Smoky Paprika Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Lemon Aioli - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Smoky Paprika Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Lemon Aioli

Get ready to fire up the grill because these Smoky Paprika Shrimp Skewers are here to steal the show! Juicy, flavorful shrimp meet a zesty garlic lemon aioli for dipping perfection. It's quick, bold, and downright irresistible—dinner just got a whole lot more exciting!

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Picture this: a warm evening, the sizzle of the grill, and the tantalizing aroma of smoky spices dancing through the air. Oh yes, my food-loving friends, I’m talking about Smoky Paprika Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Lemon Aioli. This recipe is like sending your taste buds on a first-class ticket to flavor town—juicy shrimp seasoned with earthy smoked paprika and a hint of cayenne, perfectly charred on the grill. To top it off, we’re serving it with a creamy garlic lemon aioli that’ll have you dipping, swooping, and saying, “Just one more!” Spoiler alert: it’s never just one more.

Smoky Paprika Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Lemon Aioli Recipe

Now, what really sets this dish apart is the way the smoky paprika and zesty citrus work together like the ultimate tag team. The shrimp are marinated with olive oil, paprika, cayenne, garlic, and a touch of cumin, infusing them with bold and slightly spicy flavors that scream, “Grill me now!” Pair that with the cool, tangy aioli—a simple whirl of garlic, lemon juice, and mayo—and you’ve got a combo that feels both elegant and effortless. Plus, the texture play is off the charts; the charred edges of the shrimp meet the smooth, velvety aioli in a bite that’s nothing short of magical.

So why not give these skewers a try? They’re perfect for a casual dinner, a backyard get-together, or even a midweek meal when you just want something excitingly simple. You can serve them alongside a crisp green salad, fluffy couscous, or a side of grilled veggies to make it a feast. Feeling adventurous? Swap the shrimp for scallops or try adding chunks of zucchini or bell peppers to the skewers for an extra pop of flavor. Whatever you do, trust me—this is one recipe you’ll be making on repeat. Go on, grab your skewers and let’s make dinnertime unforgettable!

Keywords: smoky paprika shrimp recipe, garlic lemon aioli sauce, grilling shrimp skewers, unique shrimp marinades, quick summer grilling recipes, how to make shrimp skewers, bold shrimp flavors

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Mediterranean

Ingredients

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Soak wooden skewers in water for 20-30 minutes if using to prevent burning.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, ground black pepper, and sea salt. Mix well.

  3. 3

    Add the shrimp to the spice mixture, along with the olive oil and half of the lemon juice. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator.

  4. 4

    While the shrimp marinate, prepare the garlic lemon aioli. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon zest, the remaining lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

  5. 5

    Thread the marinated shrimp onto the soaked skewers, packing them tightly.

  6. 6

    Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp are pink and slightly charred.

  7. 7

    Serve the grilled shrimp skewers immediately with the garlic lemon aioli on the side for dipping.

Nutrition Information

Calories

260 calories

Protein

20g

Carbs

2g

Fat

18g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to fully thaw them before marinating. You can thaw shrimp quickly by placing them in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes, then pat them dry with paper towels before adding the marinade.

Q: What can I use instead of smoked paprika?

A: If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can substitute regular paprika, but you’ll miss the smoky flavor. For a closer match, try adding a pinch of ground cumin or a few drops of liquid smoke to mimic the smokiness.

Q: Can I bake or pan-fry the shrimp instead of grilling them?

A: Yes, you can bake or pan-fry the shrimp. To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and cook the skewers on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. To pan-fry, heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side.

Q: How do I prevent the shrimp from sticking to the grill or skewers?

A: Make sure to thoroughly oil your grill grates before cooking. For wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20-30 minutes to prevent burning. Metal skewers don’t require soaking and can also help retain heat to cook the shrimp evenly.

Q: Can I make the garlic lemon aioli ahead of time?

A: Yes, the aioli can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a quick stir before serving to ensure it’s smooth and well-combined.

Q: What are some alternative serving ideas for these shrimp skewers?

A: These shrimp skewers pair well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve them in tacos with slaw or as part of a surf-and-turf platter alongside grilled steak or vegetables.

Q: What should I do if the shrimp turn out rubbery?

A: Rubbery shrimp are usually the result of overcooking. Shrimp cook very quickly, so make sure to monitor them closely and remove them from the grill as soon as they turn pink and opaque. If you're unsure, test one for doneness after 2 minutes per side.

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