Seafood

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Name: Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 lemons, cut into wedges; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

By Nathaniel Thornbury · June 19, 2026 · Seafood

Prep20 min

Cook10 min

Total30 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made grilled shrimp skewers for my family. It was a warm summer evening, and we were all gathered in the backyard, eager to taste the latest creation from my kitchen. The combination of succulent shrimp, flavorful spices, and the smoky taste of the grill was an instant hit.

As a home cook who's passionate about low-carb keto cooking, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to make and budget-friendly. Grilled shrimp skewers fit the bill perfectly. With just a few ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create a dish that's sure to impress your family and friends.

One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve the shrimp skewers as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a snack. They're perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion like a birthday party or a holiday gathering.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make grilled shrimp skewers that are not only delicious but also low in carbs and rich in flavor. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can achieve restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own home.

So, let's get started and explore the world of grilled shrimp skewers. With this recipe, you'll be able to create a dish that's sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
Perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner
Low in carbs and rich in protein and healthy fats
Can be served as an appetizer, main course, or snack
Great for special occasions like birthday parties or holiday gatherings
Versatile and can be customized with your favorite spices and herbs
Budget-friendly and can be made with affordable ingredients

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great grilled shrimp skewers is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook them at the right temperature. Shrimp is a delicate ingredient that can easily become overcooked and tough, so it's essential to cook them at a high heat for a short period.

Another important factor is the marinade. A good marinade can add a lot of flavor to the shrimp and help to tenderize them. In this recipe, we'll be using a simple marinade made with olive oil, garlic, and herbs.

The type of skewers you use is also important. I recommend using metal or bamboo skewers, as they can withstand high heat and are easy to clean. Wooden skewers can also be used, but they need to be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.

Finally, the way you grill the shrimp is crucial. You want to grill them at a high heat for a short period, so they get a nice sear on the outside and remain juicy on the inside. This can be achieved by preheating the grill to medium-high heat and cooking the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making grilled shrimp skewers, the ingredients are just as important as the cooking technique. You'll need a few basic ingredients like shrimp, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Make sure to choose fresh and high-quality ingredients to get the best flavor and texture.

Here are some tips for choosing the right ingredients: look for large shrimp that are fresh and have a nice pink color. You can also use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them first and pat them dry with paper towels before using.

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveinedLook for fresh and high-quality shrimp with a nice pink color. You can also use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them first and pat them dry with paper towels before using.
2 tbsp olive oilUse a high-quality olive oil that has a rich and fruity flavor. You can also use other oils like avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
2 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt as a substitute.
1 tsp dried thymeThyme is a classic herb that pairs well with shrimp. You can also use other herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano.
1 tsp paprikaPaprika adds a smoky flavor to the shrimp. You can also use other spices like cumin or coriander.
1/2 tsp saltUse a high-quality salt like kosher salt or sea salt. You can also use other seasonings like black pepper or lemon zest.
1/4 tsp black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. You can also use other seasonings like cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
2 lemons, cut into wedgesLemons add a nice acidity to the dish. You can also use other citrus fruits like limes or oranges.
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsleyParsley adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish. You can also use other herbs like basil or cilantro.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a nice salty flavor to the dish. You can also use other cheeses like feta or goat cheese.
1/4 cup chopped fresh basilBasil adds a nice and refreshing flavor to the dish. You can also use other herbs like mint or oregano.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlWhiskMeasuring cups and spoonsCutting boardKnifeMetal or bamboo skewersInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Grilled Shrimp Skewers

1
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.
2
Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each shrimp.
4
Brush the grill with olive oil to prevent the shrimp from sticking. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they reach 145 F (63 C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the shrimp.
5
While the shrimp are grilling, prepare the garnishes. Cut the lemons into wedges and chop the fresh parsley and basil.
6
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the grill and place them on a plate. Squeeze a little lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
7
Garnish the shrimp with chopped parsley and basil. Serve immediately and enjoy.
8
If you want to make the dish more substantial, you can serve the shrimp with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad.
9
To add some extra flavor to the dish, you can drizzle the shrimp with a little olive oil and sprinkle with some chopped fresh herbs.
10
Make sure to cook the shrimp to the right temperature to ensure food safety. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the shrimp.
11
Let the shrimp rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices to redistribute and the shrimp to retain their moisture.
12
Serve the shrimp hot and enjoy. You can also serve them at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference.

Expert Tips

Make sure to soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
Use a high-quality olive oil that has a rich and fruity flavor.
Don't overcook the shrimp. They should be cooked to 145 F (63 C) and still be slightly pink in the center.
Let the shrimp rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices to redistribute and the shrimp to retain their moisture.
Use fresh and high-quality ingredients to get the best flavor and texture.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs to find the flavor combination that you like best.
Make sure to cook the shrimp to the right temperature to ensure food safety.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the shrimp.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the shrimp. They should be cooked to 145 F (63 C) and still be slightly pink in the center.
Not using high-quality ingredients. Fresh and high-quality ingredients will give you the best flavor and texture.
Not letting the shrimp rest before serving. This will help the juices to redistribute and the shrimp to retain their moisture.
Not using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the shrimp.
Not soaking the skewers in water before grilling. This will prevent them from burning.
Not brushing the grill with olive oil before grilling. This will prevent the shrimp from sticking.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced onions or bell peppers to the skewers for extra flavor and texture.
Use different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a unique flavor.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the marinade for extra flavor.
Use different types of oil, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil, for a unique flavor.
Add some lemon zest or juice to the marinade for a bright and citrusy flavor.
Use different types of spices, such as cumin or coriander, for a unique flavor.
Add some chopped nuts or seeds, such as almonds or sesame seeds, to the skewers for extra crunch and flavor.

What to Serve With Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Serve the grilled shrimp skewers hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and basil, and a squeeze of lemon juice. You can also serve them at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference.

Some great side dishes to serve with the shrimp skewers include roasted vegetables, a salad, or a side of quinoa or rice. You can also serve them with a side of tangy sauce, such as a remoulade or a salsa.

Serve with a side of roasted vegetablesServe with a saladServe with a side of quinoa or riceServe with a tangy sauce, such as a remoulade or a salsa

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the grilled shrimp skewers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the shrimp overnight in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven or on the grill until warmed through.

Make sure to label the container with the date and the contents, and to store it in the coldest part of the refrigerator. You can also store the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container, making sure to press out as much air as possible before sealing.

To reheat the shrimp, preheat the oven to 350 F (180 C) and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them on the grill, brushing them with a little olive oil and cooking for 2-3 minutes per side, or until warmed through.

Make sure to check the shrimp for any signs of spoilage before reheating, such as an off smell or slimy texture. If the shrimp are spoiled, discard them immediately and do not eat them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of shrimp should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of large shrimp for this recipe, such as Gulf shrimp or whiteleg shrimp. Just make sure to choose fresh and high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture.

How long should I marinate the shrimp for?

You can marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. The longer you marinate the shrimp, the more flavorful they will be.

What temperature should I cook the shrimp to?

You should cook the shrimp to 145 F (63 C) to ensure food safety. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the shrimp.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them first and pat them dry with paper towels before using.

How long can I store the grilled shrimp skewers for?

You can store the grilled shrimp skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Can I reheat the shrimp in the microwave?

Yes, you can reheat the shrimp in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them. Reheat them on high for 10-15 seconds, or until warmed through.

What type of oil should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of oil for this recipe, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil. Just make sure to choose a high-quality oil with a rich and fruity flavor.

Can I add other ingredients to the skewers?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the skewers, such as diced onions or bell peppers, for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

The Full Recipe

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