Isn’t there something so wonderfully fun and satisfying about food cooked on the grill? It’s that amazing, smoky aroma and the casual, relaxed vibe of a backyard barbecue that makes any meal feel like a celebration. It is the perfect way to enjoy a delicious, party-friendly meal with friends and family.
Now, imagine plump, juicy shrimp, infused with a bright and zesty marinade of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs, then threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection. They are the ultimate quick and easy grilling option that is both incredibly delicious and wonderfully healthy. This is a perfect High Protein and Healthy / Clean Eating choice for any occasion.
Today, we are making these incredible Grilled Shrimp Skewers. This simple recipe is your ticket to a fast, fresh, and unbelievably delicious meal that is perfect for a quick Weeknight Dinner or a lazy weekend cookout. Get ready to fire up the grill for your new favorite seafood dish.
The Ultimate “Fast & Fresh” Meal: Best Grilled Shrimp Recipe
This Best Grilled Shrimp Recipe is the ultimate fast and fresh meal. The recipe brilliantly uses a simple marinade to infuse the shrimp with a ton of bright, zesty flavor in just a few minutes. Grilling the shrimp on skewers is a foolproof method that ensures they cook quickly and evenly every single time.
A Perfect Easy Healthy Dinner for Quick Seafood Meals
You will find that this is the perfect easy healthy dinner. The shrimp is a fantastic source of lean protein, and the simple, olive oil-based marinade keeps the dish wonderfully light. This is also one of the absolute best quick seafood meals, as the skewers cook in less than 10 minutes, making it a stress-free solution for any busy night.
Your Guide: How Long to Marinate Shrimp for Grilling
For anyone wondering how long to marinate shrimp for grilling, the wonderful news is that this delicate protein does not need a long time at all. For a bright, citrus-based marinade like the one in our recipe, 15 to 30 minutes is the absolute perfect amount of time to infuse the shrimp with a ton of flavor without compromising their texture. If you marinate them for much longer, the acid in the lemon juice can start to “cook” the shrimp (similar to a ceviche), which can result in a tougher, chewier texture after grilling.
Why You’ll Love These Grilled Shrimp Skewers
You are going to love this recipe because it is an unbelievably fast and easy way to get a healthy, restaurant-quality meal on the table. You’ll also adore the incredible fresh, zesty, and smoky flavor from the simple marinade and the grill. Plus, they are a fun, healthy, and family-friendly meal that is naturally Low Carb, Keto, and Paleo.
Nutritional Benefits
This beautiful and simple meal is a true nutritional powerhouse that you can feel amazing about eating. Shrimp is an excellent source of high-quality, lean protein and is very low in fat. The simple marinade uses heart-healthy Olive Oil and fresh ingredients, making this a wonderfully well-rounded and nourishing meal that is perfect for a clean eating lifestyle.
Full Recipe
Are you ready to create the easiest and most delicious grilled shrimp you’ve ever had? This detailed guide will walk you through the unbelievably simple process for creating this fresh and flavour-packed dish. Get ready to master a new go-to recipe that will be the star of all your summer barbecues.
Fuel your body with these high-protein grilled shrimp skewers. Marinated in a zesty blend of herbs and garlic, these shrimp are grilled to perfection, resulting in a smoky, juicy, and delicious meal. This is one of the best seafood recipes for a healthy dinner.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Marinating Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 6 minutes | Total Time: 36 minutes | Yield: 4-6 servings | Category: Dinner, Main Course | Method: Grilling | Cuisine: American, Mediterranean | Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Low-Carb, Keto, Paleo
Essential Ingredients for Grilled Shrimp Skewers
This fresh and flavour-packed dinner comes together with a handful of simple, vibrant ingredients.
- Shrimp: 2 lbs (about 1 kg) of large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Fat: ¼ cup of extra virgin Olive Oil
- For the Zesty Marinade:
- Juice and zest of 2 large lemons
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- ¼ cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Seasoning: 1 teaspoon of salt & ½ teaspoon of black pepper
Ingredients Notes
A little more detail on our key ingredients will ensure your shrimp skewers are a spectacular success.
- The Shrimp: For the best, juiciest result, it is a great idea to use large or jumbo-sized raw shrimp for this recipe, as they are easier to thread onto the skewers and are less likely to overcook. You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp; just be sure to thaw the frozen ones completely.
- The Marinade: Our simple, fresh marinade is the key to the amazing flavor. Using a good quality Olive Oil, the juice and the zest of fresh lemons, and fresh parsley will provide the best and most vibrant taste.
- The Skewers: You can use either metal or bamboo skewers for this recipe. If you are using bamboo skewers, it is absolutely essential that you soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before you use them. This simple step will prevent them from burning to a crisp on the hot grill.
How to Make a Delicious Meal
Let’s walk through the incredibly simple steps to create these perfect, juicy shrimp skewers.
- Step 1: Create the Marinade. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, the lemon zest, the lemon juice, the minced garlic, the chopped fresh parsley, and the dried oregano. For an extra smooth marinade, you can pulse all the ingredients together in a Blender or Food Processor.
- Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl with the marinade and toss to combine, making sure every single piece is evenly coated. Let the shrimp marinate for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Assemble the Skewers. While the shrimp is marinating, preheat your grill to a medium-high heat. Thread about 4 to 5 pieces of the marinated shrimp onto each of your soaked wooden or metal skewers.
- Step 4: Grill to Perfection. Clean and oil your grill grates well. Place the shrimp skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
- Step 5: Serve and Enjoy. The shrimp are done when they are pink, opaque, and slightly charred. Serve the hot grilled shrimp skewers immediately with some extra lemon wedges for squeezing.
Storage Options
These delicious grilled shrimp skewers are a fantastic option for Healthy Meal Prep. Once the skewers have cooled completely, you can remove the shrimp from the skewers and store them in an airtight Meal Prep Container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are fantastic served cold over a salad or gently reheated.
Variations and Substitutions
This classic recipe is a wonderful and versatile template. For a different flavor profile, feel free to add other delicious vegetables to your skewers, such as some chunks of bell pepper, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. For a bit of a spicy kick, you can add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes to your marinade.
Practical & Valuable Tips
For the most succulent shrimp, it is very important not to overcook them; they cook in just a matter of minutes on the hot grill. The secret to a perfect, flavour-packed result is to not marinate your shrimp for too long in the acidic lemon juice. Finally, for a non-stick grilling experience, it is so important to make sure your grill grates are very clean and well-oiled before you place your delicate shrimp on them.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these in an Air Fryer? Yes, absolutely! The Air Fryer is a fantastic alternative. You would simply arrange your skewers in the air fryer basket (they may need to be cut to fit) and cook them at 200°C (400°F) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the shrimp are perfectly cooked.
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Of course! Frozen, raw shrimp are a fantastic and convenient option. You will just need to make sure that your frozen shrimp are completely thawed and then patted very dry with a paper towel before you add them to the marinade.
- How do I know for sure when my shrimp are cooked through? Shrimp give you great visual cues when they are done. Raw shrimp are typically grey and translucent, but as they cook, they will turn a beautiful pink and white and become completely opaque. They will also curl up from a straight shape into a gentle “C” shape when they are perfectly cooked.
- Can I make these skewers ahead of time? These skewers are at their absolute best when they are served fresh and hot right from the grill. However, you can marinate the shrimp and thread them onto the skewers a few hours ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.
- What are the best side dishes to serve with these shrimp skewers? These fresh and zesty shrimp skewers are fantastic served with a variety of side dishes. They are wonderful with some simple rice pilaf, a fresh Greek salad, or a side of grilled asparagus.
Conclusion
These High-Protein Grilled Shrimp Skewers are the perfect solution for a dinner that is incredibly easy, healthy, and packed with flavor. It’s a dish that takes simple, fresh ingredients and transforms them into a vibrant, delicious, and satisfying meal with the magic of your grill. It is a foolproof, family-favorite recipe that is guaranteed to be a new star in your dinner rotation. This is one of the best seafood recipes. If you love this easy and nourishing recipe, don’t forget to share it and save it to your favorite grilling recipes board on Pinterest!
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