If you’re looking for a simple yet utterly flavorful way to enjoy shrimp, then you’ve got to try my Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe. This fan-freaking-tastic dish brings together buttery, zesty, garlicky goodness grilled to perfection — all in under 20 minutes. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress guests at your next BBQ, these shrimp skewers will steal the show every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy and Easy: You’ll have dinner ready in about 20 minutes with minimal effort.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of lemon, garlic, and herbs makes every bite sing.
- Perfectly Grilled: The shrimp get just a hint of char that adds amazing texture.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether casual or fancy, these skewers fit right in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I love how this recipe uses just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. When shopping, look for large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture and grill-friendly size. Fresh lemons and garlic really make a difference too, but dried herbs work well in a pinch.
- Extra large or jumbo shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these cook quickly and stay tender on the grill.
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps carry all those bright flavors.
- Lemon zest and juice: Fresh lemon brightens the shrimp, cutting through the richness.
- Minced garlic: You’ll want fresh for that punch of garlicky aroma and taste.
- Italian seasoning or herbs de Provence: Dried herbs work fine, but I sometimes mix in fresh parsley and thyme when I have them on hand.
Variations
One of the best parts about this Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. I tend to tweak the herbs or add a little kick depending on the season or my mood, and you’ll love experimenting too!
- Add a Spicy Kick: Once, I tossed in a pinch of chili flakes, and my whole family went crazy for the subtle heat.
- Herb Swap: Fresh cilantro or basil are fantastic alternatives if you want a different herbal twist.
- Marinade Swap: Try swapping butter for olive oil and adding smoked paprika for a smokier flavor.
- Make it Citrus-Heavy: I sometimes add a splash of lime juice along with lemon for a zingier profile.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Skewer Your Shrimp with Confidence
First things first: soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes if you’re using them (this little trick stops them from catching fire). Thread the shrimp onto skewers — I usually fit about 6 or 7 per skewer depending on size. This step is so satisfying and sets you up for grilling success!
Step 2: Mix the Magic Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
While the grill heats up to medium-high, whisk together melted butter, fresh lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. I like to make sure the garlic is finely minced so it infuses the butter evenly without any raw bites. This sauce is where all the flavor lives, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Brush and Grill Your Shrimp
Give both sides of the shrimp a generous brush of that lemon garlic butter. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, watching for the shrimp to turn opaque and just start browning. One thing I’ve learned the hard way is to avoid overcooking shrimp—they go from perfect to rubbery so quickly.
Step 4: Drizzle, Serve, and Enjoy
Once grilled, drizzle any leftover lemon garlic butter over the shrimp for an extra flavor boost. Serve immediately to enjoy shrimp juicy, tender, and bursting with that luscious citrus-garlic aroma.
Pro Tips for Making Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe
- Soak Wooden Skewers: This prevents them from burning and adds a whole level of ease to flipping your shrimp on the grill.
- Don’t Skip the Zest: Using lemon zest alongside juice adds a bright, fresh flavor layer you don’t want to miss.
- Grill at Medium-High Heat: It cooks the shrimp quickly without drying them out—plus, you get that gorgeous char.
- Watch the Cooking Time: Overcooking makes shrimp chewy; aim for opaque, pink shrimp with slight browning for perfection.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
I swear by a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped cilantro tossed on top for a pop of color and herbal brightness. Sometimes, I also add thin lemon slices on the side—they look gorgeous and add a little extra citrus punch.
Side Dishes
My go-to is a light, fluffy couscous or grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. Rice pilaf or a bright mixed green salad also complement the shrimp’s flavors beautifully. And don’t underestimate the power of a crusty baguette to mop up all those buttery drippings!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like to serve the skewers upright in a tall glass or vase filled with lemon wedges and fresh herbs—it creates a stunning centerpiece that’s both practical and pretty. Another fun idea I tried recently was serving shrimp over mini lettuce cups with a drizzle of extra lemon garlic butter for a fresh handheld bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover grilled shrimp skewers in an airtight container in the fridge and try to eat them within 2 days for the best taste and texture. They keep surprisingly well and are great cold or reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze the shrimp after cooking, but I suggest removing them from the skewers first. Pop them into a freezer bag with a little leftover lemon garlic butter, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or extra lemon butter to prevent drying out. Microwaving can work but be careful not to overdo it, or the shrimp will turn rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp for this Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating and grilling. This helps the shrimp absorb flavors better and prevents steaming instead of grilling.
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How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?
Make sure your grill is clean and well-oiled before placing the skewers on. Brushing the shrimp with the butter sauce also helps, and letting the shrimp cook undisturbed for the first few minutes creates a nice crust that naturally releases from the grates.
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Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, and I often do! You can mix the lemon garlic butter sauce a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature before brushing on the shrimp to ensure smooth application.
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What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! You can cook the skewers under the broiler in your oven or on a grill pan on the stovetop. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe comes together so quickly yet delivers such a punch of bright, buttery, garlicky flavor. When I first tried it, I was hooked immediately—not just because it’s delicious but because it makes grilling shrimp so approachable. I hope you’ll enjoy making (and eating!) this as much as I do. Trust me, it’s one you’ll keep coming back to whenever you want that perfect quick and tasty meal.
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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
These Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring jumbo shrimp marinated in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, then grilled to perfection. Perfect for a healthy meal or entertaining guests, they are packed with protein and vibrant herbs for a fresh, summery taste.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 2 pounds extra large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
Marinade & Sauce
- 8 tablespoons butter, melted
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons juice and zest from the 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 your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes in advance to prevent burning during grilling.
- Assemble the Marinade: In a bowl, stir together the melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning or fresh herbs until well combined.
- Skewer the Shrimp: Thread the peeled and deveined shrimp onto the metal or prepared wooden skewers, arranging them evenly.
- Brush Shrimp with Sauce: Using a brush, coat both sides of the shrimp generously with the lemon garlic butter mixture. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving.
- Grill the Shrimp: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side, grilling until the shrimp are fully pink and just beginning to brown slightly, indicating they are cooked through.
- Serve: Remove shrimp from the grill, drizzle with the reserved lemon butter sauce, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- These shrimp skewers are quick to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill, a simple but important step.
- You can customize the herbs to your liking, such as using fresh parsley, basil, or thyme for different flavor profiles.
- Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Leftover grilled shrimp can be refrigerated and enjoyed cold or reheated gently.
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
