Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers Recipe

There's something undeniably summery about the sizzle of shrimp hitting a hot grill, their delicate sweetness mingling with citrusy zest and the smoky aroma of charred herbs. These Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers are light, flavorful, and irresistibly juicy—perfect for backyard BBQs, weeknight dinners, or a healthy lunch that feels like a mini vacation.

I first made these skewers for a casual weekend cookout with friends, and they've been a staple ever since. Not only are they quick to prepare and packed with fresh flavor, but they also look absolutely stunning served straight from the grill. These are a must-try if you're looking for something easy, healthy, and crowd-pleasing.

Whether you're new to grilling or a seasoned pro, this recipe is one you'll come back to again and again. Let's dive into why these shrimp skewers deserve a spot in your dinner rotation.

Why You'll Love This Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Get ready to add a new MVP to your warm-weather menu. These Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers check all the boxes for flavor, ease, and versatility.

Fast and fuss-free. From marinating to grilling, the entire recipe takes just 30 minutes. The shrimp only need a short soak in the lemony marinade and cook up in minutes over high heat. Perfect for nights when you need something delicious without the wait.

Light and healthy. Shrimp are naturally lean and packed with protein. Combined with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs, this dish is a clean and nourishing option that doesn't skimp on flavor.

Vibrant and crowd-pleasing. The bright lemon flavor paired with grilled herbs creates a flavor combo that’s hard to beat. Whether served as an appetizer or main dish, these skewers always disappear fast.

Adaptable for any occasion. Serve them over rice, tucked into tacos, or alongside a fresh salad. They're as at home at a fancy dinner party as they are at a casual family cookout.

If you're ready to make your grill work a little magic, keep reading to see exactly what goes into these flavorful skewers.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to truly delicious shrimp skewers is all in the marinade. These simple ingredients come together to create a bright, herbaceous flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

Shrimp are, of course, the star of the show. I recommend using large or extra-large peeled and deveined shrimp, tail-on for presentation if you prefer. Fresh is great, but high-quality frozen shrimp (thawed first) works just as well. Just be sure not to overcook them—they go from perfect to rubbery fast.

Lemon juice and zest provide the citrusy punch that defines this recipe. The zest adds a concentrated lemon aroma, while the juice helps tenderize the shrimp. Use fresh lemons for the best flavor—bottled lemon juice just doesn't compare.

Garlic brings a savory depth that complements the brightness of the citrus. I like to use 3–4 freshly minced cloves, but feel free to adjust based on your preference. Garlic powder can work in a pinch, but fresh makes a noticeable difference here.

Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and oregano round out the marinade. If you only have dried herbs on hand, reduce the quantity by half. But if you can, fresh herbs offer a clean, fragrant note that beautifully balances the lemon and garlic.

All you'll need to pull this dish together is a few metal or wooden skewers (soak wooden ones for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning) and a grill or grill pan. That’s it!

How To Make This Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Making these grilled shrimp skewers is a breeze. Here's how to bring it all together step by step.

Start by preparing the marinade. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. The mixture should be fragrant and well-balanced—taste it before adding the shrimp to make any necessary tweaks.

Next, add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid marinating for too long, as the lemon juice can start to “cook” the shrimp, giving them a mushy texture.

While the shrimp marinate, if you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water. This prevents them from catching fire on the grill. Then preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat so it's ready when the shrimp are.

Once the shrimp are marinated, thread them onto skewers. Try to pierce each shrimp through both the tail and head ends, so they stay in place and lie flat. This also helps them cook more evenly.

Place the skewers directly onto the hot grill. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, flipping once, until the shrimp turn opaque and develop light char marks. Be careful not to overcook them—they should still be juicy and tender.

All in all, this recipe takes under 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll know they’re done when the shrimp are curled and lightly pink. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges for squeezing!

Storage Options

These shrimp skewers are best enjoyed hot off the grill, but leftovers still taste great.

If you have leftovers, remove the shrimp from the skewers and transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, let them cool completely before sealing.

Avoid freezing cooked shrimp, as the texture can become rubbery when reheated. If you must freeze them, do so in a single layer and use within a month, reheating very gently.

To reheat, warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat or microwave them in 20-second intervals until just heated through. Be careful not to overheat—they’ll dry out quickly.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this shrimp skewer recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily tweak it to suit different tastes or dietary needs.

For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. A little smoked paprika can also bring a subtle warmth and depth.

If you're not a fan of shrimp, try this recipe with chunks of salmon, scallops, or even chicken. Just adjust cooking times as needed—chicken will take a bit longer on the grill.

No grill? No problem! These skewers cook beautifully on a grill pan or even under the broiler. Just keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.

Want a tropical twist? Swap lemon for lime, and add a touch of honey and chopped cilantro to the marinade. Serve with coconut rice for a vacation-inspired meal.

And if you're serving a crowd, consider doubling the marinade and adding vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the skewers for a colorful, complete meal on a stick.

No matter how you customize them, these Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers are a fantastic canvas for creativity. Have fun, play with flavors, and don’t be afraid to make it your own!

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