Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

$- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 2 lemons - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Wooden or metal skewers For these Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers, the main ingredients are shrimp, olive oil, and garlic. I like using large shrimp because they grill well. Make sure to peel and devein them. The olive oil adds richness, while minced garlic gives a nice punch of flavor. Next, we have flavor enhancers. The zest and juice of lemons brighten the shrimp. Lemon adds freshness and a tangy taste. Smoked paprika brings a subtle smokiness that pairs perfectly with the shrimp. Finally, we add seasoning. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors in the dish. Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh taste. You can use wooden or metal skewers. If you use wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water first. This prevents them from burning on the grill. These ingredients make the skewers a tasty treat for any occasion! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your marinade ingredients. In a bowl, mix together: - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 2 lemons - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper Add the shrimp to this mixture. Toss gently to coat every shrimp well. Cover the bowl and let the shrimp marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step boosts the flavor. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This step helps prevent burning. Meanwhile, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to give the shrimp a nice char. Now it’s time to skewer the shrimp. Take the marinated shrimp and thread them onto the skewers. Aim for about 4-5 shrimp per skewer. Leave a little space between each shrimp. This allows for even cooking and makes flipping easier. Place the skewers on your preheated grill. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes. Look for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. You want a slight char for extra flavor. Once they reach this point, they are done! Remove the skewers from the grill. For a nice touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. You can serve the skewers with extra lemon wedges on the side. This adds some zest for those who love a citrus kick. Enjoy your beautifully grilled lemon garlic shrimp skewers! For the best flavor, marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes. This time lets the shrimp soak up the garlic and lemon taste. If you want a stronger lemon flavor, you can add more lemon juice or zest. Feel free to adjust the garlic too. You can add a clove or two for a bolder taste. Set your grill to medium-high heat. This temperature cooks the shrimp evenly. If the grill is too hot, the shrimp may burn on the outside and stay raw inside. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for them to turn pink and opaque. This means they are done. These skewers pair well with sides like rice or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with grilled vegetables for a colorful plate. For drinks, a chilled glass of white wine or lemonade complements the dish nicely. Enjoy your meal with a squeeze of fresh lemon on top! Pro Tips Marinate Longer: If time allows, marinate the shrimp for up to 2 hours to enhance the flavor even more. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and lemons will provide a more vibrant flavor than their dried or bottled counterparts. Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly; watch them closely to avoid a rubbery texture. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque. Alternate Vegetables: Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the skewers for a colorful and nutritious addition. {{image_2}} You can easily switch the shrimp for chicken or tofu. Both options work well on skewers. - Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Marinate them like shrimp. Cook until they reach 165°F for safety. - Tofu: Use firm tofu for better texture. Cut it into cubes and press it to remove excess water. Adjust the marinade for chicken or tofu. Chicken loves a bit of extra lemon. Tofu will soak up flavors well, so let it marinate longer. Get creative with the flavors! You can add herbs or spices to the marinade. - Herbs: Fresh basil or cilantro can brighten the dish. Just chop them and mix into the marinade. - Spices: Try adding cayenne for heat or cumin for warmth. You can swap out lemon too. Use lime, orange, or even grapefruit juice. Each citrus brings a unique taste. If you want a veggie twist, make vegetable skewers. Use zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. These veggies grill well and taste great. - Marinades: Use the same marinade as the shrimp. Or try a mix of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs. This adds a different but tasty flavor. These variations give you many options for your skewers. Enjoy experimenting! To store leftover shrimp skewers, place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to two days. If you can, eat them sooner for the best taste. You can freeze both cooked and uncooked shrimp skewers. For cooked skewers, let them cool first. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer bag. This helps keep them fresh for up to three months. For uncooked skewers, marinate them and then freeze. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before grilling. Reheat shrimp skewers using a pan or grill. This keeps the texture nice. Heat them on low to avoid rubbery shrimp. You can also use the microwave, but do it in short bursts. Check them often to avoid overcooking. You can tell shrimp is done when it turns pink and opaque. The flesh should be firm, and it should curl slightly. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. Watch for a slight char on the edges. If you see these signs, your shrimp is ready! Yes, frozen shrimp works great. Thaw them in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry before marinating. This step helps the marinade stick better. You can use avocado oil or melted butter as alternatives. Both add a nice flavor. Avocado oil has a high smoke point, so it’s great for grilling. Butter gives a rich taste but can burn easily. Choose based on your flavor preference and cooking method. Yes, soaking wooden skewers is important. It helps prevent them from burning on the grill. Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. If you forget, you can use metal skewers. They don’t require soaking, and they’re reusable! You learned how to make tasty shrimp skewers with easy steps. We covered key ingredients, marinating, and grilling techniques. Remember to adjust flavors and enjoy with sides and drinks. Try different proteins or vegetarian options to mix things up. Don’t forget how to store leftovers or reheat properly. Enjoy cooking and impress your family with delicious meals. Experiment and have fun in your kitchen!$

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Delicious shrimp marinated in lemon and garlic, grilled to perfection.

Print Recipe Save Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 lemons zest and juice
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
as needed wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer, leaving a little space between each shrimp for even cooking.
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp are pink and opaque, and slightly charred.
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for garnish. Serve with extra lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers to prevent burning.

Keyword garlic, grilling, lemon, seafood, shrimp