Seafood

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Name: Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/4 cup (60g) olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp (5g) dried thyme; 1 tsp (5g) paprika; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 large onion, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 large mushrooms, cut into 1-inch pieces

By Odette Ainsworth · June 19, 2026 · Seafood

Prep20 min

Cook10 min

Total30 min

Serves4

Grilled shrimp skewers are a staple of summer gatherings and quick weeknight dinners. As a former competitive rower, I know the importance of fueling my body with high-protein meals that not only taste great but also provide the energy I need to perform at my best. In this recipe, I'll show you how to make delicious grilled shrimp skewers from scratch, using a quick wet brine and high-heat sear to lock in moisture and flavor.

I remember the first time I made grilled shrimp skewers for my family. We were on a summer vacation, and I wanted to create a meal that would be both easy to make and impressive to serve. I marinated the shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, then grilled them to perfection. The result was a dish that was not only delicious but also visually stunning, with the shrimp perfectly cooked and the vegetables slightly charred.

Since then, I've perfected my recipe for grilled shrimp skewers, and I'm excited to share it with you. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves seafood and is looking for a quick and easy meal that can be made in no time. Whether you're a busy professional or an athlete like me, you'll appreciate the simplicity and flavor of this dish.

In this recipe, we'll cover everything from preparing the shrimp and vegetables to grilling the skewers to perfection. We'll also discuss some common mistakes to avoid and provide tips for making the most of your grilled shrimp skewers. So let's get started and make some delicious grilled shrimp skewers!

One of the best things about grilled shrimp skewers is their versatility. You can serve them as a main course, a side dish, or even as an appetizer. They're perfect for parties, barbecues, and other outdoor gatherings, and they can be made in large quantities to feed a crowd. So whether you're cooking for one or for many, grilled shrimp skewers are a great option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grilled shrimp skewers are a quick and easy meal that can be made in no time.
They're perfect for parties, barbecues, and other outdoor gatherings.
The combination of a quick wet brine and high-heat sear locks in moisture and flavor.
You can serve them as a main course, a side dish, or even as an appetizer.
They're a great source of protein and can be made with a variety of colorful vegetables.
They're perfect for athletes and busy professionals who need a quick and easy meal.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great grilled shrimp skewers is to use a combination of a quick wet brine and high-heat sear to lock in moisture and flavor. The brine helps to season the shrimp and keep them juicy, while the high-heat sear adds a nice crust to the outside. This technique is especially important when working with lean proteins like shrimp, which can easily become dry and tough if overcooked.

Another important factor in making great grilled shrimp skewers is the type of ingredients you use. Fresh, high-quality shrimp are essential, as they will have a better texture and flavor than frozen or low-quality shrimp. You should also use a variety of colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, to add flavor and visual appeal to the dish.

In addition to the ingredients, the way you grill the skewers is also important. You should preheat your grill to medium-high heat and make sure it's clean and well-oiled before adding the skewers. This will help prevent the shrimp and vegetables from sticking to the grill and make them easier to turn and remove.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make grilled shrimp skewers, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including fresh shrimp, vegetables, and a variety of spices and seasonings. You should also have some basic kitchen equipment, such as a grill, a cutting board, and a set of skewers.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose fresh, high-quality shrimp and colorful vegetables. You should also have a variety of spices and seasonings on hand, including olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices.

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveinedFresh, high-quality shrimp are essential for this recipe. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a sweet smell.
1/4 cup (60g) olive oilOlive oil is used to brush the shrimp and vegetables before grilling. You can also use other oils, such as avocado or grapeseed oil, if you prefer.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds flavor to the shrimp and vegetables. You can also use other aromatics, such as onions or shallots, if you prefer.
1 tsp (5g) dried thymeThyme is a classic herb that pairs well with shrimp and vegetables. You can also use other herbs, such as rosemary or parsley, if you prefer.
1 tsp (5g) paprikaPaprika adds a smoky flavor to the shrimp and vegetables. You can also use other spices, such as cumin or chili powder, if you prefer.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltSalt is used to season the shrimp and vegetables. You can also use other seasonings, such as pepper or lemon juice, if you prefer.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperBlack pepper is used to add flavor to the shrimp and vegetables. You can also use other seasonings, such as garlic powder or onion powder, if you prefer.
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch piecesRed bell peppers add flavor and color to the dish. You can also use other bell peppers, such as green or yellow, if you prefer.
1 large onion, cut into 1-inch piecesOnions add flavor and texture to the dish. You can also use other onions, such as yellow or white, if you prefer.
2 large mushrooms, cut into 1-inch piecesMushrooms add flavor and texture to the dish. You can also use other mushrooms, such as button or cremini, if you prefer.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large grill or grill panCutting boardSkewersInstant-read thermometerTongs or spatulaPlate or serving dish

How to Make Grilled Shrimp Skewers

1
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400-450°F (200-230°C). Make sure the grill is clean and well-oiled before adding the skewers.
2
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3
Thread the marinated shrimp, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
4
Brush the grill with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the shrimp. Make sure to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the shrimp.
6
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
7
Serve the skewers hot, garnished with fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired.
8
To make the dish more substantial, you can serve the skewers with a side of quinoa, rice, or roasted vegetables.
9
You can also add other ingredients to the skewers, such as cherry tomatoes or zucchini, to add more flavor and texture.
10
If you prefer a spicy dish, you can add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinade.
11
To make the dish more elegant, you can serve the skewers on a bed of greens or with a side of grilled bread.
12
You can also make the skewers ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them for later use.

Expert Tips

Make sure to soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
Use a variety of colorful vegetables to add flavor and visual appeal to the dish.
Don't overcrowd the grill, as this can cause the shrimp and vegetables to steam instead of sear.
Use a thermometer to ensure the shrimp are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
You can also add other ingredients to the marinade, such as lemon juice or soy sauce, to add more flavor.
To make the dish more substantial, you can serve the skewers with a side of quinoa or roasted vegetables.
You can also make the skewers ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them for later use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not soaking the skewers in water before grilling, which can cause them to burn.
Overcrowding the grill, which can cause the shrimp and vegetables to steam instead of sear.
Not using a thermometer to ensure the shrimp are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Not letting the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving, which can cause the juices to run out.
Not using a variety of colorful vegetables to add flavor and visual appeal to the dish.
Not making the skewers ahead of time and refrigerating or freezing them for later use.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding other ingredients to the marinade, such as lemon juice or soy sauce, to add more flavor.
Using different types of protein, such as chicken or beef, instead of shrimp.
Adding other vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes or zucchini, to the skewers.
Using different types of seasonings, such as cumin or coriander, to add more flavor.
Serving the skewers with a side of quinoa or roasted vegetables to make the dish more substantial.
Making the skewers ahead of time and refrigerating or freezing them for later use.

What to Serve With Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Grilled shrimp skewers are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve them as a main course, a side dish, or even as an appetizer. They're perfect for parties, barbecues, and other outdoor gatherings, and they can be made in large quantities to feed a crowd.

Some ideas for serving grilled shrimp skewers include serving them with a side of quinoa or roasted vegetables, adding them to a salad or wrap, or serving them as a topping for a bowl or plate. You can also serve them with a variety of sauces, such as cocktail sauce or tartar sauce, to add more flavor.

Quinoa or roasted vegetablesSalad or wrapBowl or plateCocktail sauce or tartar sauceGrilled bread or pitaFresh herbs or lemon wedges

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Grilled shrimp skewers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store them, simply place the skewers in an airtight container or plastic bag and refrigerate or freeze them.

To reheat the skewers, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they're heated through. You can also reheat them on the grill or in a skillet on the stovetop.

It's also a good idea to make the skewers ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them for later use. This can save you time and effort, and it can also help to ensure that the skewers are cooked to a safe internal temperature.

In addition to storing and reheating the skewers, you can also make them ahead of time and assemble them just before serving. This can help to save time and effort, and it can also help to ensure that the skewers are fresh and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of shrimp should I use for grilled shrimp skewers?

You should use large, fresh shrimp for grilled shrimp skewers. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a sweet smell.

How long should I marinate the shrimp?

You should marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

What type of vegetables should I use for grilled shrimp skewers?

You can use a variety of colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, to add flavor and visual appeal to the dish.

How should I cook the skewers?

You should preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400-450°F (200-230°C), and cook the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can I make the skewers ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the skewers ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them for later use. This can save you time and effort, and it can also help to ensure that the skewers are cooked to a safe internal temperature.

How should I store the skewers?

You should store the skewers in an airtight container or plastic bag and refrigerate or freeze them. You can also make the skewers ahead of time and assemble them just before serving.

Can I reheat the skewers?

Yes, you can reheat the skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they're heated through. You can also reheat them on the grill or in a skillet on the stovetop.

What type of sauce should I serve with the skewers?

You can serve the skewers with a variety of sauces, such as cocktail sauce or tartar sauce, to add more flavor. You can also serve them with a side of quinoa or roasted vegetables to make the dish more substantial.

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card