If you love fresh, flavorful seafood that’s quick and easy to whip up, then you are in for a treat with this Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe. It combines a zesty, slightly sweet marinade with perfectly charred shrimp, creating an irresistible dish that sings with brightness and depth in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or craving a light dinner, this recipe effortlessly delivers juicy, tender shrimp infused with garlic, lime, and a hint of ginger. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make, and it’s bound to become a go-to in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this recipe. Each component is simple but essential, combining to create the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors while giving the shrimp a vibrant color and a wonderful texture once grilled.
- Olive oil: Provides a rich base for the marinade and helps keep shrimp juicy on the grill.
- Lime juice: Adds a bright, refreshing acidity that tenderizes the shrimp beautifully.
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings a subtle depth and umami complexity to the flavor profile.
- Soy sauce: Enhances the marinade with a touch of savory saltiness and color.
- Honey: Balances the tang with natural sweetness and helps caramelize the shrimp when grilled.
- Fresh parsley: Offers a fresh herbal note and a pop of green color when sprinkled on top.
- Garlic: Delivers mellow pungency that infuses the shrimp with aromatic warmth.
- Grated ginger (optional): Adds a zingy, slightly spicy kick for those who want an extra layer of flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other ingredients.
- Shrimp (raw, peeled, de-veined): The star ingredient, ready to soak up all that delicious marinade.
How to Make Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining olive oil, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, honey, fresh parsley, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), salt, and black pepper in a lidded glass container or a zip-top bag. This mixture is where all the magic begins—the blend of sweet, savory, and tangy creates a marinade that will bring out the best in your shrimp.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Add the raw shrimp to the marinade and give everything a good stir or shake to ensure each shrimp is submerged and fully coated. The key here is to refrigerate it for at least 20 minutes, but no longer than 2 hours. This allows the shrimp to absorb the marinade flavors without becoming too soft or mushy.
Step 3: Skewer and Grill
Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers evenly, making sure not to overcrowd them. Preheat your grill to high heat, then place the skewers on the grates. Grill for about 1 to 3 minutes per side—shrimp cook quickly and are done when they turn opaque and pink with some enticing grill marks. If you don’t have a grill, you can also use a grill pan or broiler, keeping a close eye to prevent overcooking.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Once grilled to perfection, transfer the shrimp skewers to a serving platter and garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp at their juiciest and most flavorful.
How to Serve Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the plate and adds a lovely herbal freshness. For an extra touch, try a drizzle of extra lime juice or a light dusting of smoked paprika to complement the smoky grill flavors.
Side Dishes
These shrimp skewers pair beautifully with a crisp green salad, grilled vegetables, or a bed of fluffy couscous. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside cilantro-lime rice or creamy avocado slices for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
To make your presentation pop, serve the skewers over a colorful bed of greens or alongside a vibrant salsa like mango or pineapple for a tropical flair. You can also thread shrimp with alternating pieces of bell pepper or red onion for a classic kabob look that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the shrimp skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to keep them separate from any salad or sides to maintain their texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing grilled shrimp skewers is possible but not ideal since shrimp can become rubbery. If you choose to freeze, place the cooled skewers in a freezer-safe container or bag and use them within 1 month for best results. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat shrimp gently either in a skillet over low heat or briefly under the broiler to avoid overcooking. Adding a splash of olive oil or a little butter helps keep them moist and tender during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating. Excess moisture can prevent the marinade from clinging properly and might slow down grilling times.
How long should I marinate the shrimp?
Marinate shrimp for at least 20 minutes and no longer than 2 hours. Beyond that, the acid in the marinade can start to “cook” the shrimp and change their texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari is a great option) and double-check the Worcestershire sauce ingredients to ensure there’s no gluten.
What type of skewers work best?
Wooden or metal skewers both work well. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?
Keep the grill hot and cook shrimp only 1 to 3 minutes per side. They cook quickly and become tough if left on too long. Look for shrimp to turn opaque with nice grill marks.
Final Thoughts
This Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe is such a joy to make because it’s straightforward, fast, and always impressive. Once you taste the perfect harmony of tangy lime, sweet honey, and savory garlic with juicy shrimp, it’s hard not to want it again and again. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!
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Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a quick and flavorful dish perfect for any grilling occasion. The shrimp are marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, olive oil, honey, garlic, and fresh parsley, then grilled to juicy perfection in just minutes. Ideal for a light, healthy meal, this recipe delivers a balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors with minimal prep and cook time.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 2–3 limes (about 4 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1 heaping tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or more to taste)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger (optional for some zing)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Main Ingredient
- 2 pounds raw, peeled, de-veined shrimp
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a lidded container or zip-top bag, combine olive oil, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, honey, chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), salt, and ground black pepper. Stir well to mix all ingredients.
- Marinate the shrimp: Add the raw, peeled, and de-veined shrimp to the marinade. Stir gently to coat the shrimp, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the container or bag and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, up to 2 hours to develop flavor.
- Skewer and grill the shrimp: Remove shrimp from the marinade and thread them evenly onto skewers. Preheat your grill to high heat, then place the shrimp skewers on the grill. Cook for 1-3 minutes per side, turning once, until the shrimp turn opaque and have a slight char. Avoid overcooking to keep the shrimp tender.
- Serve: Remove the shrimp from the grill and serve immediately. Garnish with extra chopped fresh parsley if desired for a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- Grated ginger adds a refreshing zing but can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Using raw, peeled, and de-veined shrimp ensures uniform cooking and ease of eating.
- Alternative cooking methods include pan-frying or broiling the shrimp skewers if a grill isn’t available—cook on medium-high heat for the same time duration, turning as needed.
- To prevent skewers from burning, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
