Grilled Shrimp Skewers: The Ultimate Summer Recipe Guide
A zesty lemon-garlic marinade creates juicy, flavorful bites in minutes.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Your Go-To Recipe for Summer Meals
When it comes to quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing recipes for summer, nothing tops grilled shrimp skewers. With a simple yet zesty marinade, these shrimp are easy to prep and cook—making them ideal for family weeknight dinners or lively backyard cookouts. Dive into this comprehensive guide for everything you need to know to create tender, juicy, and irresistibly tasty grilled shrimp at home.
Why Grilled Shrimp Skewers Are a Cookout Winner
- Quick to Prepare: Shrimp cook in minutes and require little advance prep, perfect for busy evenings or impromptu gatherings.
- Big Flavor, Few Ingredients: A handful of kitchen staples transform shrimp into a show-stopping main dish.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Cook outdoors on your grill or indoors using a grill pan or cast-iron skillet.
- Easy to Eat: Serving on skewers keeps hands clean and makes plating and portioning effortless.
- Pairs with Classic Sides: Complements salads, grilled vegetables, corn, or potato salads with ease.
Shrimp Preparation FAQs
Before firing up the grill, here are answers to the most common questions about prepping shrimp for skewers:
Should You Peel Shrimp Before Grilling?
It’s entirely your choice, but peeling the shrimp before marinating and grilling allows maximum flavor absorption and ensures easier eating. While leaving the shells on can help retain more moisture, the marinade infuses deeper and the shrimp are less fiddly to eat when pre-peeled. Always remove the shrimp from the grill as soon as they turn pink and opaque to maintain juiciness.
Is Deveining Necessary?
Deveining is optional and based on personal preference. The dark vein along the shrimp’s back is edible, but sometimes contains grit that can affect texture. To devein, simply make a shallow slit along the back and remove the vein. If you’re short on time or have pre-cleaned shrimp, it’s fine to skip this step.
Ingredients for Grilled Shrimp Skewers
This recipe draws on classic flavors—bright citrus, savory garlic, and a bit of heat. Here’s what you’ll need for approximately 2 to 4 servings:
- 2 1/2 lb. extra-large shrimp (peeled, tails removed, deveined if desired)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for some extra zip)
- Sea salt, chopped parsley, and lemon wedges, for serving
Step-by-Step: How to Grill Shrimp Skewers
- Prep the Shrimp: Peel and remove tails from shrimp. Devein by making a shallow slit down the back and pulling out the dark vein, if desired.
- Marinate: In a large bowl, mix the lemon zest and juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes (or longer for deeper flavor).
- Soak Skewers (If Wooden): Submerge 12-inch wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. (Skip this step with metal skewers.)
- Preheat and Oil the Grill: Heat your outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high. Oil the grill grates for nonstick cooking.
- Skewer the Shrimp: Thread 4–5 shrimp onto each skewer, arranging snugly but with enough space for even cooking.
- Grill: Place skewers over direct heat. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until shrimp turn bright pink and opaque. Take care not to overcook.
- Serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, chopped parsley, and finish with lemon wedges.
Expert Cooking Tips and Variations
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook very quickly. Remove from the grill as soon as the flesh is opaque to prevent rubbery texture.
- Try Different Marinades: For a twist, add smoked paprika, honey, or a handful of chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or rosemary.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: You can cook the shrimp loose in a grill basket or sear in a cast-iron skillet if you don’t want to use skewers.
- Double Skewer for Control: For jumbo shrimp, use two parallel skewers per row to prevent spinning and make flipping easier.
- Pair with Seasonal Sides: Enjoy alongside grilled corn, spinach salad, potato salad, or over fluffy rice.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
Grilled shrimp skewers are as versatile in serving as they are flavorful. Here are a few ideas to help you turn skewers into a complete meal:
- Classic Cookout Plate: Serve with potato salad, grilled corn on the cob, and a side of chilled watermelon.
- Fresh Salad Bowl: Lay shrimp skewers over a bed of fresh spinach, arugula, or mixed greens dressed with simple vinaigrette.
- Party Platter: Arrange the skewers on a large tray with lemon wedges, extra sea salt, and a bowl of homemade aioli or cocktail sauce.
- Taco Night: Remove shrimp from skewers and serve in warm tortillas with avocado, salsa, and slaw.
What others are reading
Grilling Reference Table
| Shrimp Size | Cook Time (per side) | Grill Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Jumbo (8–12 per lb.) | 2.5–3 min | Medium-High |
| Large (16–20 per lb.) | 2–2.5 min | Medium-High |
| Medium (21–30 per lb.) | 1.5–2 min | Medium-High |
About the Recipe Developer
This grilled shrimp skewers recipe comes from the kitchen overseen by Food Director Erin Merhar, a professional chef, food stylist, and culinary leader at ThePioneerWoman.com. Erin’s passion for food shines through with simple, flavor-packed recipes that bring everyone to the table, from seasoned cooks to enthusiastic beginners.
Other Delicious Shrimp Skewers & Variations
Want to shake things up further? Explore more creative flavor profiles inspired by classic Pioneer Woman ideas and expert grilling techniques:
- Lemon-Rosemary Shrimp & Scallops: Alternate peeled shrimp with fresh sea scallops, and marinade with rosemary, lemon zest, olive oil, and minced garlic before grilling.
- Firecracker Shrimp: Marinate shrimp in a spicy blend with chili flakes or Sriracha, a splash of soy sauce, and a hint of honey for sweet heat.
- Mediterranean-Style: Skewer shrimp with chunks of bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Serve with tzatziki or hummus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Absolutely—just thaw thoroughly under cold running water, then pat dry before marinating for best flavor absorption.
Q: What if I don’t have a grill?
A: Use a grill pan or large cast-iron skillet on the stovetop. Preheat until smoking hot for the best char and flavor.
Q: How do I prevent shrimp from sticking?
A: Oil your grates or pan well before cooking, and don’t move the skewers until the shrimp naturally releases and is ready to flip.
Q: How do I know shrimp are done?
A: Shrimp are ready when they’re opaque and pink all over, with no gray or translucent spots remaining. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so watch closely.
Q: Can I make these in advance?
A: You can prep and marinate the shrimp in advance (up to several hours ahead), but grill them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Allergy Notes
- Gluten Free: This recipe is naturally gluten free when using pure spices and condiments.
- Dairy Free: Contains no milk-based ingredients, perfect for those with dairy intolerance.
- Protein Packed: Shrimp is a lean, high-protein seafood ideal for healthy meals.
Final Tips for Shrimp Skewers Perfection
- Buy the Best Shrimp You Can: Fresh or high-quality frozen extra-large or jumbo shrimp offer the best grilling results.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Thread shrimp with a slight gap to allow even heat flow for proper charring.
- Add Veggies or Fruit: For variety and color, alternate shrimp with zucchini slices, pineapple chunks, or bell pepper squares on each skewer.
- Leftovers: Cold grilled shrimp are excellent in salads or pasta the next day.
Bring the Taste of Summer Home
Few meals capture the ease and flavor of summer like grilled shrimp skewers. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, smart seasoning, and hot grill grates, you can serve up a restaurant-quality dish in minutes. Keep this recipe in your rotation—from spontaneous weeknight dinners to relaxed outdoor parties—and let the flavors of garlic, lemon, and perfectly cooked shrimp transport your table straight to summertime bliss.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a36077334/grilled-shrimp-skewers-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B_SYD87z_U
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11394/firecracker-shrimp-part-2-the-good-part/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a32881438/bacon-shrimp-skewers-recipe/
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