Grilled Lemon Shrimp Skewers

Name: Grilled Lemon Shrimp Skewers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 lemons, juiced and zested; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Wooden or metal skewers

Highlighted under: Flavors Abroad

I absolutely love making these Grilled Lemon Shrimp Skewers during the summer. The brightness of the lemon paired with the succulent shrimp creates a dish that's both refreshing and satisfying. Each skewer is infused with garlic and fresh herbs, providing layers of flavor that make this recipe a favorite for gatherings. It’s quick, vibrant, and perfect for a grilled dinner or an outdoor barbecue. Plus, the preparation is fast, allowing me to enjoy more time with family and friends. You’ll love how easy they are to whip up!

Created by

Stella Cameron

Last updated on 2026-02-07T22:17:35.416Z

Grilling has always been a passion of mine, and these shrimp skewers are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create an incredible dish. I remember the first time I made them; the combination of zesty lemon and garlic captivated everyone at the dinner table. I even experimented with adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, and it was a hit!

What I love most about this recipe is the quick marinating process. Just 15 minutes allows the shrimp to absorb all the flavors, ensuring each bite is a burst of zest. Pairing them with a fresh salad makes for a beautiful summer meal that everyone adores.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Zesty lemon flavor that brightens every bite
Juicy, tender shrimp that grill to perfection
Quick preparation—ideal for busy weeknights or summer gatherings

Perfecting the Marinade

The marinade is the key to achieving that zesty flavor in your Grilled Lemon Shrimp Skewers. The combination of lemon juice and zest works wonders not only for flavor but also for tenderizing the shrimp. Acids like lemon juice break down the proteins, making the shrimp more succulent. I recommend letting the shrimp marinate for at least 15 minutes, but if you have more time, extend it up to 30 minutes to deepen the flavors.

Using fresh garlic in the marinade infuses a robust taste that balances the brightness of the lemon. Make sure to mince the garlic finely; larger pieces can burn on the grill and impart a bitter taste. If you're out of fresh garlic, a few shakes of garlic powder could be a reasonable substitute, but I always prefer fresh for its evocative aroma.

Skewering Techniques

When preparing the skewers, it’s crucial to thread the shrimp properly to avoid them spinning around while grilling. Leave small gaps between shrimp on the skewers to allow even heat circulation. About three to four shrimp per skewer is usually a good number, as they cook uniformly without overcrowding–you want to ensure they grill thoroughly for a better texture without losing moisture.

If you're using wooden skewers, soaking them in water prevents them from burning and allows them to hold up under direct heat. Typically, a 30-minute soak is enough, but you can soak them longer if you're prepping ahead. Metal skewers eliminate this step entirely and are reusable, making them a sustainable choice for frequent grilling.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

Once your skewers are grilled to perfection, serve them immediately while they're still juicy and warm. Pair them with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added brightness. A side of tangy dipping sauce, such as a garlic aioli or a zesty tzatziki, complements the shrimp wonderfully and elevates the dish further. Consider serving them with a simple arugula salad dressed in olive oil and lemon for a refreshing contrast.

If you’re planning a larger gathering, you can easily scale the recipe up. Just remember to marinate all the shrimp at once, and use a larger grill space to accommodate more skewers. Alternatively, if you have leftovers, they can be refrigerated for up to two days. Reheat them briefly on the grill or in a hot pan for a few minutes to maintain their delightful texture.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients to make these delicious skewers:

For the Shrimp Skewers

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 lemons, juiced and zested
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Wooden or metal skewers

Make sure to soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if using.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your grilled lemon shrimp skewers:

Marinate the Shrimp

In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano. Add the shrimp and toss until they are well coated. Let them marinate for about 15 minutes.

Prepare the Skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each shrimp.

Grill the Skewers

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are opaque and firm to the touch.

Serve

Remove the skewers from the grill and serve hot with additional lemon wedges and your choice of dipping sauce.

Enjoy your meal with sides of your choice!

Pro Tips

Don’t overcook the shrimp
they cook quickly and will become rubbery if left on the grill too long. Experiment with adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the skewers for variety.

Ingredient Roles

The shrimp in this recipe is the star ingredient, and selecting the right size is important. Large shrimp work best because they hold up well on the grill and retain their juiciness longer compared to smaller varieties. If you only have small shrimp, reduce the cooking time to one to two minutes on each side.

Olive oil not only helps in marinating but also aids in creating a beautiful char on the grilled shrimp. If you're looking for a healthier option, canola or avocado oil can be used instead as they have a higher smoke point and complement the flavors well.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your shrimp appear dry or tough after grilling, it might be a sign of overcooking. Keep a close eye during the last minutes on the grill; shrimp are done when they turn opaque and they curl up slightly. Remove them promptly to avoid that rubbery texture.

On the other hand, if the shrimp stick to the grill, it may be due to insufficient oil on the grill grates. Prepping a clean, well-oiled grill surface will not only help in prevention but will enhance those delicious grill marks you want. Continuous scraping with a grill brush immediately before cooking helps keep the grates in good condition.

Freezing and Storage

If you’d like to enjoy these Grilled Lemon Shrimp Skewers later, they can be frozen after marinating. Tightly seal the shrimp in a zip-top bag with the marinade and freeze for up to three months. Just remember to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before grilling.

Cooked shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. While I recommend eating them fresh, reheating them requires gentle care; do not microwave directly as they can become rubbery. Instead, warm them in a skillet over low heat with a bit of olive oil, tossing gently until heated through.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating.

→ What can I serve with the shrimp skewers?

They pair well with a fresh salad, rice, or a light pasta dish.

→ Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

→ Are these skewers suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can marinate the shrimp ahead of time and grill them just before serving.