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Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Easy Garlic Herb Marinade

grilled shrimp skewers - featured image

Juicy shrimp are marinated in a zesty garlic and fresh herb blend, then grilled to smoky perfection for a quick, crowd-pleasing BBQ dish. This recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or cilantro/dill)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 68 bamboo or metal skewers (if using bamboo, soak in water for 30 minutes)

Instructions

  1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Remove shells and veins, leaving tails on if desired.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest until well combined.
  3. Add shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes (do not exceed 30 minutes).
  4. If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers, piercing each shrimp twice for security (5-6 shrimp per skewer).
  5. Preheat grill to medium-high (about 400Β°F). Oil grates well to prevent sticking.
  6. Place skewers directly over heat. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once, until shrimp are opaque, pink, and lightly charred.
  7. Transfer skewers to a platter. Drizzle with extra lemon juice or sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not marinate shrimp longer than 30 minutes to avoid mushy texture. Double-pierce shrimp on skewers for even cooking. Oil grill grates well to prevent sticking. For extra flavor, reserve some marinade (before adding shrimp) for drizzling over cooked skewers. Add cherry tomatoes or zucchini to skewers for variety. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled shrimp, shrimp skewers, garlic herb marinade, BBQ, summer, gluten-free, easy seafood, grilling, healthy, quick dinner