If you love backyard barbecues and crave something that’s equal parts zesty, succulent, and irresistibly aromatic, this Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe will absolutely delight your taste buds. Jumbo shrimp are marinated in a lively blend of olive oil, fresh garlic, citrusy lemon, and smoky paprika, then grilled over open flames for just a few minutes until they’re perfectly juicy and lightly charred. This is one of those dishes that looks impressive and vibrant yet is quick and simple enough for any night of the week. Bright, bold, and brimming with flavor, it’s a guaranteed winner at your next cookout or casual dinner party.

Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe is that every single ingredient is there for a reason: to showcase the sweet, briny shrimp without fuss or frills. Simple yet thoughtful choices add layers of flavor, color, and that irresistible just-grilled aroma everyone loves.

Large shrimp (1 1/2 pounds): Use peeled and deveined shrimp with the tails left on for the juiciest texture and easy eating.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons): It brings richness, helps the marinade work its magic, and keeps the shrimp from sticking to the grill.
Garlic cloves (4, minced): Fresh garlic infuses every bite with a deep, aromatic savoriness that’s simply addictive.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): A splash of citrus brings zing and helps tenderize the shrimp as they marinate.
Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): The zest adds a burst of bright, pure lemon flavor you just can’t get from juice alone.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): For a subtle, smoky backdrop that really brings out the grill’s char.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just the right amount to bring all the flavors together and enhance the shrimp.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A hint of heat for balance and complexity.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Sprinkle on top for fresh, herbaceous notes and a pop of cheerful color.
Lemon wedges (for serving): Squeeze over the finished skewers to add brightness and that final citrusy punch.
Metal or soaked wooden skewers: These keep everything together and make grilling and serving a breeze.

How to Make Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This fragrant mixture will serve as both the marinade and the flavor foundation, infusing the shrimp with layers of savory, bright, and smoky goodness. Take a moment to inhale that incredible aroma—the anticipation is half the fun!

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Add the cleaned shrimp to the bowl with your marinade, tossing to make sure every piece is generously coated. Pop the bowl into the fridge and let the shrimp soak up the flavors for 20 to 30 minutes. This is the perfect time for the shrimp to become tender and absorb all those mouthwatering notes that make this Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe so exceptional.

Step 3: Prepare the Grill and Skewers

While the shrimp is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, let them soak in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent any burning once they hit the grill. Lightly oil the grates to make sure the shrimp come off easily with gorgeous grill marks and zero sticking.

Step 4: Skewer the Shrimp

Thread the marinated shrimp onto your skewers, about 4 to 5 shrimp per skewer. Curve them loosely so each side can get that beautiful, even char. Arranging them this way not only looks appealing but also ensures every shrimp grills to perfection.

Step 5: Grill to Juicy Perfection

Place the assembled skewers on your hot grill. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, just until the shrimp are pink, firm, and opaque with tantalizing grill marks. Shrimp cook quickly, so keep a close eye to avoid overcooking—they should be succulent, never rubbery.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove the skewers from the grill, sprinkle them with a generous shower of fresh parsley, and serve immediately alongside lemon wedges. That burst of green and citrus on top sends the flavors (and look) over the top. Gather your guests and dig in, because the Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe truly shines when hot off the grill.

How to Serve Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Garnishes

Finish your Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe with a flurry of chopped fresh parsley and a generous squeeze of lemon juice. This classic duo brightens and lifts the flavors, while also making the dish look absolutely restaurant-worthy. For added flair, sprinkle on smoked paprika or a pinch of flaky sea salt before serving.

Side Dishes

These shrimp taste fantastic alongside light and summery sides. Try pairing your skewers with creamy coleslaw, tangy potato salad, a garlicky couscous, or a crusty baguette to soak up any lingering marinade. For a super-fresh option, serve over a bed of leafy greens or with grilled vegetables straight from the garden.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slide the grilled shrimp off the skewers onto toasted flatbreads and drizzle with a lemony yogurt sauce. They’re also incredible tucked inside tacos with crunchy slaw, or piled into grain bowls with quinoa, avocado, and juicy tomatoes. This Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe is versatile enough to be the star in countless creative presentations, depending on what you’re craving or who you’re feeding.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them (still on the skewers or removed) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The flavors actually deepen a bit with time, making next-day lunches especially tasty.

Freezing

While fresh shrimp is always best, you can freeze cooked shrimp skewers if needed. Lay cooled shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months. For best flavor and texture, freeze them un-garnished and add parsley and lemon only after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a 325-degree oven just until heated through—this helps prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to zap the juiciness right out. Once reheated, add your fresh herbs and lemon for revived flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them very dry before marinating. This way, the marinade sticks to the shrimp and you still get that signature char and flavor that makes the Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe a favorite.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No worries at all. A grill pan on the stovetop or even a broiler works wonderfully for this Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe. You’ll still get those gorgeous caramelized edges and plenty of smoky aroma.

Can I marinate the shrimp longer than 30 minutes?

Marinating beyond 30 minutes isn’t recommended. The acidity of the lemon juice will start to “cook” the shrimp, and if left too long, they can turn mushy instead of tender and juicy.

Is this dish spicy?

Not really—the smoked paprika lends more smokiness than heat, and black pepper adds only a gentle kick. For more spice, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the marinade.

Can I make this dish ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! You can marinate and skewer the shrimp a few hours ahead, keeping them in the fridge until ready to grill. Just grill right before serving for the freshest taste and texture with your Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been hunting for a crowd-pleasing dish that packs bold flavor and takes hardly any time or fuss, this Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe is sure to earn a spot in your summer (or any season) repertoire. Fire up the grill, gather your favorite people, and get ready for pure, finger-licking happiness on a stick. Give it a try—and let your next meal be the talk of the table!

Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 36 minutes (includes marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for summer grilling. The shrimp are marinated in a flavorful mix of garlic, lemon, and spices, then grilled to perfection. Serve them with a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing and light meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp:

1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)

Marinade:

3 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Additional:

Lemon wedges, for serving
Metal or soaked wooden skewers

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Instructions

Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp, coat, and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes.
Preheat and Grill: Heat grill to medium-high, oil grates. Skewer shrimp (4–5 per skewer). Grill 2–3 minutes per side until pink.
Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with parsley, serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
You can also grill these on a grill pan indoors if preferred.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American