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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 garlic cloves, finely minced - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice - Zest from 1 lemon - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Wooden or metal skewers Using fresh, high-quality shrimp makes a huge difference. Look for shrimp that smells clean and briny. Avoid shrimp with a strong fishy odor. The garlic should be fresh and firm, as it adds a bold flavor. Fresh lemon juice is key. It brightens the dish and balances the rich olive oil and honey. For the best taste, use extra virgin olive oil. It has a fruity flavor and more nutrients than regular olive oil. Smoked paprika gives a warm, smoky touch. Check that it is fresh for the best flavor. If you want a different flavor, try using scallops or firm fish instead of shrimp. For a vegetarian option, swap in large mushrooms. You can also use agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan twist. If you need to avoid gluten, ensure your ingredients are gluten-free. You can replace the olive oil with avocado oil if you prefer. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you need to marinate the shrimp. Grab a medium bowl and add the minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it blends well. Next, add the shrimp and gently toss them in the marinade. Make sure every shrimp gets coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This lets the flavors soak into the shrimp. Now let's prepare the skewers. If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 20 minutes. This step is key to keep them from burning on the grill. If you have metal skewers, you can skip this step. After soaking, you’re ready to thread the shrimp. Once your shrimp have marinated, take them out of the fridge. Thread about 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer. Leave a little space between each shrimp. This helps them cook evenly. Next, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. It’s important to have it hot before you add the skewers. Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink and become opaque. Avoid overcooking them. This keeps the shrimp juicy and tender. After grilling, let the skewers rest for a minute. This enhances their juiciness. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley. Enjoy your flavorful Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers! To grill shrimp well, start with fresh shrimp. Look for shrimp that are firm and smell clean. Remove the shells and devein them to make eating easier. Marinate them well, as this adds great flavor. In your marinade, use garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. These ingredients make a tasty mix. When threading the shrimp onto skewers, leave space between each piece. This helps the heat reach all sides. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes. This step helps prevent burning. Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery. To avoid this, keep an eye on the cooking time. Grill each side for just 2-3 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. If you see this color change, they are done. Remove them from the grill right away. Let them rest for a minute before serving. This helps keep them juicy. For grilling shrimp, a few tools make it easier. Use a grill or grill pan preheated to medium-high heat. A fish spatula is great for flipping the shrimp without breaking them. Tongs can help you move the skewers safely. If using wooden skewers, always soak them first to prevent flames. These tools will help you achieve perfect lemon garlic grilled shrimp skewers every time! Pro Tips Soak Wooden Skewers: To prevent wooden skewers from burning on the grill, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes before threading the shrimp. Don't Overcrowd Skewers: Leave a small gap between each shrimp on the skewer to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming. Check for Doneness: Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to maintain their juiciness and tenderness. Enhance Flavor with Marinade: For an even bolder flavor, marinate the shrimp for longer, up to 2 hours, but avoid marinating for more than that to prevent the shrimp from becoming mushy. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your lemon garlic grilled shrimp skewers easily. Consider adding spices like cayenne pepper for heat or cumin for earthiness. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a nice kick. Want a smoky flavor? Add more smoked paprika. You can even mix in herbs like oregano or thyme for an extra layer of taste. The key is to keep it fun and try what you like. Feel free to swap shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works great, and it soaks up the marinade well. Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. You can also use fish like salmon or tuna. These options cook faster, so keep an eye on them. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try firm tofu or even veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. They grill beautifully and take on great flavor. Think about how you present your skewers. Serve them on a bed of rice or quinoa for a filling meal. You can also pair them with a side of grilled veggies. Fresh salads with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette complement the skewers well. For a fun twist, serve them with warm pita bread and a side of tzatziki sauce. This adds a nice creaminess that balances the dish. To keep your leftover shrimp skewers fresh, place them in an airtight container. This will seal in the flavors and moisture. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. If you have wooden skewers, consider removing the shrimp before storing. This helps prevent the skewers from soaking up moisture. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat them easily. Place the shrimp skewers on a baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat them for about 10 minutes. This warms the shrimp without drying them out. You can also use a microwave. Just cover the skewers with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking often. If you want to save your skewers for later, freezing is a great option. First, make sure the shrimp are cooled completely. Place the skewers in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then wrap each skewer in plastic wrap. Store them in a freezer bag for up to three months. To cook, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above. You should marinate the shrimp for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This time helps the shrimp soak up all the tasty flavors. The longer you let them sit, the more intense the lemon and garlic taste will be. But don’t go over 1 hour; too long can change the shrimp's texture. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure they are fully thawed before marinating. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for a quick thaw. Using frozen shrimp may also save you time, and they can still taste great. These skewers go well with many sides. You can pair them with vibrant grilled vegetables or a fresh garden salad. For a heartier meal, serve them with rice or quinoa. Adding a slice of fresh lemon on the side can give a nice touch too! In this post, we covered key ingredients and how to prepare delicious shrimp skewers. I shared steps for marinating, grilling, and ways to avoid overcooking. You learned tips for grilling and tasty variations, plus how to store leftovers. These easy methods ensure great meals every time. Enjoy your culinary journey with shrimp skewers and impress everyone at your next cookout! Remember, cooking is fun, so feel free to experiment!

Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Delicious grilled shrimp marinated in a zesty lemon garlic sauce, perfect for summer barbecues.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 0.25 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 lemon zest from
  • 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
  • as needed wooden or metal skewers

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well blended. Add the shrimp to the bowl and gently toss to ensure each shrimp is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  • If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for approximately 20 minutes prior to grilling.
  • After marinating, remove the shrimp from the refrigerator. Thread the shrimp onto the soaked skewers, placing about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
  • Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  • Carefully place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn a lovely pink color and are opaque throughout.
  • Once grilled, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute. Garnish the shrimp skewers with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve with fresh lemon wedges and grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Keyword garlic, grilled, lemon, shrimp, skewers