Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers Recipe

The Zestiest Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers Recipe for Summer Grilling

Summers sizzle with vibrant, succulent lemon garlic shrimp skewers that dance with zesty Mediterranean flavors.

These tender prawns marinated in a bright, aromatic blend capture the essence of coastal cuisine.

Fresh shrimp nestled with lemon garlic marinade create an irresistible combination that promises pure culinary delight.

Grilling brings out deep, caramelized notes that complement the delicate seafood perfectly.

Each skewer delivers a burst of tangy, herbaceous goodness that transforms a simple meal into an extraordinary experience.

The recipe offers a quick, elegant solution for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Serving Suggestions for Shrimp Skewers

How to Make Strawberry Glazed French Crullers
  • Flavor Explosion Platter: Arrange skewers over a bed of fluffy herbed rice or quinoa, drizzling extra lemon garlic sauce for added zest.
  • Mediterranean Feast: Serve alongside warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a crisp Greek salad to create a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
  • Quick Party Appetizer: Cut skewers into smaller portions, place on a decorative platter with toothpicks, and pair with chilled white wine for elegant entertaining.
  • Fresh Summer Lunch: Combine skewers with a light mixed greens salad topped with cucumber, feta cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing midday meal.

How to Store Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

  • Store leftover skewers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep shrimp cool and covered to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Warm skewers at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, wrapped in foil to prevent drying out. Check internal temperature reaches 145°F for food safety.
  • Heat skewers in 30-second intervals, rotating midway. Drizzle extra lemon butter sauce to restore moisture and prevent rubbery texture.
  • Toss leftover skewers after 2 days to ensure optimal taste and prevent potential foodborne illness. Fresh seafood deteriorates faster than other proteins.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before threading onto skewers to ensure proper grilling and prevent excess moisture.

  • What if I don't have a grill or grill pan?

You can use an indoor cast-iron skillet or broil the skewers in the oven, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turns opaque.

  • How do I know when the shrimp is fully cooked?

Shrimp is done when it turns from translucent gray to pink and appears opaque, usually taking 3-4 minutes per side. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.

  • Is there a substitute for ghee in the lemon butter sauce?

Absolutely! You can use regular butter or olive oil as an alternative with similar delicious results.

Why Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers Are So Flavorful

  • Speed Up Weeknight Cooking: Prepare a delicious, nutritious meal in just a few minutes with minimal ingredients and simple grilling technique.
  • Master Flavor Fusion: Combine zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs to create a mouthwatering marinade that elevates basic shrimp and vegetable skewers.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for summer gatherings, family dinners, or quick protein-packed meals that appeal to both adults and kids with its bright, tangy flavors.
  • Healthy Protein Option: Low-carb, high-protein dish packed with fresh vegetables that offers a nutritious alternative to heavy meat-based meals while keeping everyone satisfied.

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Main Protein:
  • Shrimp: Fresh seafood that serves as the primary protein for this flavorful skewer dish.
Vegetables:
  • Bell Peppers, Onions: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness and texture to the skewers.
Seasoning and Herb Blend:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
  • Italian Seasoning, Paprika: Aromatic spices that provide depth and complexity to the shrimp and vegetables.
Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Ghee, Butter: Rich, clarifying fat that adds a smooth and luxurious texture to the lemon butter sauce.
  • Garlic: Pungent ingredient that delivers a bold and distinctive flavor to the skewers.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright and acidic component that adds a fresh, zesty taste to the dish.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a light, green note to the lemon butter sauce.
Cooking Accessories:
  • Olive Oil: Used for greasing the grill and preventing ingredients from sticking.
  • Wooden Skewers: Cooking tool for assembling and grilling the shrimp and vegetables.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Step 1: Prepare Grill Surface

Clean the grill or grill pan with a brush.

Using long tongs and paper towels dipped in olive oil, lightly grease the cooking surface to prevent sticking.

Heat the grill to medium-high temperature.

Step 2: Assemble Skewers

Gather wooden or metal skewers.

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Thread ingredients onto skewers in an alternating pattern:
  • Shrimp
  • Bell peppers
  • Red onions

Step 3: Season Ingredients

Sprinkle seasonings evenly over skewered ingredients:
  • Kosher salt
  • Ground black pepper
  • Italian seasoning
  • Paprika (optional)

Step 4: Create Lemon Butter Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Melted ghee or butter
  • Minced garlic
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Chopped parsley

Brush half of the sauce onto skewers, reserving remaining sauce for later.

Step 5: Grill Skewers

Place skewers on preheated grill.

Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until:
  • Shrimp turns opaque
  • Vegetables become tender
  • Edges start to brown slightly

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Brush remaining lemon butter sauce over skewers.

Cook for additional 10 seconds.

Remove from heat immediately and serve hot.

Pro Tips for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

  • Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to stop them from catching fire and ensure safe, even cooking.
  • Watch for shrimp to turn opaque and slightly pink, which indicates they're perfectly cooked without becoming rubbery or tough.
  • Sprinkle salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika evenly across shrimp and vegetables for consistent, flavorful results.
  • Brush sauce generously before and after grilling to lock in moisture and create a rich, zesty coating that elevates the dish's overall taste.
  • Maintain medium-high heat to achieve beautiful char marks on vegetables and cook shrimp quickly without drying them out.

Flavor Variations for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

  • Vegan Sea Alternative: Replace shrimp with extra-firm tofu cubes or marinated king oyster mushrooms, maintaining the same lemon garlic marinade and grilling technique.
  • Low-Carb Mediterranean Spin: Swap bell peppers and onions with zucchini and asparagus spears for a lighter, keto-friendly version that keeps the zesty flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Asian Fusion: Use tamari instead of regular butter, add ginger to the marinade, and include sliced water chestnuts for a crunchy texture and gluten-free adaptation.
  • Dairy-Free Herb Variation: Substitute ghee with coconut oil and add fresh cilantro instead of parsley for a different herbal note while keeping the recipe dairy-free and allergen-friendly.
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Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers Recipe


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4.9 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers bring Mediterranean coastal magic to dinner tables with zesty herb-infused seafood. Succulent shrimp marinated in bright citrus and garlic promise a quick, elegant meal that transports you straight to sunny Greek shores.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) raw jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on

Vegetables:

  • 23 bell peppers (mix of red, yellow, green, or orange), cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 red onion, cut into bite-sized chunks

Seasonings and Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) ghee, melted
  • 2 tablespoons finely minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Himalayan pink salt (to taste)
  • Ground black pepper (to taste)

Additional:

  • Olive oil (for the grill)
  • Metal or wooden skewers

Instructions

  1. Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high (375-400°F). Prepare surface by cleaning grates and lightly oiling with olive oil using tongs and folded paper towel.
  2. Prepare wooden skewers by soaking in water for 30 minutes to prevent charring during cooking.
  3. Arrange shrimp, bell peppers, and onions onto pre-soaked skewers, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  4. Generously season assembled skewers with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional paprika for enhanced flavor profile.
  5. Create zesty lemon butter sauce by whisking melted ghee, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley in a small mixing bowl.
  6. Thoroughly coat both sides of prepared skewers with half of the prepared lemon butter sauce, reserving remaining mixture for final glazing.
  7. Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, monitoring until shrimp turns opaque and vegetables develop slight caramelization and tenderness.
  8. During final moments of grilling, brush remaining lemon butter sauce over skewers and cook for additional 10 seconds to intensify flavors.
  9. Remove from heat immediately and serve hot, allowing the vibrant lemon garlic essence to shine through perfectly grilled seafood and vegetables.

Notes

  • Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
  • Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture, preferably wild-caught or sustainably sourced.
  • Customize the seasoning by adding red pepper flakes for extra heat or swapping Italian seasoning with herbs like thyme or rosemary.
  • For a low-carb option, serve skewers over cauliflower rice or with a side salad instead of traditional grains.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 168 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 230 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 19 g
  • Cholesterol: 145 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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