Why You’ll Love These Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

For many, shrimp kabobs are an absolute highlight of any barbecue, and for good reason! They are wonderfully light, yet packed with an incredible depth of flavor. Our secret lies in the simple, yet powerful, garlic lemon marinade. This combination of zesty lemon and aromatic garlic with fresh shrimp is truly a match made in culinary heaven, creating a taste profile that is both vibrant and deeply satisfying. This recipe transforms ordinary shrimp into an extraordinary grilled delicacy.

My passion for fresh seafood, especially shrimp, was truly ignited during summer holidays in Spain. There, supermarkets boast immense displays of scampi, freshly scooped for you right before your eyes. It’s an experience I wish we could replicate everywhere – to wander through aisles filled with such abundant, fresh ingredients. That sensory journey, discovering new flavors and quality produce, is what inspires many of my recipes, including these delightful shrimp skewers.

If you share my love for shrimp, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy these grilled shrimps with satay sauce, or perhaps explore the exciting flavors of shrimp pili pili. But for a quick, universally loved option, these Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a definite winner.

My Culinary Adventures and the Hunt for Flavor

My family often jokes about my “supermarket addiction” when we’re abroad. I could easily spend an hour (or more!) meticulously investigating every jar, bottle, and fresh produce stand, convinced that there’s always a new food treasure waiting to be discovered. While my husband and kids might find it a bit much when we only need to “replenish the water supply,” for me, it’s an exhilarating adventure.

Exploring a supermarket in a foreign country, or even better, a bustling local market, is a true joy. The sheer variety of fresh ingredients, each promising vibrant flavors, is captivating. I’m always struck by how different regions prioritize certain ingredients. For example, I remember finding various gourmet salts, like Himalayan pink salt, readily available in some European supermarkets years before they became commonplace in Dutch stores. This pursuit of quality and unique ingredients constantly inspires me to create dishes that bring those global flavors home.

So, yes, I’m eagerly anticipating my next holiday, not just for the relaxation, but for the opportunity to revisit those enchanting food markets and supermarkets! Until then, these quick and simple shrimp skewers are my go-to recipe for bringing a taste of summer and fresh flavors into my kitchen. They are always a guaranteed success, making them a staple for easy entertaining or a delightful weeknight meal. Now, let’s dive into the recipe details!

Essential Ingredients for Your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

To craft these succulent **Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Kabobs**, you’ll be delighted by how few ingredients you actually need. Simplicity is key to letting the natural flavors shine! Find the precise measurements in the comprehensive recipe card located at the very bottom of this post:

• Garlic: The pungent, sweet flavor of fresh garlic is absolutely essential here. It infuses the shrimp with a beautiful aroma and creates an irresistible pairing that truly elevates the dish. Use fresh cloves for the best results.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon provides that crucial bright, zesty counterpoint to the garlic and sweet shrimp. Cutting it into wedges and threading them directly onto the skewer allows the lemon to gently char and release its aromatic oils onto the shrimp as they grill, imparting a nuanced and delicious taste.
• Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh, finely chopped parsley at the end adds a vibrant splash of color and a fresh, herbaceous accent that brightens the overall flavor profile. It’s the perfect finishing touch.
• Sunflower Oil: This serves two vital purposes in our recipe. Firstly, it forms the base of our simple yet effective marinade, helping to carry the garlic flavor and coat the shrimp. Secondly, it acts as a barrier, preventing the shrimp from sticking to the grill and ensuring a perfectly cooked, tender result. Any neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil can be substituted.
• Shrimp (or Scampi): The star of the show! For these skewers, opt for large shrimp, often labeled as “king prawns” or “jumbo shrimp,” as they hold up well on the grill and offer a satisfying bite. You can purchase them with tails on (for presentation and easier handling) or completely peeled, depending on your preference. When grilled, perfectly cooked shrimp should have a firm, slightly bouncy texture and a wonderfully sweet aroma. Always thaw frozen shrimp thoroughly before marinating.

Mastering the Art of Grilled Lemon Shrimp Skewers: A Simple Guide

Preparing these **Grilled Lemon Shrimp Skewers** is incredibly straightforward, making them ideal for even novice grillers. The entire process, from prep to plate, is designed for speed and deliciousness. Below, you’ll find a concise overview of the steps. For a detailed, printable recipe with exact measurements and step-by-step guidance, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.

1. Prepare the Marinade: Begin by mincing or pressing your fresh garlic clove and mixing it thoroughly with the sunflower oil in a small bowl. This simple combination forms the flavor base for your shrimp. For maximum flavor, let this sit for a few minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Assemble the Skewers: Take your fresh lemon, cut it in half, and then slice each half into four even wedges. This size works perfectly for threading. Now, carefully thread your shrimp onto the skewers, alternating with the lemon wedges. A good pattern is two shrimp, one lemon wedge, two shrimp, one lemon wedge, finishing with two more shrimp. This ensures even cooking and optimal lemon flavor distribution.
3. Marinate the Shrimp: With a pastry brush or spoon, generously brush the garlic oil marinade over all the shrimp on the skewers, ensuring every piece is well coated. This step is crucial for flavor and also helps prevent sticking on the grill.
4. Grill to Perfection: Preheat your grill or barbecue to a medium-high heat. Place the shrimp skewers on the hot grill. Grill for approximately 3 minutes per side, for a total of 6 minutes. The shrimp will turn opaque and pink when perfectly cooked. Avoid overcooking, as this can make them tough and rubbery.

To Garnish: Once cooked, transfer the **Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers** to a platter and generously sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley. The vibrant green adds a beautiful contrast and a burst of fresh flavor.

Serving Suggestions: These grilled shrimp are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Enjoy them with some crusty homemade ciabatta to soak up any delicious juices, a light and refreshing strawberry arugula and pistachio salad, or simply with fluffy white rice for a balanced meal. They also make a fantastic appetizer!

Expert Tips & Delicious Variations for Your Shrimp Skewers

Elevate your **Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers** with these handy tips and creative variations:

• Add Vegetable Variation: For a more substantial skewer and added nutrients, thread slices of vibrant bell pepper (any color works beautifully) and wedges of sweet onion alternately with the shrimp and lemon. This adds a lovely charred flavor and texture.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, easily spice up your marinade! Simply mix ½ teaspoon of red chili pepper flakes into the garlic and oil mixture before brushing it onto the shrimp. Adjust to your preferred level of spiciness.
• Boost the Flavor with Butter: For an extra layer of richness and flavor, brush the shrimp skewers with melted butter during the last minute or two of grilling. This creates a beautiful glaze and adds a luxurious touch.
• Oven Baking Option: No grill? No problem! These shrimp skewers can be deliciously baked in the oven. Preheat your oven to 440 °F (200 °C) and bake the skewers for approximately 15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
• Pre-soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden bamboo sticks, it’s crucial to soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes prior to threading your shrimp. This simple step prevents the sticks from burning on the grill, ensuring your skewers stay intact and your food cooks perfectly. Metal skewers do not require this step.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Give your shrimp some space! Don’t pack them too tightly on the skewer, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Leave a little room between each shrimp and lemon wedge for proper heat circulation.
• Choose Fresh, High-Quality Shrimp: The success of this recipe truly hinges on the quality of your shrimp. Look for firm, translucent shrimp with a mild, fresh scent. Avoid any with a strong “fishy” odor or slimy texture.

Did you try this delicious recipe for **Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers**? We would absolutely love to see your culinary creations! Tag #byandreajanssen on Instagram and share your photos. I regularly feature the most beautiful photos from our amazing community!

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Need more culinary inspiration?

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Andréa