If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors and perfect for a quick, satisfying meal, this Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe will become your new go-to. Juicy, tender shrimp soaked in a vibrant marinade of garlic, herbs, and a touch of lemon, then grilled to perfection, create a dish that’s as beautiful on the plate as it is delightful on the taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving something light yet flavorful, these skewers hit every note just right.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one plays a crucial role in delivering the incredible taste, texture, and color this dish boasts. From the bright citrus punch of lemon juice to the fresh, herbaceous notes of cilantro and parsley, every element balances perfectly.
- 1 pound large shrimp: Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the shrimp juicy during grilling.
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped: Offers a fresh, slightly citrusy flavor that complements the shrimp.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped: Adds earthiness and vibrant green color.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star ingredient for that unmistakable aroma and punch.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brings brightness and tenderizes the shrimp gently.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A subtle heat to balance the marinade.
- Pinch of cayenne pepper: Adds a customizable kick of spice to brighten up the dish.
How to Make Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the flavorful marinade
Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh cilantro and parsley, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. This marinade is the heart of the Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe, infusing every shrimp with layers of vibrant flavor and that irresistible garlicky aroma.
Step 2: Marinate the shrimp
Next, place your shrimp in a bowl and pour about three quarters of the marinade over them. Gently toss to ensure each shrimp is coated with those delicious herbs and spices. Cover and let the shrimp marinate for 30 minutes to an hour—this step is what guarantees juicy, flavorful results that are well worth the wait.
Step 3: Thread shrimp onto skewers
Once marinated, thread the shrimp onto skewers carefully, making sure to distribute garlic and herbs evenly among the pieces. This helps every bite deliver a consistent and delightful flavor, preparing them perfectly for their turn on the grill.
Step 4: Grill to perfection
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high, then place the shrimp skewers down. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. This quick cooking keeps the shrimp tender without drying them out—a beautiful sear and the scent of garlic filling the air is your sign that dinner is nearly ready.
Step 5: Serve with the remaining marinade
Transfer the cooked shrimp onto a serving plate and spoon the reserved marinade on top to add an extra layer of flavor. Those juicy, garlicky bites are now ready to shine.
How to Serve Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or cilantro make a perfect finishing touch, adding fresh brightness and a pop of color that will make your plate look as fantastic as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair these skewers with a crisp green salad or a chilled cucumber tzatziki for a refreshing contrast. For something heartier, fluffy rice or grilled vegetables complement the shrimp beautifully and balance out the garlic-forward marinade.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the skewers on a bed of quinoa or couscous with a drizzle of garlic yogurt sauce to elevate the meal. You can also cut up the grilled shrimp and toss them into tacos or a vibrant pasta salad, making the Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe wonderfully versatile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled shrimp skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best enjoyed within 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep the shrimp longer, remove them from the skewers, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to retain their texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, or briefly warm in the microwave. Avoid overcooking to keep the shrimp tender, and consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after reheating to brighten the flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before marinating to ensure the marinade sticks well and the shrimp grills evenly.
What type of skewers work best?
Wooden or bamboo skewers are perfect, but remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the shrimp to prevent burning on the grill.
Can I make this recipe without fresh herbs?
Fresh herbs give the most vibrant flavor, but if you don’t have them, dried parsley and cilantro can be used—just reduce the amount slightly as dried herbs are more concentrated.
How spicy is this recipe?
The pinch of cayenne pepper adds a gentle warmth that you can easily adjust to your liking. Simply add more for a spicier kick or omit for a milder taste.
Is this recipe suitable for outdoor grilling only?
Not at all! You can use a grill pan indoors or even broil the shrimp skewers in your oven if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe enough for anyone who loves simple weeknight meals packed with big flavors. It’s quick, fresh, and endlessly versatile, sure to bring a little joy to your dinner table. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your recipe collection!
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Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 40-65 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 5-6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weekend barbecue or a light weeknight meal. Marinated in a vibrant blend of olive oil, fresh cilantro, parsley, garlic, and a hint of cayenne, the shrimp are grilled to perfection, resulting in a juicy, aromatic appetizer or main course that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 pound large shrimp
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, cilantro, parsley, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to create a flavorful marinade that will infuse the shrimp.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a medium bowl. Pour three-quarters of the prepared marinade over the shrimp, gently tossing to coat them evenly. Cover the bowl and let the shrimp marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Skewer the Shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, making sure to distribute garlic and herbs evenly among them for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Grill the Shrimp: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and are cooked through.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked shrimp skewers to a serving plate. Spoon the remaining marinade over the top to enhance the flavor before serving immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use large shrimp that are peeled and deveined.
- You can soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your preferred spice level.
- Serve with a side of rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon each of dried parsley and cilantro, though fresh is recommended.
