Description
These Grilled Shrimp Skewers feature large shrimp marinated in a zesty blend of garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, and Italian herbs, then quickly grilled over medium-high heat to juicy perfection. Designed for summer cookouts or quick, healthy weeknight meals, this recipe yields flavorful, tender shrimp skewers that are simple to prepare and delicious to enjoy.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1½ lbs (680 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Make Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Marinate Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade bowl and toss well to coat each piece evenly. Let the shrimp marinate for 15 to 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Thread Shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, distributing them evenly to ensure balanced grilling.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 204°C), to achieve a good sear and perfect cooking temperature.
- Grill Shrimp: Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through without overcooking.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Add colorful vegetables such as chunks of bell pepper, onion, or zucchini between shrimp on the skewers for variation and added flavor.
- Leftover grilled shrimp can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
