Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that’s bursting with zesty flavor and is perfect for summer cookouts or laid-back dinners at home, you’re going to love these Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Each tender shrimp is infused with garlic, bright citrus, and a touch of heat, making them a real crowd-pleaser and so easy to whip up in just half an hour. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or alongside your favorite sides, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly special that everyone will remember.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers is how effortlessly a handful of kitchen staples transforms into such a vibrant dish. Every ingredient adds its own splash of color, flavor, and texture, so let’s highlight what you’ll need and exactly why it matters.
- Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined): Choose shrimp that are plump and fresh for the juiciest bite and eye-catching appeal.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): This rich base marries all the marinade ingredients and helps prevent sticking on the grill.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Garlic is the star here, soaking deep into the shrimp and infusing every bite with irresistible flavor.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens and tenderizes the shrimp while adding a fresh, tangy note.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): The zest packs fragrant citrus oils, delivering extra punch and a pop of color.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A touch of salt brings all the flavors into balance and enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A tiny bit goes a long way to provide subtle warmth.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a gentle kick, red pepper flakes add just the right amount of spice.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Sprinkling parsley over the top gives vibrant color and a lovely green freshness.
- Lemon wedges: Squeeze them over just before serving for an extra zingy finish.
- Skewers (wooden or metal): If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them so they don’t char on the grill.
How to Make Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Kick things off by whisking together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and if you’re in the mood for a little spice, those red pepper flakes. Pour this flavorful marinade over your cleaned shrimp in a medium bowl. Toss them well until every shrimp is nicely coated, cover the bowl, and transfer it to the fridge to marinate for 15 to 30 minutes. This step ensures that every bite of your Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers is packed with punchy, garlicky goodness.
Step 2: Prep the Grill and Skewers
While your shrimp are soaking up the flavors, get your grill heating on medium-high. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand. This prevents them from scorching. Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each so the heat can circulate and cook the shrimp evenly.
Step 3: Grill the Shrimp
Place your skewers right on the hot grill. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a gorgeous pink and pick up a little charring around the edges. Don’t stray too far — shrimp cook in a flash and you want them juicy, not overdone!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Remove the Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers from the grill and lay them out on a platter. Scatter the chopped parsley over the top, and serve right away with lemon wedges on the side. The sizzle, the aroma, and that final spritz of lemon will have everyone reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Garnishes
For a restaurant-worthy finish, a shower of fresh parsley adds vivid, herby flavor and makes those shrimp pop on the plate. A pinch of extra lemon zest or a few grinds of black pepper will take things up a notch—don’t forget a few lemon wedges for squeezing at the table!
Side Dishes
Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers are wonderfully versatile, pairing beautifully with so many sides. Slide the shrimp over a fluffy bed of rice, toss them with a simple green salad, or lay them atop a bowl of buttery pasta. For a lighter touch, try grilled veggies or a chilled quinoa salad on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
You’re only limited by your imagination with these skewers. Try layering them on a large platter with summery salads, or nestle them into warm tortillas with avocado and slaw for impromptu tacos. Going for an appetizer spread? Serve each skewer with a small dipping bowl of aioli or herby yogurt sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers, simply remove the shrimp from the skewers and transfer them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days — they make a fabulous addition to salads and wraps the next day.
Freezing
While shrimp can be frozen after cooking, their texture is at its best when enjoyed fresh off the grill. If you do want to freeze leftovers, let them cool first, then pack into a single layer in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and use within 2 months for best results.
Reheating
To reheat Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat until just heated through. You can also briefly warm them in a low oven. Take care not to overcook or the shrimp might turn rubbery — a quick reheat is all they need.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely, just be sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before marinating so the flavors really soak in and the shrimp grill nicely.
What can I use if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can use a grill pan on your stovetop or even broil the skewers in the oven; both methods give excellent results for Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers.
How spicy are these skewers?
They’re only as spicy as you want them to be. The red pepper flakes are completely optional, so you can leave them out for mild skewers or add a bit extra for a punch of heat.
Is it necessary to marinate the shrimp?
Even a short marinade time makes a difference. That quick soak infuses the shrimp with garlic and citrus, making your Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers extra flavorful and juicy, but if you’re pressed for time, even 15 minutes helps.
Can I prepare the shrimp skewers ahead of time?
You can marinate and skewer the shrimp a few hours before grilling; just keep them covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to cook for extra convenience.
Final Thoughts
I hope this recipe brings as much sizzle to your table as it does to mine! Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers are the kind of dish that feels special but is so easy and rewarding every time you make it. Whether for a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, give these a try — I have a feeling they’ll become a new favorite in your kitchen too.
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Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a quick and flavorful dish perfect for summer grilling. The shrimp are marinated in a zesty garlic and lemon mixture, then grilled to perfection. Serve these skewers with a side of rice or salad for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- lemon wedges for serving
- skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Skewer and Grill: Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers. Grill the shrimp skewers for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly charred.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from grill and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- These skewers are also great for indoor grill pans or broiling in the oven.
- Serve over rice, salad, or pasta for a full meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
