Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the sizzle and aroma of Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers hitting a hot grill. In minutes, this vibrant recipe transforms simple ingredients into the ultimate backyard feast—juicy shrimp marinated in lemon, fresh herbs, and plenty of garlic. If you love meals that feel special yet are a breeze to whip up, these skewers are about to become your new obsession.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers is just how beautifully the ingredients come together—each one with a simple, bold purpose. There are no tricky surprises: just honest flavors enhancing juicy shrimp for a result that’s anything but ordinary.

• Large Shrimp: Look for peeled and deveined shrimp to save time—larger shrimp grill beautifully and stay juicy.
• Olive Oil: Acts as the luscious base for the marinade, locking in moisture and infusing richness.
• Fresh Cilantro: Adds a punchy green note and a hint of citrus, balancing the garlic.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings a fresh, clean flavor that keeps the marinade bright and lively.
• Garlic: Four cloves might sound bold—because it is! That gorgeous, pungent flavor is the heart of this recipe.
• Lemon Juice: Just enough to add zippy tang and beautifully tenderize the shrimp.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for rounding out flavors; don’t skip the seasoning!
• Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch brings gentle heat—add more if you want a kick.

Variations

One of the joys of Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers is just how fun they are to customize—there’s truly no wrong way to make them your own. Whether you’re swapping in favorite herbs, dialing up the heat, or making them friendly for every table, here are some tasty ways to switch things up.

• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or extra cayenne to bring serious fire to your skewers.
• Herb Swap: Try basil, fresh thyme, or oregano for a different twist—just avoid rosemary, which can overpower the shrimp.
• Citrus Change-Up: Substitute lime or even orange juice for the lemon for a completely new citrus zing.
• Low FODMAP: For those avoiding garlic, try infusing the oil with garlic cloves, then remove before marinating.

How to Make Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Step 1: Whip Up the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, cilantro, parsley, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. A quick whisk is all it takes for the flavors to blend—don’t be afraid to inhale deeply; that aroma is incredible!

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to a bowl, then pour about three-quarters of the marinade on top. Toss gently to coat. Let them soak up that fabulous flavor for 30 minutes to 1 hour—the shrimp will become plump and perfume your entire kitchen with garlicky promise.

Step 3: Skewer and Prep for Grilling

Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, making sure to pick up some herbs and garlic from the bottom of the bowl for maximum flavor and color. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10-15 minutes so they don’t burn on the grill.

Step 4: Grill the Skewers

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, lay on the shrimp skewers and grill them for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re done when they’re pink, opaque, and simply impossible to resist.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Transfer the cooked skewers to a platter and drizzle over the reserved marinade for that extra punch of fresh, raw flavor. If you prefer a less intense garlic hit, skip this step or gently warm the leftover marinade first.

How to Serve Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Garnishes

Finish your Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs, extra lemon wedges for squeezing, and maybe a pinch of flaky sea salt for texture. A drizzle of good olive oil over the top never hurts, either—simple touches that really make these colors and flavors pop.

Side Dishes

Pair your skewers with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad, grilled vegetables, or fluffy rice pilaf. Crusty bread is perfect for swooping through those leftover garlicky juices, or try serving them over pasta for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to really impress, lay the Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers over a rustic wooden board with lots of colorful garnishes or nestle them into lettuce wraps with avocado slices. For parties, remove the shrimp from the skewers and serve them in mini cups with cocktail forks and a bit of marinade drizzled over—the ultimate party bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers should be cooled and transferred to an airtight container, then refrigerated. They’ll stay delicious for up to two days and are just as tasty cold tossed onto salads or grain bowls.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover cooked shrimp, though the texture is always best fresh. Spread the grilled shrimp out on a tray to freeze, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll keep well for up to two months—just thaw gently in the fridge before using.

Reheating

Shrimp can get rubbery if overheated, so gently rewarm leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of olive oil, or enjoy them cold for snacky salads and wraps. Avoid the microwave if you can—quick stovetop reheating works wonders!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a fresh, flavor-packed meal with major wow factor, Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers are your ticket. They’re fast, festive, and guaranteed to disappear—give them a try and get ready for rave reviews!

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