Go Back

Quick Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Skewers

These shrimp skewers are marinated briefly in a vibrant mixture of garlic, lemon juice, and herbs, then grilled to perfection for a juicy, smoky finish. The key is a short 15-minute soak that enhances flavor while keeping the shrimp tender and easy to cook, resulting in colorful, slightly charred bites with a bright, fresh flavor.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 26 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pound raw shrimp (deveined and peeled) firm, slightly translucent flesh
  • 2 cloves garlic fresh, crushed just before mixing
  • 1/4 cup olive oil helps marinade cling and adds aroma
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice brightens and tenderizes the shrimp
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • Skewers
  • Grill or Grill Pan
  • Tongs
  • Small bowl

Method
 

  1. Gather your skewers, a small bowl, and your ingredients—shrimp, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper. Prepare the shrimp by patting them dry to ensure they marinate and cook evenly.
  2. In the small bowl, combine crushed garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well blended and fragrant.
  3. Thread 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer, leaving a little space between them for even cooking. This creates a colorful, uniform look.
  4. Brush the shrimp generously with the marinade or dip each skewer into the mixture, then set aside to marinate for 15 minutes. This short soak allows the flavors to penetrate while keeping the shrimp tender.
  5. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, aiming for about 200°C/390°F. You should see a slight shimmer and hear a gentle sizzle when it's ready.
  6. Place the skewers on the hot grill, and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side. Look for a bright pink color, slight char, and a fragrant smoky aroma as signs of doneness.
  7. Use tongs to turn the skewers carefully, ensuring even charring without tearing the shrimp. Continue grilling until fully opaque and slightly caramelized edges develop.
  8. Once cooked through, transfer the skewers to a plate. Let them rest for 2 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and enhance tenderness.
  9. Squeeze fresh lemon over the grilled shrimp and sprinkle with extra herbs if desired. Serve immediately for the best smoky, bright flavor and juicy texture.