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Flavorful Grilled Shrimp Skewers Easy Garlic Herb Marinade Recipe

grilled shrimp skewers - featured image

These grilled shrimp skewers feature a simple garlic herb marinade that delivers juicy, flavorful bites with a perfect balance of smoky and fresh flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, they are ideal for quick dinners or casual barbecues.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on for presentation if you like)
  • Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water 30 minutes if wooden)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, basil, oregano, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. If you like a hint of sweetness, add honey or maple syrup and mix well.
  2. Marinate the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes. Do not marinate longer than 30 minutes to avoid mushy shrimp.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Light your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 204°C). If using charcoal, wait until the coals are covered with white ash. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  4. Thread the Shrimp: Remove shrimp from marinade, letting excess drip off. Thread 4 to 5 shrimp onto each skewer, leaving a little space between each for even cooking.
  5. Grill the Shrimp: Place skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and pink with slight grill marks. Total cook time is about 5-6 minutes.
  6. Serve: Remove from grill and transfer to a serving platter. Optionally, sprinkle with extra fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon. Serve hot.

Notes

Do not marinate shrimp longer than 30 minutes to avoid mushy texture. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Preheat and oil grill grates well to prevent shrimp from sticking. Flip shrimp only once for best char and texture. Fully thaw frozen shrimp and pat dry before marinating.

Nutrition

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