Shrimp Skewers (Best Marinade!)

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 skewers are ideal for quick weeknight dinners, backyard BBQs, or laid-back summer gatherings. You can serve them over rice, with grilled veggies, or in wraps for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s effortless and delicious. I’m getting hungry just thinking about them!

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re perfect for quick weeknight dinners or summer BBQs.
• Zesty marinade: Lemon, garlic, and herbs make the shrimp so juicy and loaded with fresh flavour.

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!

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

Aside from garlic bread or rice, you can serve these skewers with any of these easy summer sides:

• Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
• Best Ever Italian Pasta Salad
• Healthy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
• Corn salsa
• Crispy 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 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.