Oh, summer grilling! Is there anything better than the smoky char of the grill and the bright, fresh flavors that seem to perfectly capture the season? Seriously, my heart just sings when those warm days roll around and I can finally get the grill fired up. And what do I always, always make first? It has to be these incredible Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers. They’re just so dang fast and bursting with amazing flavor. I remember one sweltering afternoon last year, I needed something quick for dinner that was still a little bit special. These skewers were an absolute lifesaver on the table in under 30 minutes and everyone devoured them!
Why You’ll Love These Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Honestly, what’s not to adore about this recipe? Let me break it down for you:
- So Speedy! We’re talking 15 minutes prep and only 10 minutes on the grill. Dinner on the table in a flash!
- Bursting with Flavor: That zesty lemon and fresh herb combo? It’s perfection.
- Seriously Easy: Minimal fuss, maximum deliciousness. Anyone can make these!
- Super Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer or a light main course.
Ingredients for Perfect Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Okay, let’s talk ingredients! This recipe is all about keeping things fresh and simple, which is why these Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers taste so amazing. Don’t skimp on the good stuff here – fresh herbs and good quality olive oil really make a difference!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1.5 lbs shrimp: Make sure they’re peeled and deveined. Fresh is always best if you can get it!
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil will give you the best flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced super fine, so you get that garlic goodness in every bite.
- 1 lemon, juiced: Freshly squeezed is non-negotiable for that bright, zesty kick!
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley: Finely chopped. The brightness is key here.
- 1 tbsp fresh dill: Also chopped. This adds such a lovely, slightly anise-like freshness that goes perfectly with lemon.
- 1/2 tsp salt: To bring out all those delicious flavors.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Freshly ground, if you have it!
See? Super straightforward stuff that comes together to make something truly spectacular. Trust me on this one!
Essential Equipment for Making Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers
To whip up these delicious skewers, you won’t need a ton of fancy gadgets. Just a few simple things will do the trick!
- Grill: Whether it’s charcoal or gas, your trusty grill is key for that perfect smoky flavor.
- Skewers: You can use metal or wooden skewers. If you use wooden ones, just give them a quick soak in water first so they don’t burn up too fast on the grill.
- Mixing Bowl: A nice big bowl to get all those flavors mingled is essential for marinating the shrimp.
Step-by-Step Guide to Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Alright, let’s get cooking! Turning these simple ingredients into something amazing is easier than you think. The flavor really builds up during the marinating stage, and then it’s just a quick trip to the grill. You’ll be so proud of these beautiful Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers! If you love a good marinade, you should definitely check out my quick grilled chicken marinade – it’s a totally different flavor profile but just as easy!
Marinating the Shrimp for Flavor
First things first, let’s get that marinade going. In your mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. It smells incredible already, right? Now, toss in your peeled and deveined shrimp. Give everything a good stir so every single shrimp gets coated in that yummy mixture. Pop a lid on it or cover it with plastic wrap and let it hang out in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This is where all that bright, zesty flavor really sinks in!
Assembling the Shrimp Skewers
So, you’ve got your marinated shrimp looking all juicy and flavorful. Now it’s time to get them onto the skewers! If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure you soaked them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand – this stops them from catching fire on the grill. Carefully thread about 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer. Try to space them out a little bit so they cook evenly and don’t get all clumped together. It makes a big difference!
Grilling Your Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Time for the fun part! Get your grill fired up to medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot so those skewers get a beautiful sear. Once it’s ready, carefully place your Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers on the grill grates. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes per side. You’re looking for the shrimp to turn beautifully pink and opaque. Resist the urge to overcook them; shrimp cook super fast and can get rubbery if you leave them on too long. A couple of minutes on each side is all they need. Then, just pull them off and get ready to enjoy!
Tips for the Best Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers
You know, making these Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers is pretty foolproof, but there are a few little things I always do that I think really make them extra special. First off, the shrimp! If you can spring for the larger, wild-caught ones, they hold up so much better on the grill and have a fantastic texture. When you’re grilling, seriously, don’t walk away! Shrimp cook in a blink, and rubbery shrimp is just a sad, sad thing. Keep an eye on them, and they’ll be perfect. Also, use fresh herbs if you possibly can – the flavor boost from fresh parsley and dill is just unbeatable compared to dried!
Serving Suggestions for Your Grilled Shrimp Skewers
These bright and zesty shrimp skewers are so versatile! They pair beautifully with so many things. For a light and refreshing meal, serve them over a bed of fluffy quinoa, like my Spinach Mushroom Quinoa Skillet. They’re also amazing with a vibrant salad, perhaps something with a little sweetness and crunch, such as a Beet Salad with Spinach. Honestly, they’re so good you could just eat them straight off the skewer as a fantastic appetizer, too!
Storage and Reheating of Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Got some leftover Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers? Lucky you! For the best quality, pop them into an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. They should stay tasty for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I find the best way to reheat them is gently. You can pop them back on a grill over low heat for just a minute or two, or even give them a quick spin in a non-stick pan over low heat. Just be careful not to overcook them, or they can get a little tough!
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers
I get asked a lot of questions about these tasty shrimp skewers, and I’m happy to help! Here are some of the most common ones:
Can I use frozen shrimp for these skewers?
Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before marinating. Give them a good rinse and pat them dry so the marinade sticks well. Thawed shrimp work just as beautifully.
What are the best herbs to use if I don’t have parsley or dill?
No worries if you’re missing parsley or dill! Chives are a fantastic substitute, adding a mild oniony flavor. A little bit of fresh thyme or even chervil would also be lovely. You can even use a sprinkle of dried herbs in a pinch, but fresh really is best here!
How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?
Grilling shrimp without them sticking is totally doable! Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before you start. I like to use a paper towel dipped in a high-heat oil to quickly wipe down the grates right before the shrimp go on. Also, don’t try to move them too soon – let them get a nice sear first!
Nutritional Estimate for Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Just a heads-up, these are just estimates, okay? The exact numbers can wiggle around depending on the exact size of your shrimp and how much oil you use. But generally, a serving of these delightful Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers is pretty light and packed with protein! You can find all sorts of great nutritional info on my diet and nutrition page, but expect them to be relatively low in calories and carbs, with a good dose of healthy fats from the olive oil.
Share Your Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers Creations!
I just LOVE hearing from you all! Have you tried making these Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers? I’d be absolutely thrilled if you’d leave a comment below telling me how yours turned out, or maybe share your favorite way to serve them! If you snap a pic, be sure to tag me on social media – I can’t wait to see your delicious creations!
Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Whisk together.
- Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Serve immediately.