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Spicy Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Spicy Grilled Shrimp Skewers

These Spicy Grilled Shrimp Skewers deliver a bold balance of heat, zest, and smokiness with juicy, tender shrimp cooked quickly on the grill. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or festive barbecues, this recipe uses a simple yet flavorful marinade to create a vibrant, healthy, and protein-packed dish that pleases a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Skewers

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soaked in water for 20 minutes)

Marinade

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and well blended to evenly coat the shrimp.
  2. Marinate the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp into the marinade, tossing gently to ensure every piece is coated. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes and no longer than 30 minutes to prevent the lemon juice from starting to cook the shrimp.
  3. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. If using wooden skewers, make sure they have soaked in water for at least 20 minutes beforehand.
  4. Thread the Shrimp: Carefully thread 4 to 5 shrimp onto each skewer, leaving a small space between each shrimp to allow even cooking and heat circulation.
  5. Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink with slight char marks. Monitor closely to avoid overcooking the shrimp, which can cause a rubbery texture.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over them. Serve immediately while warm, optionally with lemon wedges for an extra citrus zing.

Notes

  • Use fresh shrimp instead of frozen for the juiciest results.
  • Do not overmarinate; limit to 15-30 minutes to avoid mushy texture.
  • Ensure the grill is fully preheated before cooking for a quick sear.
  • Oil grill grates to prevent shrimp from sticking.
  • Remove shrimp as soon as they turn pink and opaque to avoid overcooking.
  • Serve hot off the grill for best flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy grilled shrimp, shrimp skewers, quick shrimp recipe, barbecue shrimp, healthy seafood appetizer, gluten-free shrimp