Delicious, easy, buttery grilled shrimp made on skewers with garlic, herbs, and fresh lime juice. It’s the easiest shrimp dinner you can make in a few minutes but also full of flavor and smoky addition from the grill. You can make it during the week with ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
Shrimp Skewers
When I want an easy dinner where I don’t have to wait to long for it to cook, I turn to seafood. More specifically, shrimp and scallops, because they take almost no time to cook. Both, shrimp and scallops take just a few minutes per side to cook. This means that you can have your dinner in less than 20 minutes if you pair it with an salad or easy vegetables.
Of course, firing up the grill for just shrimp seems a bit of a pain. So you can always reserve grilled shrimp for the times where you pair them with other meats or cooking for a crowd.
No matter when you decide to throw some shrimp on the grill, it will always be easy, quick and full of flavor. Get some good quality shrimp, fresh garlic, herbs, and lime for an easy summer seafood recipe.
Quick Grilling Notes:
What is the temperature of the grill for shrimp?
You want to grill shrimp over medium to medium-high temperature, over direct heat. If you’re preparing a charcoal grill, fill the chimney starter about 3-4 of the way. Keep the coals on one side of the grill to keep them more concentrated but you will be grilling on the hot side. For the gas grill, keep temperature around medium-high, between 375°- 425°.
How long to cook shrimp on the grill?
You will want to grill shrimp skewers for about 3 minutes per size, depending on the size. Because the shrimp are clustered in the skewers, they will take a few more seconds on the grill than loose shrimp. Total cook time will be 6-8 minutes.
Can I add some wood chips?
Of course! One of the best ways to infuse extra wonderful smoke flavor it with wood chips. Throw some nice and mild flavored wood chips like apple, pecan, cherry, alder.
Why do I have to soak skewers?
Thin wooden skewers catch fire and burn easily. When you soak the skewers, you introduce moisture into them and that moisture will have to dry out before the wood will start burning. This will give your food ample time to cook before the skewers will be ablaze. If you forgot to soak them, wrap the tips with aluminum foil.
Ingredients For Shrimp Skewers
Shrimp – For the best results, get the best quality shrimp. When possible, get fresh shrimp that are extra large or jumbo (like 16/20 or 21/25). That way they don’t cook too fast and become rubbery.
Garlic – fresh garlic will always give you better taste results than jarred, pre-minced one.
Lime – you will need lime juice and zest for great citrusy flavor.
Oil – use high burn point oil to it stands up well to grilling.
Parsley – get the best flavors from fresh parsley.
Butter – use unsalted butter to finish the shrimp and if you must, add just a pinch of salt.
Salt and pepper – to round up all the great fresh flavors.
How To Grill Shrimp Skewers
About 30-60 minutes before cooking, submerge the wooden skewers in water and let them soak.
If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are completely thawed. Peel and devein shrimp in needed, rinse them off, and pat them dry with a paper towel.
In a small mixing bowl, combine shrimp, lime juice, lime zest, pressed garlic, oil, minced parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it sit while you set up the grill to preheat.
While the grill is preheating, skewer the shrimp onto the soaked skewers.
Spray the shrimp with some non-stick cooking spray on both sides before adding it to the grill. Grill shrimp over direct heat for 3-4 minutes on each side. (Time will vary depending on the size of shrimp but you are looking for shrimp to turn completely opaque.)
Melt butter while shrimp is cooking and mix it with pressed garlic and parsley. Once shrimp is done, brush them with melted butter mixture and serve.
How To Serve Grilled Shrimp
These great are wonderful with a salad or topped over a rice bowl. Feel free to throw some vegetables on the grill to cook at the same time like zucchini, asparagus, mixed vegetable skewers, green beans, and more.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Ingredients
- 2 lbs large or jumbo shrimp
- 2 tbsp canola or vegetable oil
- 1 lime – juice and zest
- 2 garlic cloves pressed
- 2 tbsp minced fresh parsley
- salt
- black pepper
To Finish:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 garlic clove pressed
- 1 tbsp minced fresh parsley
- pinch of salt if needed
Instructions
Before Grilling:
- About 30-60 minutes before cooking, submerge the wooden skewers in water and let them soak.
- Prepare the grill, preheat it to medium-high temperature, and make sure to clean the grill grate before adding food on it.
Prepare Shrimp:
- If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are completely thawed. Peel and devein shrimp in needed, rinse them off, and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine shrimp, lime juice, lime zest, pressed garlic, oil, minced parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it sit until the grill is preheated.
- Skewer shrimp ono the the skewers.
Cooking Shrimp:
- Spray the shrimp with some non-stick cooking spray on both sides before adding it to the grill.
- When the grill is preheated, use long metal tongs to add shrimp skewers to the grill.
- Grill shrimp over direct heat for 3-4 minutes on each side. (Time will vary depending on the size of shrimp but you are looking for shrimp to turn completely opaque.)
- Melt butter while shrimp is cooking and mix it with pressed garlic and parsley. Once shrimp is done, brush them with melted butter mixture and serve.
Nutrition
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