewers, wrap each skewer in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, remove the skewers and place them in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, reheat them using the methods shared above. Enjoy your shrimp like they were just cooked!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for quick thawing. Once thawed, peel and devein if needed. This will help the shrimp absorb the marinade better.
What can I serve with Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers?
These shrimp skewers pair well with many sides. Here are a few ideas:
– Steamed rice
– Quinoa salad
– Grilled vegetables
– Garlic bread
– A fresh green salad
These options will balance the flavors of the shrimp and make for a complete meal.
How long do I need to marinate the shrimp?
Marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the shrimp to soak in the flavors. If you have more time, marinating for 1-2 hours will enhance the taste even more. Just don’t marinate too long, or the shrimp can become tough.
What type of skewers are best for grilling?
You can use wooden or metal skewers. If you choose wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10-15 minutes first. This step prevents burning on the grill. Metal skewers are great too, as they don’t require soaking and can be reused.
Lemon garlic shrimp skewers offer a tasty meal made with simple steps. You learned about essential ingredients, marinating tips, and grilling techniques. Variations like adding veggies or spice can change the dish. Proper storage ensures you enjoy leftovers later. With all this at hand, you can create a delicious meal. Enjoy cooking and impressing friends and family with your new skill
Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Delicious shrimp marinated in a zesty lemon garlic sauce and grilled to perfection.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
- for serving lemon wedges
- as needed skewers (wooden or metal)
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well blended.
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl, ensuring they are evenly coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10-15 minutes to prevent burning.
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using a grill, lightly oil the grates.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook.
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra zing.
Soak wooden skewers to prevent burning.
Keyword garlic, grill, lemon, shrimp, skewers
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