Simple Homemade Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

January 15, 2025

Ready to make dinnertime seriously delicious? These Simple Homemade Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers are your new best friend! Zesty, garlicky, and so easy to whip up, they’re perfect for grilling or baking. Let’s get those shrimp skewered and your taste buds doing a happy dance!

5.0 out of 5 (1 rating)

Are you ready to bring a little sizzle to your weeknight dinner or weekend cookout? Let’s talk about these Simple Homemade Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers! They are quick, packed with flavor, and so easy to make, you’ll wonder why they’re not already a regular in your dinner rotation. There’s something incredibly satisfying about skewering plump, juicy shrimp, knowing they’re about to take on a zesty, garlicky marinade that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or baking indoors, this recipe is going to be your new favorite because it tastes like sunshine on a stick!

Simple Homemade Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers Recipe

What makes these shrimp skewers so special? It’s all about the marinade! Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings the brightness, while minced garlic adds that punchy depth of flavor. A touch of olive oil ties everything together, and a smidge of smoked paprika gives it that “oh wow, what is this amazing smoky flavor?” vibe. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro at the end takes the whole dish up a notch. This recipe keeps it simple but never boring, proving that a few bold ingredients can create something magical.

Here’s the secret to making these skewers shine: don’t overcook the shrimp. Shrimp are like the Goldilocks of the protein world – they have to be just right. They cook really quickly, so whether you’re grilling them over high heat or baking them at 400°F, stay close and watch for that perfect opaque pink finish. Another tip? Save some marinade to brush over the shrimp as they cook, but make sure it hasn’t touched raw shrimp (safety first, always!). Lastly, soak your wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to cooking to prevent them from burning—it’s a minor detail that makes a big difference.

You’ve got to try these – trust me! They’re perfect on their own or served alongside a pile of fluffy rice, a crisp green salad, or even a bed of buttery pasta. Want to mix it up? Add chunks of pineapple, bell peppers, or zucchini to the skewers for a fun tropical twist. These skewers are also a great appetizer for a dinner party because they look fancy but are secretly super easy to whip up. So bust out your skewers, grab those shrimp, and let’s make your taste buds dance. You’ve got this!

Keywords: easy grilled shrimp skewers, lemon garlic shrimp marinade, simple homemade shrimp recipes, quick dinner with shrimp, best shrimp skewer recipe, lemon garlic seafood dinner, how to cook shrimp skewers

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

8 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

American

Ingredients

•1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
•2 tablespoons olive oil
•2 cloves garlic, minced
•1 lemon, juiced and zested
•1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
•1/2 teaspoon paprika
•1/2 teaspoon salt
•1/4 teaspoon black pepper
•Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

1
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
2
In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3
Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the marinade.
4
Let the shrimp marinate for 10-15 minutes while preparing the grill or grill pan.
5
Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
6
Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, placing 4-6 shrimp per skewer, depending on the size.
7
Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
8
Remove from grill and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
9
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side, if desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories

150 calories

Protein

21g

Carbs

Fat

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. To thaw, place the frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes or leave them in the refrigerator overnight. Pat them dry with paper towels before adding to the marinade to ensure the flavors adhere properly.

Q: What can I use as a substitute for fresh parsley?

A: If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley as a substitute. Alternatively, fresh cilantro or chives can provide a different but complementary flavor profile.

Q: Can I bake these shrimp skewers instead of grilling them?

A: Yes, you can bake the skewers if you don’t have access to a grill. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place the skewers on the sheet and bake for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.

Q: What should I do if my wooden skewers catch fire on the grill?

A: If your wooden skewers are burning, it's likely they weren’t soaked long enough. Always soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent this. If they do catch fire, move them to a cooler part of the grill or wrap the exposed ends in aluminum foil as a precaution.

Q: How long can I marinate the shrimp?

A: Shrimp don’t need to marinate for long due to their delicate texture. Marinate them for 10-15 minutes as stated in the recipe. If you let them sit too long, the acidity from the lemon juice can start to 'cook' the shrimp, affecting their texture.

Q: What can I serve with these shrimp skewers?

A: These skewers pair well with a variety of sides, such as a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or grilled corn. For a more Mediterranean-inspired meal, serve them with a side of tzatziki sauce, pita bread, and a cucumber-tomato salad.

Q: How do I store leftovers, and can I reheat them?

A: Store any leftover shrimp skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, remove the shrimp from the skewers and warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Avoid overcooking as the shrimp can become rubbery.

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