Grilled Shrimp on a Skewer

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Laura Lynch
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Grilled Shrimp on a Skewer is a great dish for any outside gathering. The shrimp is marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil and lime juice, infused with aromatic spices, and then grilled to perfection.

Grilled shrimp on a skewer

You won’t want to miss out on these mouthwatering grilled shrimp skewers at your backyard cookout. Marinated in a delightful blend of zesty lime and olive oil, these skewers are bursting with flavor.

The best part? They’re incredibly quick and easy to make, making them an ideal choice for both busy weeknight meals and summer barbecues.

Usually when we serve these, they disappear almost immediately. I think because people love to see an alternative to burgers and brats on the grill once in a while. Why not give this recipe a try, and you’ll see how quickly they’re gobbled up. Serve them with one of these delicious side salads, and you have a quick and tasty meal.

» These shrimp skewers pair very well with Bourbon Grilled Pineapple.

Why Are Grilled Shrimp Skewers Great for the Grill?

Grilled shrimp skewers are a fantastic option for the grill because they cook quickly, unlike heavier things like ribs and burgers. So they’re the first thing to come off the grill, which everyone loves. Being on a skewer also makes them great appetizers that guests can carry around and eat, while waiting for the main dish.

Grilling enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp, adding a delicious smoky flavor that is very tasty. Combined with the flavors of the marinade, it really makes for a delicious dish.

Ingredients You Need

  • Large Shrimp – I like to get extra large shrimp – around a 16/20 size – so they thread onto the skewers easily and provide a meaty and robust snack. Be sure they are peeled and deveined. You can leave the tails on if you prefer, though I don’t, because it’s easier to eat.
  • Olive oil – Provides a rich base for the marinade. It doesn’t have to be your best olive oil.
  • Lime Juice – Always use freshly squeeze when possible.
  • Seasonings – salt & black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder
  • Garnishes – chopped parsley and lime wedges

Equipment You’ll Need

  • Grill – I use a Weber Genesis E325 for most of my grilling, though I also have a Z Grills Smoker/Grill combo that I sometimes use. You can use whatever grill you have, whether it’s gas or charcoal.
  • Propane or Charcoal – Depending on your setup.
  • Grill Tools – I swear by this set of sturdy grill tools from Cuisinart that includes everything you need for grilling, like tongs, a flipper, a digital temperature fork, silicone basting brush, and more.
  • Skewers – If possible use metal skewers, which don’t require soaking and can be reused multiple times. You can use wooden skewers, just make sure to soak them before use.
Grilled shrimp on skewers

» Additional Reading: Best Wood for Smoking Salmon.

What Temperature Should Shrimp on a Skewer Be Grilled At?

When grilling shrimp on a skewer, the ideal temperature is around 350°F medium-high heat. This temperature range allows the shrimp to cook quickly and evenly while developing a delicious smoky flavor and a slightly charred crust.

Before adding the shrimp skewers, it’s important to properly preheat the grill for the best results. Keeping a close eye on the shrimp while they cook will help you achieve the perfect level of doneness, resulting in tender, juicy, and flavorful grilled shrimp skewers.

How Long Does It Take to Make Grilled Shrimp on a Skewer?

As a general guideline, large shrimp (about 1 inch or more in length) typically take 2-3 minutes per side to cook on a grill. It’s always best to use a food thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature of properly cooked shrimp should reach 120-145°F. Once the shrimp reach this temperature and are opaque, they are ready to be taken off the grill.

How to Grill Shrimp on a Skewer

Put the shrimp in a large zip-top bag or bowl. Add the olive oil, lime juice, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Shake or stir to combine.

Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes prior to adding the shrimp. Slide the shrimp onto the skewers, so they are just touching but not crowded.

raw shrimp on skewers

Preheat a grill to 350°F (medium-high heat). Oil the grill grates well. Set the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink.

Serve with parsley and lime wedges.

Additional Helpful Tips

  • Clean the grill grates and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.
  • Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as cocktail sauce, aioli, or a tangy vinaigrette.
  • Alternate shrimp with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes for a vibrant skewer combo.
  • If available, use metal skewers, which don’t require soaking and can be reused multiple times.

How to Store

Fridge: Grilled shrimp can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s important to refrigerate the leftovers promptly, within 2 hours of cooking, to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Freezer: When freezing, it’s best to place the grilled shrimp in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and they can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.

Grilled shrimp on skewers

Our Top Grill Recommendation

Weber Genesis grill

Weber Genesis E325

I chose this grill based on quality, performance, and features. It’s pretty much got it all (large cooking area, plenty of BTU, high-quality cooking grates, and it’s priced well. If you’re feeling fancy, you can upgrade it to add more burners, smart grilling technology and grill lighting.

How to Reheat

Microwave: Put shrimp in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle water over shrimp, cover, and microwave on medium for 1-2 minutes until thoroughly reheated.

Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet with oil, add shrimp in a single layer, and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high, place shrimp on skewers, and grill for a few minutes per side until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I grill shrimp skewers?

Shrimp cooks very quickly, so you have to be careful not to overcook them as they can become rubbery. On a preheated grill over medium-high heat, shrimp skewers usually take about 2-3 minutes per side. However, this can vary slightly depending on the size of your shrimp and the heat of your grill. The key is to look for the shrimp to become opaque and slightly pink – this is a good indicator that they’re done.

Do I need to marinate the shrimp before grilling them on skewers?

While it’s not absolutely necessary, marinating shrimp can add a lot of flavor and helps to keep them moist while grilling. A good marinade can be as simple as some olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Just remember that shrimp is delicate and absorbs flavors quickly, so a marinating time of 15-30 minutes is usually sufficient. Marinating for too long, especially in acidic marinades, can start to cook the shrimp and make them tough.

Should I use wooden or metal skewers for grilling shrimp?

You can use either, but there are a few things to keep in mind. If you’re using wooden skewers, it’s important to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers don’t require this step, and they can also conduct heat, which helps the shrimp cook evenly. However, they can be hot to handle (you’ll need tongs), and you need to be sure not to scratch your grill grates with them.

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Grilled shrimp on skewers

Grilled Shrimp on a Skewer

Grilled Shrimp on a Skewer is a great dish for any outside gathering. The shrimp is marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil and lime juice, infused with aromatic spices, and then grilled to perfection.
5 from 40 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Marinating Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 147kcal
Author: Laura Lynch

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (454 g) large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1.5 g) garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) black pepper
  • Chopped parsley for serving
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  • Put the shrimp in a large ziptop bag or bowl. Add the olive oil, lime juice, salt, paprika, garlic powder and black pepper. Shake or stir to combine.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
  • If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes prior to adding the shrimp.
  • Slide the shrimp onto the skewers, so they are just touching but not crowded.
  • Preheat a grill to 350°F (medium high heat). Oil the grill grates well.
  • Set the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink.
  • Serve with parsley and lime wedges.

Nutrition

Calories: 147kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 143mg | Sodium: 933mg | Potassium: 149mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 332IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 0.4mg
5 from 40 votes (40 ratings without comment)

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