Grilled Shrimp Skewers are one of the fastest and easiest dinners you can make on the grill. These juicy shrimp kabobs are marinated in a simple lemon herb mixture, then grilled in less than 15 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner or summer cookout recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
We make these shrimp skewers on busy summer nights because they are quick, healthy, and easy to pair with almost any side dish. The simple lemon herb marinade gives the shrimp so much flavor without requiring complicated ingredients.
- Ready in less than 15 minutes
- Great for quick weeknight dinners
- Easy to prep ahead
- Healthy and high-protein
- Budget-friendly seafood recipe
- Delicious with rice, potatoes, salads, or vegetables
- Easy to customize with different seasonings
If you love shrimp as much as my family then I am sure they will love these recipes – Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas, Grilled Shrimp Marinade, Fried Shrimp, Crock Pot Shrimp Boil and Blackened Shrimp Tacos.
Ingredients
- Large Raw Shrimp – We prefer to get the shrimp that is peeled, deveined, and tails-on.
- Lemon, Juiced – If you are out of lemon, check out these Best Substitutes for Lemon Juice.
- Garlic Powder – Check out these The Best Garlic Powder Substitute if you are out.
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.
How to Make Grilled Shrimp Skewers on the Grill
Step 1. Combine the marinade ingredients. Whisk together all the ingredients except for the shrimp in a large bowl.
Step 2. Add the shrimp. Place the shrimp in the bowl.
Step 3. Allow the shrimp to marinate. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Step 4. Soak the wooden skewers. While the shrimp is marinating, soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.
Step 5. Fire up the grill. Preheat a grill over medium-high heat (approximately 400 degrees F).
Step 6. Make the skewers. Then thread the shrimp gently onto the wooden skewers.
Step 7. Grill the shrimp. Place the skewers directly on the hot grill grates and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Step 8. Serve and enjoy. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Don’t marinate the shrimp too long. You do not want to marinate longer than 2 hours. The acidity from the lemon will actually begin to cook the shrimp.
- Peel and devein the shrimp. Depending on what variety you buy, you may need to peel and devein the shrimp. This needs to be done before placing the shrimp in the marinade, or it will only be on the outside of the shrimp.
- Skewers. We used wooden skewers, so it is important to soak them. This will help the wood not to catch on fire during the grilling process. You can also use metal skewers if you prefer, and they do not need to be soaked.
- Shrimp. The larger jumbo shrimp is better than the small size.
- Frozen Shrimp. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, it is best to allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Grill or Grill pan. You can place the shrimp directly on the outdoor grill or use a grill pan. Just use whatever you prefer.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp. Shrimp does not take long to cook at all. They will turn pink and opaque when fully cooked. Be careful that you do not overcook it. They will become dry and rubbery if overcooked.
- Don’t use precooked shrimp. Make sure that you purchase raw shrimp. Otherwise, they will be rubbery once you cook them again on the grill.
- Fresh Lemon Juice. It is best to use fresh-squeezed lemon juice in the marinade. While bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, it is not the same. Fresh really is best, and the results will taste better.
Seasoning Variations
- Cayenne Pepper or Red Pepper Flakes. If you like things a little spicy, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Barbecue Sauce. Use your favorite brand of BBQ Sauce or use homemade BBQ sauce on the shrimp.
- Blackened Seasoning. Homemade Blackened Seasoning is easy to make and tastes great on shrimp.
- Lime. Substitute lime juice for the lemon juice in this recipe. It is another good citrus option to use.
- Garlic. We used garlic powder, but fresh is another option. You can also use the minced garlic that comes in jars. Feel free to add more if you like a lot of garlic taste.
- Paprika. This is another yummy seasoning to use. Smoked Paprika is even better to use on the grill.
- Veggies. Add vegetables to the skewers and alternate with the shrimp. Try using bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, squash, zucchini, and onions.
- Fresh Herbs – For delicious flavor, add in fresh herbs to the seasoning mixture. Basil and thyme are a delicious variation.
How to Cook Shrimp Skewers on the Stove
- Step 1. Heat Pan over medium-high heat. You can use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan.
- Step 2. Add the shrimp. Cook the shrimp 1 to 2 minutes per side.
- Step 3. Add more marinade. Use a pastry brush to add more marinade as the shrimp cooks.
- Step 4. Serve the shrimp. Transfer to a platter and enjoy.
This is the perfect option when the weather does not allow for grilling outside. It is super fast and turns out delicious.
Serving Suggestions
- Vegetable kabobs. Keep things healthy and make veggie skewers for an easy grilled side dish with shrimp.
- Baked Potatoes on the Grill. Keep the kitchen cool and make baked potatoes on the grill.
- Grilled Green Beans. In just minutes, this flavor-packed side dish comes together fast and easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shrimp cook very quickly and usually only need 2–3 minutes per side.
Shrimp turn pink and opaque when fully cooked.
Large or jumbo shrimp work best because they are easier to grill without overcooking.
Refrigerate the leftover skewered grilled shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It is great for salads, tacos, and more. We love the leftovers. See Leftover Shrimp Recipes for easy ideas.
Reheat the leftover shrimp in the microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating in the microwave, reheat in 30-second intervals.
More Easy Shrimp Recipes
These Grilled Shrimp Skewers are one of our favorite quick dinner recipes because they are fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you are grilling for a summer cookout or making a fast weeknight dinner, this recipe comes together in minutes with simple ingredients.
If you make this recipe, leave a comment and star rating below. We love hearing how these family-tested recipes turn out in your kitchen!
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Ingredients
- 1 pound Large Raw Shrimp peeled, deveined, tails-on
- 2 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Lemon Juiced
- ½ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Pepper
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- ¼ tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Parsley chopped
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, the juice from 1 lemon, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon fresh parsley.
- Add 1 pound large raw shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat in the marinade.
- Thread the shrimp onto skewers.
- Preheat a grill over medium high heat (approximately 400 degrees F). Then thread the shrimp gently onto the wooden skewers.
- Place the skewers directly on the hot grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
