Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers Recipe

There’s something irresistible about the sizzle of shrimp hitting a hot grill, especially when they've been marinating in lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. These Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers are bursting with bright, zesty flavor and deliver that perfect charred smokiness we all crave in summer meals.

I first whipped up this recipe for a last-minute backyard BBQ with friends, using ingredients I already had on hand. It was an instant hit – juicy shrimp, fragrant herbs, and a tangy citrus punch made these skewers disappear in minutes.

Since then, it’s become my go-to for warm-weather dinners and quick weeknight meals. Let me show you why these skewers deserve a regular spot on your menu.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s as easy as it is impressive. These Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers check all the boxes for flavor, convenience, and versatility.

First off, they come together incredibly fast. With just 10 minutes of prep and another 6-8 minutes on the grill, you can have dinner on the table in under 20 minutes – perfect for busy nights.

They're also wonderfully light and healthy. Shrimp is naturally lean, and the marinade is made with heart-healthy olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and antioxidant-rich herbs.

Budget-conscious? Shrimp is surprisingly affordable when bought frozen in bulk. Plus, the ingredients are pantry staples, making this recipe both accessible and economical.

And don’t worry about picky eaters. These skewers are endlessly customizable. Not a fan of rosemary? Swap it for basil. Want a little kick? Add some red pepper flakes. It’s a recipe that welcomes creativity.

Whether you're grilling for guests or just spicing up a weekday dinner, these shrimp skewers are sure to impress.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these skewers lies in the freshness of the ingredients and the simplicity of the marinade. Each component brings its own punch of flavor to the table.

Shrimp are the star here. I recommend using large or extra-large peeled and deveined shrimp with tails on. The tails not only make for a prettier presentation, but also help prevent the shrimp from drying out on the grill.

Fresh lemon juice is the backbone of the marinade. It adds brightness and acidity that balances the richness of the olive oil. Be sure to use freshly squeezed juice rather than bottled for the best flavor.

Garlic infuses the shrimp with depth and warmth. Two to three cloves, finely minced, are just right – enough to be bold, but not overpowering.

Herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary add a garden-fresh touch. You can use a single herb or mix them for a more complex flavor profile. I love the way thyme crisps up on the grill.

Olive oil helps carry all those beautiful flavors into the shrimp and prevents sticking. Use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best results.

You'll also need metal or wooden skewers. If using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.

How To Make This Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Creating these shrimp skewers is straightforward and fun – ideal for both grilling novices and seasoned BBQ pros.

Start by preparing your marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and your choice of chopped fresh herbs. Add a generous pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. This is where the flavor magic begins.

Next, place your shrimp in the bowl with the marinade. Toss gently to coat, then cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, but no more than 30. The citrus helps tenderize the shrimp quickly, so don't let them sit too long or they can become mushy.

While the shrimp are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high and prepare your skewers. Thread 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer, curling them so they lay flat and cook evenly. Discard any remaining marinade.

Once the grill is hot, lightly oil the grates or brush a bit of olive oil directly onto the shrimp. Grill the skewers for 2-4 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are opaque and have nice grill marks. Keep an eye on them – shrimp cook fast!

Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute or two before serving. A quick squeeze of fresh lemon over the top takes them to the next level.

From start to finish, you’re looking at about 20 minutes total. It doesn’t get much easier or more satisfying than this.

Storage Options

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house), these shrimp skewers store beautifully.

Let the cooked shrimp cool completely before removing them from the skewers. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To freeze, arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.

When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge. For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or enjoy them cold over a salad or in a wrap.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can mix things up to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand.

Want to turn up the heat? Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade or serve the shrimp with a spicy dipping sauce.

No fresh herbs on hand? Dried herbs work too – just use about one-third the amount since they're more concentrated.

Looking to make it a full meal? Alternate shrimp with cherry tomatoes, zucchini slices, or bell pepper chunks on the skewers for a colorful and complete dinner.

Not in the mood to grill? You can also cook these skewers under the broiler or on a stovetop grill pan with equally delicious results.

However you decide to make them, these Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers are endlessly adaptable and guaranteed to be a hit. So go ahead – fire up the grill and give them your own personal twist!

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