When it comes to seafood, few dishes can match the delightful flavors of lemon garlic shrimp skewers. These succulent skewers combine the tangy brightness of lemon, the savory richness of garlic, and the natural sweetness of shrimp, resulting in a mouthwatering symphony of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking to elevate your weeknight dinner, these skewers are a versatile and crowd-pleasing option.
The Hubs is a huge shrimp guy. He loves to grill shrimp for a healthy dinner option. And I certainly don’t complain because I enjoy grilled shrimp, too!
Sometimes, at restaurants, we order the grilled shrimp skewers – often served over a bed of rice or alongside grilled veggies. However, we pay a pretty big price for grilled shrimp at restaurants! Although seafood is still pricey at the grocery store, you can still get more of a bang for your buck by grilling your own shrimp at home.
Ingredients
To create these delectable skewers, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients.
- Fresh or frozen shrimp
- Crushed garlic
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice – Using fresh lemons really does add a pop of taste to these shrimp!
- A drizzle of olive oil
- Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
- Optional: fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to garnish
Preparation of Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Before diving into the grilling process, a little preparation is needed to ensure the best results. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. If you are using reusable metal skewers, you don’t have to do anything to prep them.
As for the shrimp, peel and devein them, leaving the tails intact for easy handling.
Next comes the crucial step of marinating the shrimp. In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper, creating a flavorful marinade. Add the shrimp to the marinade, ensuring they are thoroughly coated, and allow them to marinate for at least 15 minutes. For an extra burst of flavor, you can extend the marinating time to allow the shrimp to absorb the citrusy and garlicky goodness.
Skewering and Grilling
Now that the shrimp have absorbed the flavors of the marinade, it’s time to skewer them and fire up the grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it reaches an optimal temperature for grilling.
Using the soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers, thread the marinated shrimp, leaving a small gap between each piece. This arrangement ensures even cooking and allows for beautiful grill marks. Once the skewers are assembled, place them on the preheated grill, ready to sizzle and infuse the air with their tantalizing aroma.
We usually try to thread about 5 medium shrimp on each skewer. Typically, a serving is 9-11 medium shrimp per person so when served, that often means two skewers per person if we are serving the shrimp as a main course.
Of course, you can use jumbo shrimp if you wish. Just know the serving sizes might change if you change the size of shrimp. We based this recipe off of medium shrimp.
Grill the shrimp skewers for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn a vibrant pink hue and become opaque. Take care not to overcook the shrimp, as they can quickly become rubbery and lose their juiciness. If desired, brush the skewers with some additional marinade while grilling to intensify the flavors and add an enticing glaze.
Marinate shrimp for no more than 30 minutes before grilling. Shrimp are delicate and can easily become mushy if marinated for too long. We do recommend at least 15 minutes for this recipe.
Using olive oil in the marinade helps prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill. If you wish, you can also brush the skewers with oil before grilling.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp cook quickly. Keep an eye on your shrimp as they cook and remove them from the grill as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery.
Can I use frozen shrimp for skewers?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for skewers. However, be sure to thaw them before marinating and grilling. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or in a bowl of cold water for about 20-30 minutes.
Serving Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers
As the shrimp skewers come off the grill, get ready to indulge in their deliciousness. Consider garnishing them with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, adding a touch of vibrant green and a burst of freshness to the presentation. We like to add some grated parmesan cheese just before serving.
These lemon garlic shrimp skewers can be served in various ways, depending on your preferences and the occasion. For a complete meal, serve them over a bed of fluffy rice or nutty quinoa, allowing the flavors to mingle harmoniously.
Alternatively, pair them with a side of grilled vegetables for a healthy and satisfying dinner. For a lighter option, incorporate the skewers into a green salad or toss them with al dente pasta for a delightful seafood pasta dish.
See our list of other side dish options below!
Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Ingredients
Shrimp Marinade
- ½ Lemon zested
- 3 tbsp Lemon juice
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tsp Garlic crushed
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp Sea salt
- ½ tsp Black pepper
Shrimp Skewers
- 1.5 lb Shrimp about 70 medium sized shrimp
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter melted
- ¼ cup Parmesan grated
- 2 tsp Parsley chopped
Instructions
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dijon mustard, salt and pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the marinade and gently toss the shrimp, making sure they are well coated in marinade. Set aside for about 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, about 4 – 5 shrimps per skewer. Be sure to leave space in between each shrimp.
- Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque. Remove from the grill.
- Brush with butter and top with parmesan cheese while they are hot. Season to taste and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Lemon garlic shrimp skewers are a true testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together in perfect harmony. The marriage of tangy lemon, pungent garlic, and succulent shrimp creates a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or simply enjoying a weeknight dinner, these skewers are a surefire way to impress your guests or indulge in a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Enjoy These Skewered Lemon Shrimp With These Side Dishes
Spicy Corn on the Cob Grilled in Foil
Elevated Jiffy Cornbread Muffins
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