Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

The first time I made these shrimp skewers was during a last-minute backyard gathering when I realized I had forgotten to plan a main dish. I raided the fridge for lemons and garlic, threw everything together, and my friends actually stopped talking mid-conversation when they took their first bites.

Last summer my neighbor smelled these grilling and came over with a plate, pretending she just happened to be walking by. Now she texts me whenever she sees lemons on sale, and weve turned it into a weekly standing date.

Ingredients

• Large shrimp: Tails on makes them look restaurant-quality and gives you something to hold onto while eating
• Olive oil: This carries all the garlic and lemon flavor into the shrimp
• Fresh lemon juice and zest: The zest packs the real punch here, so dont skip it
• Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic beats anything from a jar every single time
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that let the shrimp shine
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional but adds this tiny heat that keeps people reaching for more
• Fresh parsley: Adds color and a fresh finish that cuts through the richness
• Lemon wedges: For squeezing over the top right before eating

Instructions

Make the marinade:

Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until everything is well combined.

Marinate the shrimp:

Add shrimp to the bowl and toss gently until every piece is coated, then refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes.

Heat things up:

Get your grill or grill pan nice and hot over medium-high heat.

Thread the skewers:

Slide about 5 marinated shrimp onto each skewer, leaving a little space between them for even cooking.

Grill to perfection:

Cook skewers for 2 to 3 minutes per side until shrimp turn opaque and get those gorgeous charred edges.

Finish and serve:

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the hot skewers and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Save

My daughter used to pick off all the parsley until I started calling it confetti, and now she happily sprinkles it over everything like shes decorating a cake.

Serving Ideas

These skewers work over fluffy rice that soaks up all those juices, or pile them onto a bed of arugula for something lighter. Grilled zucchini and bell peppers make perfect companions.

Make It Your Own

A pinch of smoked paprika in the marinade adds this wonderful depth, or try honey for a sweet and salty version. Ive even added fresh oregano when I wanted more of a Greek vibe.

Grilling Success

Hot grills and cold shrimp are the secret to those beautiful grill marks. Resist the urge to move them around and let them develop a proper sear before flipping.

• Keep a water bottle nearby for flare-ups from the oil
• Clean your grill grates while hot for easy removal of stuck bits
• Let skewers rest for just one minute before serving

Save

Nothing beats standing around the grill with people you love, passing skewers and squeezing lemon over everything while the sun goes down.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should shrimp marinate in the lemon-garlic blend?

Marinate the shrimp for 10-15 minutes to allow the citrus and garlic to infuse without overpowering their natural sweetness.

→ Can I use wooden skewers for grilling shrimp?

Yes, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

→ What is the best way to know when shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp turn opaque and slightly charred on the outside; grill 2-3 minutes per side for perfect doneness.

→ Are there recommended side dishes to serve with these shrimp skewers?

These skewers pair well with rice, fresh salads, or grilled vegetables for a balanced meal.

→ Can crushed red pepper flakes be adjusted or omitted?

Yes, red pepper flakes are optional and can be reduced or skipped based on your preferred spice level.