Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Name: Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp (16-20 count); Zest and juice of 1 large lemon; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 6 cloves garlic (pressed or finely chopped); 1/4 cup white apple vinegar; 2 teaspoons dried parsley; Salt and pepper to taste

Published: August 13, 2025

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With a prep time of only 15 minutes, you can whip up these skewers in no time.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of lemon and garlic creates a mouthwatering marinade that enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Versatile Dish: These skewers make a great main course or can be served as an appetizer for any occasion.
Healthy Option: Low in calories and packed with protein, these skewers fit well into any healthy eating plan.
Grill Indoors or Outdoors: Perfectly adaptable for both outdoor grills and stovetop grilling, making them accessible no matter the weather.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Below are some items you’ll need to prepare this delicious dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Wooden skewers
Shallow baking dish
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Grill (indoor or outdoor)

Importance of Each Tool

Wooden skewers: Ideal for holding the shrimp together while grilling; soaking them prevents burning.
Shallow baking dish: Allows even marinating of the shrimp so they absorb all the flavors effectively.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

About 1 pound of large shrimp (approximately 16-20)
The zest and juice of one large lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 cloves of garlic, pressed or very finely chopped
1/4 cup white apple vinegar
2 teaspoons dried parsley
a pinch of salt and pepper

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Additional Items

4-5 wooden skewers
1-2 cups water

How to Make Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Step 1: Soak the Skewers

Start by pouring water into a shallow baking dish. Add the wooden skewers to it. Let them soak while you prepare the shrimp and marinade. This step helps prevent burning during grilling.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine the following:
1. Lemon zest
2. Lemon juice
3. Olive oil
4. Pressed garlic
5. White apple vinegar
6. Dried parsley
7. Salt and pepper

Whisk these ingredients together until well mixed.

Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp

Rinse your shrimp under cold water. If desired, remove the shells while leaving tails on for presentation.

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

Remove soaked wooden skewers from water and discard the soaking liquid. Thread 4 shrimp onto each skewer, ensuring each skewer pierces through two sections of each shrimp to keep them secure while grilling.

Step 5: Marinate the Shrimp

Place assembled shrimp skewers in a shallow baking dish. Give your marinade another whisk to combine thoroughly before pouring it over the shrimp. Ensure every skewer is well-coated in marinade. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.

Step 6: Grill the Skewers

After marinating, preheat your grill (indoor or outdoor). Remove shrimp from refrigerator and discard leftover marinade. Place skewers on grill over low heat.

Step 7: Cook Until Done

Grill each side for about 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook!

Step 8: Serve Hot

Once cooked, carefully remove from grill to a platter. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve immediately!

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. These skewers not only shine as a main dish but also complement other meals beautifully. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.

As an Appetizer

Serve them on small plates with toothpicks for easy eating.
Pair with a zesty dipping sauce, such as a lemon aioli or garlic butter.

On a Salad

Place the skewers atop a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing salad.
Add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado for extra flavor and texture.

With Rice or Quinoa

Serve alongside fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious marinade.
Drizzle with additional lemon juice for added zest.

In Tacos

Remove shrimp from skewers and fill soft tortillas for tasty shrimp tacos.
Top with shredded cabbage, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime.

At a Barbecue

Serve these skewers at your next barbecue gathering.
Pair with grilled vegetables and cold beverages for the ultimate outdoor feast.

How to Perfect Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Making the perfect Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to enhance your cooking experience and flavor.

Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp will give you the best flavor and texture compared to frozen ones.
Marinate longer: For even better flavor, let the shrimp marinate for up to 1 hour before grilling.
Pre-soak skewers: Soaking wooden skewers prevents burning on the grill and keeps your shrimp intact.
Skewer properly: Thread each shrimp through two spots on the skewer to prevent them from spinning while grilling.
Avoid overcooking: Grill until just pink; overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and tough.
Experiment with spices: Feel free to add your favorite spices to the marinade for more depth of flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Complementing your Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers with delicious side dishes creates a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options that pair well with this flavorful dish.

Garlic Butter Rice: Fluffy rice sautéed in garlic butter enhances the savory flavors of the shrimp.
Grilled Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus add color and nutrition to your plate.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad: A light couscous salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives provides a refreshing contrast.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and complements the grilled flavors perfectly.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter is a classic side that everyone loves at summer barbecues.
Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the shrimp skewers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the flavor or texture of your dish. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

Using unpeeled shrimp: Leaving the shells on can make it difficult for the marinade to penetrate the shrimp. Always consider peeling them beforehand to ensure full flavor absorption.
Skipping the marination step: Not allowing the shrimp to marinate for at least 20 minutes can result in bland skewers. Make sure you give them enough time to soak up those delicious flavors.
Overcrowding the skewers: Placing too many shrimp on one skewer can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to 4-5 shrimp per skewer for better grilling results.
Grilling at high heat: Cooking the shrimp over high heat can cause them to cook too quickly and become rubbery. Opt for low heat to achieve perfectly tender shrimp.
Not discarding leftover marinade: Using leftover marinade after it has touched raw shrimp can pose a food safety risk. Always discard any remaining marinade before grilling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Ensure that the skewers have cooled completely before sealing them in the container.

Freezing Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Wrap individual skewers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.
The skewers can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place skewers on a baking tray and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place skewers on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm, being careful not to overcook.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil. Add skewers and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and grilling.

What other marinades work well with grilled shrimp?

You can try other marinades like teriyaki sauce or spicy chili garlic sauce for different flavors beyond Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers.

How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, usually taking about 3-4 minutes per side on the grill.

Can I customize my Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini onto your skewers for extra flavor and nutrition.

How long should I soak wooden skewers?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers are not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions like summer barbecues or cozy dinners at home. You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite veggies or experimenting with different marinades. So why wait? Give this recipe a try and enjoy the vibrant flavors of lemon and garlic!

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