Description
Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish perfect for summer barbecues, easy dinners, or elegant appetizers. Juicy shrimp are marinated in a vibrant blend of garlic, lemon, and spices, then grilled to tender perfection with smoky char, delivering a healthy, protein-rich meal that impresses every time.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soaked in water for 30 minutes prior to use)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the marinade adheres well and the shrimp cook evenly.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a balanced tangy, savory, and smoky flavor base.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Place the shrimp into the marinade, toss to coat thoroughly, and let them sit for 15 to 30 minutes to absorb flavor without becoming mushy.
- Thread onto Skewers: Carefully thread the marinated shrimp onto the prepared skewers, leaving small gaps between each shrimp for even cooking and char.
- Preheat and Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high. Place the shrimp skewers on the grill grates and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and lightly charred.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove skewers from the grill, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro, and serve immediately for optimal flavor and juiciness.
Notes
- Use fresh or fully thawed shrimp for even cooking and better texture.
- Do not overcook shrimp; remove as soon as they turn pink to avoid rubberiness.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Use shrimp of similar size to ensure all pieces cook evenly.
- Preheat grill to high heat for ideal searing and grill marks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 skewers)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: shrimp skewers, grilled shrimp, seafood appetizer, summer barbecue, easy shrimp recipe, healthy seafood