These easy shrimp skewers with a zesty lemon, herb and garlic marinade are perfect for summer grilling, and they’re ready in 20 minutes.
These grilled shrimp skewers are on repeat all summer long. The marinade it SO good and super easy too! I love serving them over rice, with grilled veggies, or in wraps for an effortless and balanced meal everyone will love.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Perfect for grilling season: These shrimp skewers cook in minutes and are made for backyard summer BBQs and weeknight dinners.
- The best shrimp marinade: Lemon, garlic, and herbs add fresh flavour while keeping the shrimp juicy and tender.
- Quick and healthy: Ready in 20 minutes with lean protein and fresh veggies for an easy, balanced meal.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Shrimp – Use fresh or thawed frozen shrimp; large or jumbo work best for grilling.
Marinade
- Olive oil – Avocado oil or another neutral oil works well too.
- Lemon juice – Fresh is best, but bottled lemon juice or lime juice can be used.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic gives bold flavour; garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Dijon mustard – Yellow mustard or grainy mustard also work for a different flavour.
- Fresh chopped parsley – Swap with dried parsley or other fresh herbs like cilantro.
- Fresh chopped basil – Use dried basil if needed, or try oregano for an herby twist.
- Chili flakes – Adjust to taste for heat level, or use a pinch of cayenne pepper instead.
Veggies
- Bell pepper – Any colour works; you can also use mini peppers or poblano.
- Red onion – Yellow or white onion can be swapped in.
- Zucchini – Try yellow squash or even eggplant slices for variety.
How to make shrimp skewers
Step 1: Make the marinade.
Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
Step 2: Marinate the shrimp.
Drop the shrimp and veggies into a bowl, and mix in the marinade.
Step 3: Assemble the skewers.
Thread the shrimp and veggies onto skewers.
Step 4: Grill the skewers.
Grill until the shrimp are pink and the veggies are crisp. Serve hot off the grill!
Recipe Tips & Variations
This simple recipe is perfect for experimenting. Here are some fun ways you can change things up.
- Don’t overcook: Shrimp cook fast so as soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Use metal skewers.
- Don’t skip the marinade time: Even 10–15 minutes makes a big difference in flavour and juiciness.
- Preheat your grill: A hot grill helps you get a nice sear and prevents sticking.
- Cut evenly: Make sure your veggies are similar in size so everything cooks at the same time.
- Switch up the veggies: Try mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or chunks of eggplant for even more colour and flavour.
- Spice it up: Add more chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat, or leave them out for a milder version.
- Try other herbs: Fresh thyme, cilantro, or oregano can give the marinade a different twist. Try my homemade seasonings too for more flavour!
Frequently asked questions
What size shrimp works best?
Large or jumbo shrimp hold up better on the grill and stay juicy without overcooking.
Can I make these without a BBQ or griller?
Absolutely! Use a grill pan on the stove or broil them in the oven for a similar charred flavour.
How do I prevent the shrimp from sticking to the grill?
Lightly oil the grill grates or brush the skewers with extra olive oil before cooking.
What to serve with this dish
- Garlic bread, rice or cauliflower rice
- Side of guacamole or corn salsa
- Mexican street corn pasta salad or Italian pasta salad
- Sweet potato fries or green bean fries
How to store and reheat
Make ahead: You can marinate the shrimp and prep the veggies a few hours in advance. Just keep them covered in containers in the fridge until ready to grill.
Store: Keep cooked skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until heated through.
More Healthy Grilling Recipes
Shrimp Skewers (Best Marinade!)
Equipment
- Indoor grill optional; perfect for apartment living!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb shrimp
Marinade
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley or 1 tsp dried
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped basil or 1 tsp dried
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes
Veggies
- 1 bell pepper any colour, chopped
- 1 small red onion chopped
- 1 zucchini sliced
Optional side dish ideas
- Garlic bread
- Rice
Instructions
- Preheat the BBQ to 425 F. Mix the shrimp and veggies with the marinade ingredients in a large bowl and marinate for 5-10 minutes.
- Add shrimp and veggies to skewers, alternating adding each shrimp and vegetable, then place on the grill and cook for 5 minutes per side.
- Serve with garlic bread or rice on the side and enjoy!
Comments & Reviews
Taylor Stinson says
This is my favourite shrimp marinade!