Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and utterly delicious seafood dish that feels like a little celebration on your plate, I’ve got you covered. This Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it’s bursting with bright citrus, fragrant garlic, and just the right amount of herbaceous charm. Whether you’re new to grilling shrimp or a seasoned pro, you’ll find that this recipe turns out juicy, flavorful shrimp every single time—and it’s perfect for impressing friends or just rewarding yourself on a weeknight.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe is in its simplicity. I used just a handful of ingredients that balance each other perfectly, so don’t overlook the quality here—especially the shrimp and fresh lemon.

• Shrimp: Choose extra large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture and visual appeal; peeled and deveined is a big time saver.
• Butter: Melted to act as a luscious base for the marinade and basting; gives shrimp that lovely glaze.
• Lemon zest and juice: Fresh lemon offers bright acidity—don’t skimp on the zest, that’s where the aroma lives.
• Garlic: Minced garlic packs a punch that complements the lemon without overpowering it.
• Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence: You can use dried or fresh herbs; I often swap with fresh parsley and thyme for an herbal brightness.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. Feel free to make it your own by swapping herbs or adding a little kick.

• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or brush on a little smoked paprika before grilling—it gives a lovely warmth that my family loves.
• Herb Swap: Sometimes I swap Italian seasoning for fresh cilantro and lime zest for a Mexican vibe that’s insanely fresh and vibrant.
• Skewer Swap: If you don’t have skewers, cooking shrimp in a grill basket works well too—just toss gently with the marinade so they don’t fall through the grates.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: Try doubling the sauce to drizzle over rice or pasta alongside your skewers for extra indulgence.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Grill and Skewers Ready

First things first, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning—this little step makes a huge difference in keeping your skewers intact and your shrimp tasting fresh. If you’re using metal skewers, you’re already a step ahead!

Step 2: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

While the grill is warming, melt the butter and mix it with fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, and your chosen herbs. I always taste my sauce at this point to make sure the balance of citrus and garlic feels right—it should be bright but buttery, with a hint of herbiness. This sauce will double as your marinade and basting glaze.

Step 3: Skewer and Brush the Shrimp

Thread the peeled and deveined shrimp onto your skewers. This part is fun—and I like to make them evenly spaced so they’ll cook uniformly. Next, brush both sides of each shrimp with that luscious lemon garlic butter, saving some sauce for later drizzling. This step helps lock in flavor and keeps shrimp from drying out on the grill.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-6 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them—they’re done when the shrimp turn completely pink with just a slight golden char. Overcooking shrimp can make them rubbery, so this moment is key. I promise, those few minutes give you shrimp with perfectly tender, smoky, crisp edges.

Step 5: Final Touch and Serving

Once off the grill, drizzle the leftover lemon garlic butter mixture over the shrimp skewers while they’re still hot. This extra layer of buttery, zesty goodness is the final flourish that really elevates the dish. Serve immediately and watch everyone dig in!

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little fresh parsley or chopped cilantro on top to add a pop of color and herbal brightness that complements the garlic and lemon. A few lemon wedges on the side never hurt either—sometimes people like an extra squeeze right before they dig in.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed in olive oil and lemon, or my go-to is a side of fluffy couscous or garlic butter rice—it soaks up any extra sauce perfectly. For a heartier meal, grilled asparagus or roasted baby potatoes fit like a glove.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these shrimp skewers over beds of colorful vegetable ribbons or alongside grilled pineapple slices for a tropical vibe. Another fun idea is to make mini shrimp skewers and serve them as finger food on a platter with dipping sauces for parties—they always disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Just be sure to keep them separate from any salad or watery sides to maintain their texture and flavor.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked shrimp skewers, I’ve found the best results come from freezing raw, marinated shrimp instead. Freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw and grill as usual for the freshest taste.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend a quick toss in a hot skillet with a little butter or olive oil, just until warmed through—microwaving can make shrimp tough and rubbery. This way, they stay juicy and maintain that delicious garlic lemon kick.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe brings so much flavor with so little fuss. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how garlic, lemon, and a little butter could turn simple shrimp into something truly special. It’s quick enough for weeknights but fancy enough to serve guests without stress. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll keep coming back for those juicy, flavorful bites—my family sure does. So grab some shrimp, fire up your grill, and enjoy the best lemon garlic skewers you’ve ever had!

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