
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!
4.0 out of 5 (1 rating)

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
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Soak wooden skewers in water for 20-30 minutes if using to prevent burning.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, ground black pepper, and sea salt. Mix well.
- 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
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
Thread the marinated shrimp onto the soaked skewers, packing them tightly.
- 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
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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