Amazing Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers: 30 Mins

Oh, summer days and barbecue smoke – is there a better combo? I swear, as soon as the weather warms up, my grill becomes my best friend. And when I need something seriously delicious, super quick, and healthy, my go-to has got to be these Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers. They’re just… sunshine on a plate, you know? The bright lemon and fragrant herbs hit all the right notes, and cooking shrimp this way is just *so* easy. Honestly, I whip these up even on a weeknight when I’m short on time but still craving something amazing. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a gourmet chef without breaking a sweat!

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Honestly, these skewers are a lifesaver when you’re craving something tasty without a whole lot of fuss. Here’s why they’re a staple in my kitchen:

• Crazy Fast: We’re talking about your main dish hitting the table in under 30 minutes, folks! Perfect for those busy weeknights.
• So Easy, Anyone Can Make Them: Seriously, the hardest part is just tossing everything together. No fancy techniques needed here!
• Flavor Bomb: That zesty lemon and aromatic herb combo is just *chef’s kiss*. It’s so fresh and delicious, especially straight off the grill.
• Healthy & Delicious: Packed with lean protein and bright flavors, these skewers are a guilt-free way to enjoy grilling season.

Gather Your Ingredients for Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Okay, let’s get our lineup ready for these amazing Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers. It’s a pretty simple list, which is part of why I love this recipe so much! First up, you’ll need about 1 pound of large shrimp. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined – that just makes them easier to skewer and eat, trust me. For our flavor base soak, we’ve got 2 tablespoons of good olive oil, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice – none of that bottled stuff for this! Then, for those lovely herb notes, grab 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried thyme. Don’t have dried? I’ll tell you more about using fresh later, but dried works like a charm here. We also need 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder (easy peasy!), 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and just a pinch of 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to round everything out. And for serving? Don’t forget some extra lemon wedges – they’re like the little burst of sunshine on the plate!

Essential Equipment for Perfect Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Alright, let’s talk tools! To make these fantastic Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers, you won’t need a whole kitchen remodel. You’ll definitely want your trusty grill ready to go – whether it’s charcoal or gas, it’s the star here! Grab a medium-sized bowl for mixing up that glorious marinade and coating the shrimp. And, of course, you’ll need some skewers. If you’re using wooden ones, do yourself a favor and soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand. Trust me, this little step saves you from that dreaded burnt skewer drama!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Alright, let’s get this shrimp party started! Making these Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers is honestly a breeze once you know the simple steps. It’s all about that marinade, a hot grill, and quick cooking! For some great tips on grilling shrimp, check out what Serious Eats has to say.

Marinating the Shrimp for Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers

First things first, let’s get that flavor going. In that medium bowl you grabbed, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix until it’s all combined. Now, toss in your lovely peeled and deveined shrimp. Make sure each little guy is coated nicely in that zesty marinade. Let them hang out and soak up all those delicious flavors for about 15 minutes. Don’t let them sit too long, or the lemon can start to cook them!

Preparing the Grill and Skewers

While your shrimp are getting marinated, crank up your grill to medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot so those skewers don’t stick and get that perfect sear. If you’re using those wooden skewers, make sure they’ve had their little bath in water for at least 30 minutes. This is super important, friend, it stops them from catching fire and turning into charcoal!

Grilling Your Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers to Perfection

Once your grill is hot and your shrimp are ready, it’s time to thread them onto those prepared skewers. Just slide the shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each one so they cook evenly. Carefully place the skewers on the hot grill grates. Now, listen up – shrimp cook FAST! Grill ’em for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’re looking for them to turn pink and opaque, and they should feel firm to the touch. Overcooking is the enemy here, so keep an eye on them! Once they look perfectly cooked, slide them right off the grill.

Tips for Success with Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Alright, let’s make sure these Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers turn out absolutely perfect every single time. A few little tricks up my sleeve, and you’ll be a grilling pro in no time! First off, don’t skimp on the quality of your shrimp – fresher is always better, and make sure they’re patted nice and dry before marinating; that helps the marinade really stick. My number one rule? Watch ’em like a hawk on the grill! Shrimp go from perfectly cooked to rubbery in about 30 seconds flat. Seriously, 2-3 minutes per side is all they need. If you’re not sure, just peek at the thickest part – you want it opaque and pink. And for that pop of flavor? Grilling them with the lemon wedges right alongside is a total game-changer; just give them a little squeeze right before serving!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers

This recipe is pretty forgiving, which I love! For the herbs, if you don’t have dried oregano or thyme, no worries! You can totally use fresh. Just double the amount – so, about 1 tablespoon each of fresh chopped rosemary and thyme would be fantastic. Fresh herbs just have this amazing aroma when they hit the grill. Olive oil is my preferred fat here because it has a nice fruity flavor, but if you’re out or want something different, a light-flavored oil like avocado or even canola oil will work just fine. And hey, if you’re watching your sodium intake, you can always reduce the salt a bit, or even skip it if you’re using a saltier marinade base.

Serving Suggestions for Your Grilled Shrimp

So, you’ve got these gorgeous Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers hot off the grill – now what? My favorite way to serve these is with a light and fluffy quinoa or some perfectly cooked jasmine rice. But honestly, they’re so versatile! A big, crisp green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette is fantastic. Or, how about some grilled corn on the cob or some roasted asparagus? Whatever you choose, these skewers are the star of the show. Just remember those extra lemon wedges for squeezing!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got any of these amazing Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers leftover? Lucky you! First, let them cool down *completely* before you even think about storing them. Then, pop them into an airtight container and tuck them into the fridge. They’ll stay yummy for about 2 to 3 days. When it’s time to reheat, gentle is key! You don’t want to overcook them and turn them tough. A quick few minutes in a skillet over low heat, or even a short zap in the microwave, should do the trick. Just warm them through until they’re heated, but not rubbery. Perfect for a quick lunch!

Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Got questions about these lemony-herby little bites? I’ve got you covered! Let’s dive into some common queries:

Can I grill shrimp without skewers?

Oh, absolutely! If you don’t have skewers handy, or just don’t feel like using them, that’s totally fine. You can just grill the shrimp directly on the grill grates. Just make sure your grill is super clean and well-oiled so they don’t stick. It might take a little longer to flip them all individually, but the taste is just the same!

How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?

This is the age-old question, right? The biggest trick is a super hot and clean grill. Before you put the shrimp on, brush your grates with a little oil – I like using a high-heat oil like avocado or canola. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them! For direct grilling, make sure you don’t move the shrimp around too much when they first hit the heat; let them get a nice sear before you try to flip them. They’ll release easier when they’re ready.

What kind of shrimp is best for grilling?

For these Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers, I really love using large or jumbo shrimp. They’re nice and meaty, so they don’t dry out super fast on the grill, and they’re easier to skewer. Whether you choose wild-caught or farm-raised, just make sure they’re fresh and have a nice pinkish-orange hue and smell like the ocean, not fishy. Peeled and deveined makes your life so much easier, trust me!

Nutritional Information

Just a little heads-up, the nutrition facts for these delightful Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers are estimates, okay? They can wiggle around a bit depending on the exact size of your shrimp and how much oil you use. But generally, a serving is about 4 ounces of shrimp and comes in around 150 calories. You’re looking at roughly 7g of fat (mostly good stuff!), a solid 20g of protein, and only about 3g of carbs. Plus, there’s around 180mg of cholesterol and about 300mg of sodium per serving. Pretty darn good for such a quick and tasty meal!

Share Your Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers Creation!

Alright, now that you’ve hopefully whipped up a batch of these amazing Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers, I’d LOVE to hear all about it! Did you try them? Did you love them? Please, please leave a comment below and tell me your thoughts! If you took any photos, seriously, tag me on social media – I live for seeing your kitchen creations! Your feedback honestly makes my day and helps other home cooks out there too. Happy grilling!

Print