These grilled shrimp skewers are shrimp marinated in garlic, lemon and herbs, then threaded onto sticks and cooked to perfection. Shrimp kabobs can be on your table in just 20 minutes, which makes them perfect for a busy night!
Shrimp skewers are a simple yet satisfying dinner option. While I especially love these shrimp kabobs on the grill, they also can be broiled in the oven.
I am all about grilling right now, and my family can’t get enough of these easy grilled shrimp skewers.The shrimp are marinated, then threaded onto sticks and seared to perfection. Add a little lemon and herbs on top and you’ve got the ultimate speedy dinner.
How do you grill shrimp?
The best way to grill shrimp are to marinate them in olive oil, herbs, garlic and lemon, then skewer and cook. Shrimp are best grilled on skewers; if you try to grill them without a skewer, you run the risk of these little guys falling through the grates of the grill when you go to turn them.
This shrimp marinade starts with olive oil and lemon juice. I add an additional layer of flavor with plenty of dried herbs (I use an Italian seasoning blend), along with fresh minced garlic. I like simplicity here, but if you want to jazz up your marinade even more, you can add lemon zest, a splash of white white, soy sauce, or a squeeze of honey.
How long do you grill shrimp on skewers?
Shrimp cook very quickly, so it’s imperative to watch your shrimp to make sure they don’t overcook. Shrimp typically take about 2-3 minutes per side on the grill. You’ll be able to tell when the shrimp are done because they’ll turn pink and opaque.
You can use an outdoor grill, grill pan, or broiler to make these shrimp skewers. I typically use my outdoor grill, but when the weather isn’t nice or I don’t feel like firing up the grill, I cook the shrimp on the stove top in my favorite grill pan.
I use the largest shrimp I can find for this recipe. Shrimp are labeled based on their size count, or the number of shrimp you get per pound. These shrimp are the jumbo size shrimp, which are 16-20 per pound. You can go smaller if need be and the recipe will still be delicious.
Whenever I post shrimp recipes, I always get asked if the shrimp tails should be left on or removed. I typically keep the tails on when I’m looking for a nicer presentation. It’s really a matter of personal preference whether you leave the tails on or remove them before grilling.
I typically serve my grilled shrimp skewers over homemade Rice-A-Roni with grilled asparagus or a tropical fruit salad on the side for a complete meal that my whole family devours!
More grilling recipes
- Grilled Chicken Tenders
- Grilled Asparagus in Foil
- Lemon Sriracha Shrimp
- Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
- Pork and Pineapple Kabobs
Grilled Shrimp Video
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined (you can either leave tails on or remove them)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Place the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and garlic in a resealable plastic bag. Seal and shake to combine.
- Add the shrimp to the bag and seal. Toss to coat evenly with the marinade.
- Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours. You don't want to marinate for longer than that, as the acid in the lemon juice will start to cook the shrimp.
- Thread the shrimp onto skewers. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium high heat.
- Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Broiler directions: Preheat the broiler. Place the shrimp skewers on a sheet pan coated with cooking spray. Broil for 2-3 minutes on each side or until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
these shrimp were fantastic!!! thank you
Wow! Easy and delicious!
Great recipe, although a little too salty. Try using about 1/3 of the salt called for.
Great recipes s very tasty but I would reduce the amount of salt!!!!
Awesome. I used some Italian spice that I purchased in Italy,
Soooo delicious and easy! My five and three year old devoured them. Definitely need to make more next time now that I know they love it so much!
I also never give feedback, but this was some of the best shrimp I’ve ever had! Simple recipe and easy to make but it created just the right flavor.
Amazing!! Our children devoured it!
I have been doing shrimp dishes for 40 years and this is one of the best grilled shrimp dishes I have ever done. Quit and easy for dinner or use as an appetizer. Will do over again and again.
Easy and tasty, good flavor. Next time I would cut back on the salt as they were a little too salty for our taste.
During this time of the quarantine, my husband has been grilling meals for the two of us. He wanted to grill shrimp shish kabobs, so I looked some recipes for them and was glade I found this one! He followed this recipe and I have to tell you, it was FANTASTIC! We did change it up a bit by adding vegetables – whole mushrooms, green zucchini squash, tomatoes and red onion. He previously used the same ingredients, but did not marinate them in a plastic, resealable bag. This made all the difference. We were both concerned about the vegetables needing more cooking time than the shrimp, so we cut them in half. Thanks for the recipe, Sara!
I don’t ever write a comment but oh my….i followed the recipe to a t…and wow..its so good. This is a keeper in my house. Made with grilled ribeye and baked potato for a surf and turf ..AMAZING.
I don’t like shrimp, but i made this for my family and it was a hit, will be making this again.
I just made this in my wok. I added some steamed broccoli and then stir fried it until the liquid evaporated. It was delicious, quick, and easy.
Wonderfully delicious. Adults and children love this. Easy preparation and cook. Goes really good with mac and cheese and garlic bread. Bon appetit.
Perfect, quick recipe! Will use again!
Awesome and easy! been putting direct on grill grate, only lost one down through after three times. Ate on top a salad as well as by themselves. Tonight put a squeeze of honey just to try it.
Tried this recipe for the first time tonight and the shrimp were wonderful!! Preparing them for the grill was easy.
I made this last night and my boyfriend and I loved them! They were so easy. Thanks for an awesome recipe!
Perfect, quick recipe! Will use again!
I’ve now made these in the oven and on the grill and its so good both ways!