If you love the bright, fresh flavors of seafood with a garlicky, zesty kick, you’re going to adore this Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want something quick, impressive, and downright delicious. Whether you’re grilling for a summer BBQ or just a cozy weeknight dinner, these shrimp skewers never disappoint—they’re juicy, buttery, and have that perfect charred hint that makes all the difference. Stick around, because I’m sharing all my tips so you can nail this every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You only need five staples to create a flavor-packed masterpiece.
- Quick to Make: From start to finish in about 20 minutes, perfect when you’re short on time.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a family dinner or a backyard party, it’s always a hit.
- Healthy and Flavorful: Lean protein with fresh lemon and herbs makes it feel like a nutritious treat you’ll want often.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe really comes from using fresh, simple ingredients that complement each other beautifully. When you shop, grab the freshest shrimp you can find and a good-quality lemon—its zest and juice are the stars here. A stick of butter that melts right into the garlic and herbs finishes the flavor perfectly.
- Shrimp: I like using extra large or jumbo shrimp—they grill quickly and hold up well on skewers.
- Butter: Melted butter lends richness and helps the lemon garlic mixture stick to the shrimp.
- Lemon (zest and juice): Fresh is a must here; the zest adds bright aroma while the juice brings that tangy punch.
- Garlic: Minced garlic gives that classic savory flavor that shrimp pairs so well with.
- Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence: You can use dried or fresh herbs; I often switch to fresh parsley and thyme when I have them.
Variations
I love mixing things up with this Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe. This recipe is a fantastic foundation, so feel free to tweak it based on what you have or prefer. I often play with the herbs or add a little spice for a fun twist.
- Spicy Kick: I sometimes stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a spicy version that my family goes crazy for.
- Herb Swap: If you have fresh dill or cilantro on hand, use those instead of Italian seasoning for a fresh twist.
- Different Citrus: Occasionally, I swap lemon for lime or even grapefruit zest and juice—it changes the flavor but keeps the brightness.
- Grill Alternatives: If the weather isn’t grilling-friendly, these skewers do great under the broiler too, with only a slight tweak in timing.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp and Skewers
First, if you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. Then, thread your peeled and deveined shrimp onto the skewers. I like to leave a little space between each shrimp so they cook evenly and get that lovely grill char on all sides.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
While the skewers rest, whisk together the melted butter, fresh lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, and your chosen herbs. This sauce is where the magic happens—it infuses the shrimp with so much flavor that you’ll keep going back for more.
Step 3: Brush and Grill the Shrimp
Brush both sides of the shrimp generously with the lemon garlic butter. Heat your grill to medium-high, then place the skewers on the grill. Grill for 4 to 6 minutes per side, watching carefully. You want the shrimp fully pink and just starting to brown—overcooking can make them rubbery, so stay close!
Step 4: Serve with Extra Sauce
Once grilled, drizzle any remaining lemon butter sauce over the shrimp right before serving. This adds a burst of fresh flavor and a glossy finish. I like to serve these immediately, while they’re still warm and juicy.
Pro Tips for Making Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe
- Avoid Overcooking: Shrimp cooks fast—watch the color change from gray to pink and remove promptly to stay tender.
- Use Fresh Lemon Zest: It has so much more aroma than pre-grated zest and really brightens the dish.
- Even Skewer Spacing: Leaving space between shrimp helps the hot air circulate for even cooking and searing.
- Butter Sauce Reserve: Don’t forget to save some butter sauce after brushing the shrimp initially—it’s perfect for drizzling at the end!
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
My go-to garnish for these skewers is a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro—it adds a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I throw on a few lemon wedges on the side for anyone who wants an extra hit of citrus.
Side Dishes
I love pairing these shrimp skewers with a light salad like arugula with shaved parmesan, or a simple Mediterranean couscous. Grilled veggies like asparagus or zucchini also complement the garlicky shrimp beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try serving the skewers over a bed of herbed rice or even on mini toasted baguette slices as a fun appetizer. I’ve also served them alongside grilled pineapple slices for a tropical flair that surprises guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store leftover shrimp skewers in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay great for up to 2 days and are perfect for a quick lunch or adding to a salad the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, I recommend removing the shrimp from the skewers first to avoid any splintering and freezing them in a single layer on a tray, then transferring to a freezer bag. They keep well for about 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or a little extra butter to keep them moist. Microwave works in a pinch, but be careful not to overcook and dry them out.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp for this Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry with paper towels before marinating or grilling. Removing excess moisture helps the shrimp sear better on the grill and soak up all that lemon garlic butter.
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How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?
Make sure your grill is clean and well-oiled before cooking. You can lightly brush the grill grates with oil or brush the shrimp themselves with plenty of melted butter before placing them down. Using metal skewers also helps since they conduct heat and cook shrimp evenly.
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Can I bake or broil these lemon garlic shrimp skewers instead of grilling?
Yes! If you don’t have access to a grill or the weather isn’t cooperating, broil the shrimp on a rimmed baking sheet for about 4-5 minutes per side in a hot oven until pink and slightly charred. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.
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What can I serve with Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers?
Great side options include fresh salads, grilled or roasted veggies, rice pilaf, couscous, or even a light pasta. The citrusy and buttery shrimp pairs beautifully with vibrant, fresh sides.
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How long should I marinate the shrimp for best flavor?
This recipe doesn’t require a long marinating time. Brushing the shrimp with the lemon garlic butter just before grilling is enough to impart fantastic flavor. If you want, a quick 15-20 minute soak can add extra depth, but it’s not necessary.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s both fuss-free and full of flavor—a combo that doesn’t come around often. Every time I make it, my family and friends ask for seconds, and honestly, I can’t blame them! If you’re looking for a recipe that feels fancy but comes together quickly, this is your go-to. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy and delicious grilling shrimp can be.
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Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These easy lemon garlic grilled shrimp skewers are a flavorful and healthy dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive summer barbecue. Featuring large shrimp marinated in a zesty lemon butter sauce with garlic and herbs, they grill up perfectly tender and juicy in just minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp Skewers
- 2 pounds extra large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- 8 tablespoons butter, melted
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons of juice)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or herbs de provence, or 2 tablespoons fresh herbs finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Skewers: Oil and preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning. Thread the shrimp onto metal or soaked wooden skewers.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: In a bowl, stir together the melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning or fresh herbs until well combined.
- Brush Shrimp with Sauce: Generously brush both sides of the shrimp skewers with the lemon garlic butter sauce, reserving any leftover sauce for basting.
- Grill the Shrimp: Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 4 to 6 minutes on each side, until the shrimp are fully pink and just starting to brown lightly. Be careful not to overcook.
- Serve: Remove shrimp from the grill, drizzle with the remaining lemon butter sauce, and serve immediately for best flavor and juiciness.
Notes
- This recipe uses just five simple ingredients for a quick and healthy meal packed with bright lemon and garlic flavor.
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Adjust grilling time based on the size of your shrimp to avoid overcooking and toughness.
- Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Leftover sauce makes a delicious dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 252
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1794 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 575 mg
