Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers Recipe

There's nothing quite like the sizzle of fresh shrimp hitting a hot grill on a warm summer evening. The smoky aroma, the bright burst of lemon, and the fresh herbal notes combine into a dish that feels both sophisticated and wonderfully simple.

this Recipe

I first crafted these skewers during a backyard barbecue with friends, looking for something light yet flavorful. Since then, these Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers have become a staple at our family gatherings—quick to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and absolutely delicious.

Let's dive right in and discover why these skewers might just become your new go-to grilling favorite.

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

Get ready to elevate your grilling game with minimal effort. These Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers are perfect for any occasion, from busy weeknight dinners to festive cookouts.

First off, this recipe is incredibly fast and easy to prepare. With just a quick marinade and a few minutes on the grill, you'll have a flavorful meal ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those evenings when time is short but you still want something fresh and satisfying.

It's also wonderfully light and healthy. The shrimp provide lean protein, while the marinade uses heart-healthy olive oil and fresh herbs. Paired with a simple salad or grilled veggies, this meal leaves you feeling full without being heavy.

The ingredients are budget-friendly and easy to find. Shrimp often go on sale, and the remaining components—lemon, garlic, and herbs—are pantry staples for many home cooks.

Finally, these skewers are extremely versatile. You can serve them as an appetizer, a main dish, or even toss them into pasta or salads for a quick protein boost. They also adapt well to different flavor profiles if you want to experiment.

With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why these Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers deserve a spot in your regular rotation.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these skewers lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient works together to create layers of bright, fresh flavor that highlight the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

The star of the show is, of course, the shrimp. I recommend using large or jumbo shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined. Their size helps them stay juicy on the grill, and they hold up well on skewers without falling apart.

Next up is the lemon. Fresh lemon juice not only adds acidity but also tenderizes the shrimp slightly, ensuring they remain tender and succulent. I also like to add some lemon zest for an extra punch of citrusy brightness.

The herbs are what give these skewers their distinctive flavor. I typically use a combination of fresh parsley and thyme, but basil, cilantro, or even rosemary can work beautifully depending on your taste preferences.

Garlic provides a savory depth that balances the brightness of the lemon. Freshly minced garlic is ideal here, as it infuses the marinade with rich, aromatic flavor.

To bring everything together, extra virgin olive oil serves as the base of the marinade. It helps the herbs and spices adhere to the shrimp and prevents sticking on the grill, all while adding a subtle richness to each bite.

For equipment, you'll need skewers (wooden or metal), a grill or grill pan, and a small mixing bowl for the marinade. If you're using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.

How To Make This Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Making these Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers is surprisingly simple, and the results are always impressive. Let me walk you through each step.

Start by preparing your marinade. In a small mixing bowl, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well blended. The marinade should smell vibrant and inviting.

Next, place your cleaned shrimp in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the shrimp, ensuring they’re fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 20-30 minutes. This short marinating time allows the flavors to penetrate the shrimp without overcooking them with acid.

While the shrimp marinate, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you're using a charcoal grill, aim for a nice even bed of coals with no large flames. For a gas grill or grill pan, let it preheat for at least 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, piercing each shrimp twice—once near the head and once near the tail—to keep them secure and prevent spinning. Discard any leftover marinade to avoid cross-contamination.

Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once. You'll know they’re done when the shrimp turn pink and opaque, with light grill marks. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery very quickly.

From start to finish, this entire process takes less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or spontaneous gathering.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, these shrimp store quite well with a few simple precautions.

Allow the grilled shrimp to cool completely before storing. Transfer them into an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked shrimp. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They will maintain their best quality for up to 2 months. Be sure to label the bag with the date.

When reheating, avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the shrimp rubbery. Instead, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until heated through, or enjoy them cold in salads or wraps.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best aspects of this recipe is how easy it is to adapt to different tastes and dietary needs.

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. The heat pairs beautifully with the citrus and herbs.

If you're not a fan of lemon, try using lime instead. Lime adds a slightly sweeter, tropical note that works particularly well if you're serving the shrimp alongside Mexican or Caribbean dishes.

Herb-wise, feel free to experiment. Fresh basil and mint add a refreshing twist, while rosemary and oregano lend a more Mediterranean vibe.

For a heartier option, alternate the shrimp on the skewers with chunks of bell pepper, zucchini, or red onion. These veggies grill up nicely and absorb the flavorful marinade.

If you’re looking for a non-grill option, these shrimp can also be cooked under the broiler or in a hot cast-iron skillet with excellent results.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. A few simple tweaks can give you endless delicious variations to suit any occasion.

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