When it comes to quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing meals, grilled shrimp skewers with marinade are a fantastic option. The marinade infuses the shrimp with flavor while keeping them tender and juicy, and grilling adds a smoky char that takes the dish to the next level. In this article, I’ll guide you to marinade and make these flavorful shrimp skewers.
1. Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano (dried)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Chopped parsley, for serving
- Lemon slices, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Peel and devein the shrimp: If your shrimp are not already peeled and deveined, do so now. You can leave the tails on for presentation or remove them, depending on your preference.
Pat dry: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the shrimp absorb the marinade more effectively and grill better.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
Whisk together the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of oregano, ½ teaspoon of paprika, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. This simple yet flavorful marinade will add brightness and savory depth to the shrimp.
Step 3: Marinate the Shrimp
Toss the shrimp in the marinade: Add the shrimp to the bowl with the marinade. Toss until all the shrimp are evenly coated.
Let it marinate: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. If you have time, you can let them marinate for up to 30 minutes for even more flavor. Avoid marinating for longer than 30 minutes, as the acidic lemon juice can start to “cook” the shrimp, altering their texture.
Step 4: Skewer the Shrimp
Thread the shrimp onto skewers: If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning on the grill. Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, making sure to skewer each shrimp through both the tail and the head end to keep them secure on the grill.
Step 5: Grill the Shrimp
Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F). You can also use a grill pan on the stovetop if you don’t have an outdoor grill.
Grill the shrimp: Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are pink and opaque, with a slight char on the edges. Shrimp cook very quickly, so be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish: Remove the shrimp skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Serve with lemon slices: Serve the shrimp skewers with lemon slices on the side. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp just before eating to enhance the bright, zesty flavors.
2. Tips for the Perfect Marinated Grilled Shrimp
Use Large Shrimp: Large or jumbo shrimp work best for grilling, as they are less likely to overcook and dry out. Smaller shrimp cook too quickly and can become rubbery.
Don’t Over-Marinate: Since shrimp are delicate, marinating them too long (especially with acidic ingredients like lemon juice) can cause them to become mushy. Stick to a marinating time of 15-30 minutes.
Preheat the Grill: Make sure your grill is properly preheated before adding the shrimp skewers. This ensures that the shrimp cook quickly and develop a nice char without drying out.
Use Metal or Soaked Wooden Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Alternatively, use metal skewers, which don’t require soaking.
Watch the Shrimp Closely: Shrimp cook very fast—typically only 2-3 minutes per side—so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
3. Variations and Additions
This marinated grilled shrimp recipe is delicious as is, but feel free to customize the marinade or add different flavors:
Spicy Grilled Shrimp: Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Garlic Herb Shrimp: Increase the garlic powder to 1 teaspoon and add freshly chopped herbs like cilantro, basil, or thyme to the marinade for a more herbaceous flavor.
Citrus Marinade: Swap out the lemon juice for lime or orange juice for a citrusy twist.
Tropical Shrimp Skewers: Add chunks of pineapple, bell peppers, or red onions to the skewers along with the shrimp for a tropical flair.
4. How to Serve With Grilled Shrimp
These grilled shrimps are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides to make a complete meal:
Over Rice: Serve the shrimp skewers over a bed of steamed rice or coconut rice for a hearty, flavorful meal.
With a Salad: Pair the shrimp with a fresh green salad, or a more substantial salad like quinoa salad or pasta salad.
In Tacos: Remove the shrimp from the skewers and use them as a filling for shrimp tacos with your favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, and shredded cabbage.
With Grilled Vegetables: Serve the shrimp alongside grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a healthy, balanced meal.
5. How to Store & Reheat Leftover
Storing:
Refrigerate: Store any leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil. Heat for just 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: You can also reheat the shrimp in the microwave, but use short intervals (about 20-30 seconds) to avoid overcooking.
Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a simple, flavorful, and healthy dish that’s perfect for grilling season. With a zesty lemon and herb marinade, these shrimp are packed with flavor and cook up in minutes, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light, summery appetizer.
