Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Simple and Delicious Summer BBQ Recipe
Summer grilling isn’t just about burgers and ribs. If you’re looking for something lighter that feels satisfying, grilled shrimp skewers might be the move. They cook fast, pick up flavour easily, and are low-stress. A quick marinade, a few minutes on the grill, and dinner’s done.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients and why each is important in bringing this dish to life.
Shrimp: The star of the dish, shrimp cook quickly and take on flavours easily. Larger sizes are ideal for grilling as they stay juicy and do not dry out as fast.
Olive Oil: This oil acts as a base for the marinade. It helps the seasonings stick to the shrimp, and good-quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness without overpowering the other ingredients.
Garlic: Provides a savoury punch and depth to the marinade. Fresh minced garlic works best, but garlic powder can also work if needed.
Lemon: Adds a sharp, fresh note that brightens the overall flavour. Zest offers a more concentrated citrus aroma, while juice adds a bit of acidity to balance the oil.
Spices: Used to build flavour and customize the skewers to your preference. Paprika, chilli flakes, and Cajun are a great blend if you enjoy some heat.
Sat and Pepper: Simple but always a must to enhance all flavours.
Steps to Make Grilled Shrimp Skewers
1. Prep the Shrimp Rise the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they’re fully thawed before starting. Remove the shells (leave the tails on or off up to you) and devein if needed.
2. Make the Marinade In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon or lime zest, and spices. Add a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. If you want more acidity, add a small splash of lemon juice.
3. Marinate the Shrimp Add shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for no more than 30 minutes. A 15 – 20 marination works well and avoids over-softening.
4. Prepare the Skewers If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the shrimp onto skewers.
5. Heat the Grill Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375–400°F or 190–204°C). Lightly oil the grates to help prevent sticking.
6. Grill the Shrimp Place skewers on the hot grill in a single layer. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side. Turn once, using tongs. Shrimp are done when they turn pink, opaque and slightly curled into a “C” shape.
7. Finish and Serve Remove from the grill and let them rest for a minute. Top with butter, lemon, herbs, or whatever you like and serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Ideas for Pairings
Here are a few no-fuss combos that work well with these grilled shrimp skewers:
- Grilled corn with lime butter
- Quinoa salad with cucumber and dill
- Rice noodles tossed with sesame oil and scallions
- Chopped Greek salad with olives and tomatoes
- Street-style tacos with slaw and avocado slices
More…
