Dinner

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Name: Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 19 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 tsp paprika; 2 tbsp fresh garlic, pressed; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 tsp basil; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 2 lbs medium shrimp, deveined (can be shell-on or peeled; shell-on will taste juicier); Melted butter, optional, for basting while cooking

I love this recipe! Brown sugar with gentle spices all meld together in this flavourful juicy shrimp!

5.0 (1)

Prep

15 min

Cook

4 min

Total

19 min

Serves

Style

🍽 Elevated

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I love this recipe! Brown sugar with gentle spices all meld together in this flavourful juicy shrimp!

Ingredients

Servings:

2 tsp paprika
2 tbsp fresh garlic, pressed
2 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tsp basil
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 lbs medium shrimp, deveined (can be shell-on or peeled; shell-on will taste juicier)
Melted butter, optional, for basting while cooking

Instructions

1
Combine all ingredients except the shrimp and melted butter in a large resealable bag. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for 2–4 hours (not longer, or the shrimp will become rubbery). Place wooden skewers in a bowl of water to prevent them from burning during cooking.
2
Remove the shrimp from the marinade and thread them onto skewers. Grill over medium heat for 3 minutes on one side, flip, and finish cooking on the other side (likely for just a minute or less). You can baste the shrimp with melted butter during cooking or just before serving, if desired. The total grilling time will depend on the size of your shrimp, but cooking most of it on one side will ensure beautiful grill marks and colour! Serve and enjoy right away.

FAQ

Can you make grilled shrimp skewers ahead of time?+

Yes! You can marinate the shrimp for up to 4 hours in the fridge, but don't go longer or they'll get rubbery. You can also thread them onto skewers a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to grill.

What can I substitute for the Italian seasoning in this recipe?+

You can use 1 tsp each of dried oregano and thyme, or swap the whole marinade for a lemon-herb blend, Cajun seasoning, or even a teriyaki-style sauce depending on your flavor preference.

Why are my shrimp turning out rubbery?+

Shrimp cooks super fast—you only need 2-3 minutes per side on the grill, and overmarinading past 4 hours will also make them mushy, so stick to the timing and pull them off heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.

Should I use shell-on or peeled shrimp for this recipe?+

Shell-on shrimp will stay juicier and more flavorful, but peeled shrimp are easier to eat and absorb more of the marinade—choose based on your preference and how much hands-on eating you want at dinner.