Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Last summer, my neighbor grilling shrimp on his balcony made the whole hallway smell like garlic and citrus. After three days of that incredible aroma, I finally knocked on his door with a bottle of wine in hand and begged for the recipe. He laughed and shared this marinade formula, which has since become my go-to for weeknight dinners that feel special without the fuss.

I made these skewers for my parents anniversary last month and my dad actually asked if I had secretly ordered them from a caterer. The way the sugars in the lemon caramelize on the grill creates these gorgeous charred bits that everyone fights over. Now they request them every time they visit, and I never say no because they are so simple to throw together.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp: Keep the tails on for easy handling and pretty presentation
• 3 tbsp olive oil: Extra virgin gives the best flavor base for the marinade
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice: Bottle juice never compares to fresh squeezed
• 2 tsp lemon zest: This packs concentrated citrus oils that juice alone cannot provide
• 3 garlic cloves: Mince them finely so they distribute evenly through every bite
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Regular paprika works but smoked adds that grilled flavor even indoors
• ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper: Simple seasoning that lets the shrimp shine
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley: Adds bright freshness and beautiful color contrast

Instructions

Make the marinade:

Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley in a large bowl until emulsified.

Coat the shrimp:

Add shrimp to the marinade and toss gently until every piece is coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes.

Prepare your grill:

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high and soak wooden skewers in water while you wait.

Thread the skewers:

Slide about 5 shrimp onto each skewer, threading through both the thick and tail ends for stability.

Grill to perfection:

Cook skewers for 2 to 3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque with nice char marks.

Serve immediately:

Transfer to a platter and add extra lemon wedges and parsley for a beautiful presentation.

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My daughter now helps me thread the skewers and has become the official quality control tester, stealing one shrimp off the tray every time I turn my back. These moments in the kitchen together have become just as important as the meal itself.

Making Ahead

You can whisk the marinade together up to a day in advance and store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. The shrimp should only be added right before grilling though, as they will become mushy if left in the acidic mixture too long. I have found that preparing everything except the final toss makes weeknight dinners practically effortless.

Grill Versus Oven

When winter keeps me inside, I bake these at 400 degrees for about 8 minutes instead, though they lack that irresistible smoky char from the grill. The flavor is still wonderful, but I broil them for the last minute to try recreating some of that grilled texture. A cast iron skillet on the stove also works beautifully for a nice sear when you want something faster than heating up the outdoor grill.

Serving Suggestions

These skewers work as an elegant appetizer or as a main dish depending on what you serve alongside them. I like to keep things light and let the shrimp be the star of the show.

• Fresh crusty bread for soaking up the extra marinade
• A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers

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Whether you are feeding a crowd or just treating yourself on a random Tuesday, these shrimp skewers turn any meal into something worth celebrating. The smile on someones face when they take that first bite never gets old.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should the shrimp marinate?

For best flavor, marinate the shrimp for 10 to 30 minutes to allow the lemon and garlic to penetrate.

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure even coating.

→ What type of grill is recommended?

A medium-high heat grill or grill pan works well to cook shrimp quickly without drying them out.

→ Are there good alternatives to shrimp for skewers?

Scallops or chicken pieces can be used as alternatives, but adjust cooking times accordingly.

→ How can I prevent shrimp from sticking to the skewers?

Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes before threading helps prevent sticking and burning.

→ What drinks pair well with these skewers?

The dish pairs nicely with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager to complement the lemon and garlic flavors.