Introduction
Hey there, friend! Does anything scream “easy summer dinner” quite like grilling? I just love the smell of it wafting through the backyard. And when it comes to quick, healthy, and utterly delicious meals you can whip up in a flash, these Garlic Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers are an absolute winner. They’re so simple, so flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or even entertaining guests without breaking a sweat. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be on repeat all season long!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 20-30 minutes max (including marinating!). Dinner on the table in a flash? Yes, please!
- Easy: The marinade is just a few simple ingredients, and grilling shrimp is quicker than you think. No complicated steps here!
- Giftable (sort of!): While you can’t gift grilled shrimp, this recipe is perfect for bringing to a potluck or BBQ. Everyone loves them!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Who doesn’t love juicy, flavorful grilled shrimp? Serve them as an appetizer or a main – they always disappear fast.
Ingredients
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this magic happen!
- 1 pound large shrimp: Make sure they’re peeled and deveined. You can buy them already done to save time, or do it yourself. Large or jumbo work best on skewers!
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced up nice and fine. Garlic is the backbone of this flavor!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps carry the flavors and keeps the shrimp from sticking.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A little brightness really makes the flavors pop! Freshly squeezed is always best if you have it.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic herb that pairs beautifully with garlic and lemon. You could swap this out, but oregano is lovely here.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for bringing out all the other flavors.
- Pepper, to taste: A little kick of freshly ground black pepper is perfect.
How to Make It
Okay, let’s get these delicious skewers onto the grill!
Step 1: Make the Marinade. Grab a medium-sized bowl. Whisk together your minced garlic, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is combined. It should smell absolutely amazing already!
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp. Add your peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl with the marinade. Toss everything together gently, making sure every single shrimp is coated nicely. Now, let them hang out in that flavorful bath. You only need about 15 minutes for the flavors to penetrate, but don’t go longer than 30 minutes! Lemon juice can actually start to “cook” the shrimp if left too long, making them mushy on the grill, and we definitely don’t want that.
Step 3: Preheat Your Grill. While the shrimp are marinating, head outside and preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot so the shrimp cook quickly and get those lovely grill marks without drying out. If you’re using wooden skewers, this is also a good time to soak them in water for about 10-15 minutes to prevent them from burning.
Step 4: Skewer the Shrimp. Once the shrimp have marinated, thread them onto your skewers. Try not to pack them too tightly – leave a little space between each shrimp so the heat can circulate and they cook evenly.
Step 5: Grill ‘Em Up! Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for just 2-3 minutes per side. Shrimp cook incredibly fast, so watch them closely! You know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque all the way through. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll become tough. Two minutes per side is often plenty, depending on your grill’s heat.
And that’s it! Dinner is served. See? I told you it was easy!
Substitutions & Additions
This basic marinade is a fantastic jumping-off point! Feel free to get creative:
- Herbs: Swap oregano for dried or fresh parsley, basil, thyme, or a mix of Italian herbs.
- Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little heat.
- Veggies: Thread some cherry tomatoes, bell pepper chunks, or red onion wedges onto the skewers between the shrimp for a full meal on a stick!
- Citrus: Try lime juice instead of lemon for a different zesty flavor.
- Garlic Power: Use fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives as a garnish after grilling for an extra pop of flavor.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Over-Marinate: Seriously, stick to that 15-30 minute window. It makes a big difference!
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water before threading the shrimp to prevent them from catching fire on the grill. Metal skewers work great too!
- Pat Shrimp Dry (Optional but helpful): While the marinade adds moisture, patting the shrimp slightly dry before adding them to the marinade can sometimes help the flavors cling better.
- Hot Grill is Key: Make sure your grill is properly preheated. This ensures quick cooking and prevents sticking.
- Watch Them Closely: Shrimp cook FAST. Don’t walk away from the grill!
How to Store It
Leftover grilled shrimp? Lucky you! Let the skewers cool completely. You can then slide the shrimp off the skewers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. They’re great cold in salads or wraps!
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got (brief) answers!
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating.
Q: Can I cook these indoors?
A: Yes! You can cook them in a hot skillet (like cast iron) or on a grill pan on your stovetop. Cook time will be similar, maybe slightly less.
Q: What should I serve with these?
A: These are amazing with rice, a simple green salad, grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or crusty bread for soaking up any extra marinade goodness!
Q: My shrimp stuck to the grill! What happened?
A: This usually means your grill wasn’t hot enough or wasn’t properly cleaned and oiled. Make sure your grill grates are clean and give them a quick brush with oil before adding the skewers.
Easy Garlic Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Equipment
- Grill
- Medium-sized bowl
- Skewers Wooden (soak before use) or metal
Ingredients
Hauptzutaten
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed is best
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the Marinade. Grab a medium-sized bowl. Whisk together your minced garlic, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is combined.
- Marinate the Shrimp. Add your peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl with the marinade. Toss everything together gently, making sure every single shrimp is coated nicely. Let them marinate for about 15 minutes, but no longer than 30 minutes.
- Preheat Your Grill. While the shrimp are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 10-15 minutes.
- Skewer the Shrimp. Once the shrimp have marinated, thread them onto your skewers. Leave a little space between each shrimp.
- Grill ‘Em Up! Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for just 2-3 minutes per side. Watch them closely until they turn pink and opaque.
- Serve immediately. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days after cooling.