Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers

$Here’s what you need for Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - Skewers (wooden or metal) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) If you don’t have some ingredients, here are some easy swaps: - Shrimp: Use scallops or firm fish. - Olive oil: Canola or avocado oil works too. - Fresh lemon juice: Use lime juice for a twist. - Dried herbs: Fresh herbs can replace dried ones; just use more. - Garlic: Garlic powder can work if you’re in a pinch. To make this dish, you will need a few tools: - Mixing bowl for the marinade - Whisk to blend the ingredients - Skewers for grilling - Grill or grill pan for cooking - Tongs to flip the skewers - Serving platter for presentation With these ingredients, substitutions, and tools ready, you can prepare a tasty dish that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with one pound of large shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. This means you remove the shell and the dark vein on the back. Rinse the shrimp under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent burning on the grill. In a mixing bowl, add three tablespoons of olive oil. Next, squeeze in two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Add the zest of one lemon for extra flavor. Mince two garlic cloves and add them to the bowl. Then, sprinkle in one teaspoon of dried oregano and one teaspoon of dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk everything together until well mixed. Now, add the shrimp to the marinade. Toss them gently to coat all sides. Let the shrimp soak in the marinade for at least 15 minutes. This step allows the shrimp to absorb those lovely flavors. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill heats up, thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers. Leave a little space between each shrimp. This helps them cook evenly. Once the grill is ready, place the skewers on it. Grill the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You know they are done when they turn pink and opaque. Carefully remove the skewers from the grill. Place them on a serving platter and garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Marinating shrimp is key to great flavor. Use fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, and thyme. Mix these in a bowl. Toss the shrimp into the marinade. Make sure each shrimp gets coated well. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes. This time helps the shrimp soak up all the tasty flavors. For more flavor, you can marinate longer, but don’t go over an hour. Grilling shrimp takes some care. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures the shrimp cook evenly. When threading shrimp onto skewers, leave a little space between each one. This helps heat reach all sides. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. Watch for color change; they should turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make shrimp tough, so stay close! When the skewers are done, move them to a serving platter. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and taste. You can serve these skewers with rice or a fresh salad. They also pair well with dips like garlic sauce or lemon aioli. For a fun twist, add grilled vegetables for extra flavor. Enjoy your flavorful feast! Pro Tips Pre-soak Wooden Skewers: Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill, ensuring they hold your shrimp securely while cooking. Marinate Longer for Flavor: For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the shrimp for 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the herbs and spices to penetrate the shrimp better. Use High Heat: Grilling at medium-high heat ensures that the shrimp cook quickly, keeping them juicy and preventing them from becoming rubbery. Garnish Just Before Serving: Add freshly chopped parsley right before serving for a vibrant color and fresh flavor, enhancing the overall presentation of your dish. {{image_2}} To add some heat, mix in red pepper flakes. I suggest starting with half a teaspoon. This gives the shrimp a nice kick without being too spicy. You can also use a spicy sauce in the marinade for an extra layer of flavor. Try sriracha or chili garlic sauce for a fun twist. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. Adding vegetables makes these skewers colorful and tasty. Bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes work well. Cut the veggies into similar sizes as the shrimp. Marinate them with the shrimp for the best flavor. Thread the shrimp and veggies onto the skewers, alternating between them. This adds a delightful crunch while grilling! You can easily cook these skewers in the oven or on the stovetop. For the oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. For skillet cooking, heat a bit of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until pink. Both methods yield juicy, flavorful shrimp! Store your leftover shrimp skewers in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to cool them down before storing. This keeps the shrimp safe to eat. To reheat, you can use the grill or a skillet. Heat the grill to medium. Place the skewers on the grill for about two minutes. You can also heat them in a skillet on medium heat. Cook each side for about two to three minutes. If you want to freeze marinated shrimp, do it before cooking. Place the shrimp and marinade in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. They will last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw them in the fridge overnight. You should marinate the shrimp for at least 15 minutes. This time lets the shrimp soak up the flavors of the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. If you have more time, you can marinate them for up to an hour. This longer time deepens the taste. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for a quick thaw. Once thawed, peel and devein them if needed. This way, they will absorb the marinade well. Many side dishes go well with the shrimp skewers. Here are some ideas: - A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette - Grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers - Rice or quinoa for a filling option - Garlic bread for a tasty bite Shrimp cook quickly, so watch them closely. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. Each side usually takes about 2-3 minutes on the grill. If you see them curling tightly, they are likely cooked through. Yes, you can prepare the skewers in advance. Marinate the shrimp and thread them onto the skewers. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 hours before grilling. This helps save time and keeps the flavors fresh. In this post, I covered everything you need for perfect lemon herb shrimp skewers. We looked at key ingredients and easy substitutions. I shared step-by-step instructions and grilling tips. You learned how to store leftovers and reheating methods. Finally, I included variations to keep things fresh. Remember, practice makes perfect. With these tips, you can create tasty skewers every time. Enjoy sharing your delicious results with family and friends!$

Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Delicious grilled shrimp marinated in lemon and herbs, perfect for a summer barbecue.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 unit Zest of 1 lemon
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
to taste Salt and pepper
as needed Skewers (wooden or metal)
for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
Add the shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each shrimp for even cooking.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an extra burst of color and flavor.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning.

Keyword grilled, herb, lemon, shrimp, skewers