Firing up the grill? These juicy shrimp kabobs on the grill are the easiest way to enjoy flavorful, perfectly cooked shrimp in minutes. With a quick marinade and a few simple steps, you can make grilled shrimp that’s smoky, tender, and full of bold flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or summer BBQ, these shrimp kabobs are a crowd-pleaser.
Thread the shrimp onto skewers, toss them on the grill, and enjoy juicy shrimp with charred edges and that fresh-off-the-grill taste. If you love easy seafood recipes, this grilled shrimp kabobs recipe is one to try.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make juicy shrimp kabobs on the grill:
For the Shrimp Kabobs:
• 1 pound large shrimp or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Optional Vegetables for Skewers:
• Bell peppers, cut into chunks
• Red onion, cut into chunks
• Zucchini slices
• Cherry tomatoes
For the best grilled shrimp, use large shrimp or jumbo shrimp so they stay juicy and don’t overcook. You can customize your shrimp kabobs with your favorite shrimp and veggies for extra color and flavor.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make juicy shrimp kabobs on the grill:
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp and Marinade
• Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
• In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper to create your shrimp marinade.
• Toss the shrimp in the marinade until evenly coated. Let them marinate for 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 2: Assemble the Shrimp Kabobs
• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.
• Thread the shrimp onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece for even cooking.
• You can alternate shrimp and veggies like peppers, onions, or zucchini for variety.
Step 3: Grill the Shrimp Kabobs
• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
• Place the shrimp skewers directly on the grill grates.
• Grill shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly charred.
Step 4: Serve
• Remove the shrimp from the grill and garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
• Serve your grilled shrimp kabobs hot, paired with your favorite sides.
Enjoy juicy grilled shrimp with smoky flavor, perfect for BBQs, dinners, or easy appetizers.
Pro Tips and Variations
Making shrimp kabobs on the grill is quick and easy, but these tips guarantee juicy, flavorful results every time:
Pro Tips for the Best Grilled Shrimp
• Use Large or Jumbo Shrimp: Smaller shrimp can overcook quickly. Large shrimp stay juicy and are easier to thread onto skewers.
• Don’t Over-Marinate: Marinate the shrimp for 15-20 minutes. Longer than that can make the shrimp becoming mushy.
• Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them for at least 20 minutes to avoid burning.
• Preheat the Grill: Always grill to medium-high heat for a perfect sear without overcooking the shrimp.
• Watch the Cook Time: Shrimp cook fast, about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
Tasty Variations to Try
• Grilled Shrimp and Veggies: Alternate shrimp and vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for colorful kabobs.
• Shrimp Shish Kabob: Add mushrooms, pineapple chunks, or cherry tomatoes for a tropical twist.
• Shrimp Kabob Marinade Ideas: Swap lemon for lime, add chili flakes for spice, or drizzle honey for sweet heat.
• Metal Skewers Option: Using metal skewers eliminates soaking and provides even heat.
Experiment with flavors and ingredients to create your version of the best grilled shrimp recipe.
Serving Suggestions
These juicy shrimp kabobs on the grill are versatile and pair well with so many dishes. Here are tasty ways to enjoy them:
• Classic BBQ Meal: Serve your grilled shrimp kabobs with grilled corn on the cob, roasted potatoes, or a fresh garden salad.
• Shrimp and Veggies Plate: Pair your shrimp skewers with rice, quinoa, or grilled vegetables for a balanced dinner.
• Shrimp Kabob Tacos: Slide the shrimp from the skewers into tortillas with cabbage slaw and spicy sauce for easy tacos.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a healthy, filling meal.
• Dipping Sauce: Drizzle garlic butter, aioli, or chimichurri over your grilled shrimp skewers for extra flavor.
Whether you’re cooking for a summer BBQ or a quick dinner, these shrimp kabobs on the grill deliver bold, smoky flavor and juicy shrimp every time.
Conclusion
Making juicy shrimp kabobs on the grill couldn’t be easier. With a quick shrimp marinade, a few simple ingredients, and minimal cook time, you can enjoy smoky, flavorful grilled shrimp skewers any night of the week. Whether you add veggies, serve with sides, or keep it simple, this grilled shrimp kabobs recipe delivers bold flavor, juicy shrimp, and that irresistible char from the grill. Perfect for BBQs, dinners, or meal prep, this is one of the best grilled shrimp recipes to try. Fire up your grill and make this easy shrimp kabob recipe today!
Shrimp Kabobs On The Grill
Ingredients
Shrimp Kabob Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp or jumbo shrimp peeled and deveined, tails on or off
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, optional garnish
- Optional veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, onions cut into chunks for skewering
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper for the marinade. Toss the shrimp to coat and marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes or use metal skewers. Thread the shrimp and optional veggies onto skewers, leaving slight gaps for even cooking.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once, until pink and lightly charred.
- Remove the shrimp kabobs from the grill. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 3g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Vitamin A: 6% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 8% Daily Value
FAQs
How long do you grill shrimp kabobs?
Grill shrimp kabobs for 2 to 3 minutes per side over medium-high heat. The shrimp cook quickly and are done when pink, opaque, and lightly charred.
Do you marinate shrimp before grilling?
Yes, a quick shrimp marinade adds flavor and keeps the shrimp juicy. Marinate the shrimp for 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid over-marinating to prevent mushy texture.
What veggies to put on shrimp kabobs?
Popular options for shrimp and veggies include bell peppers, onions, zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. These grill well and pair perfectly with shrimp.
What seasoning to use on shrimp?
A simple mix of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper works great. You can also use Cajun seasoning, Italian herbs, or chili flakes for variety.
How do I know when grilled shrimp are done?
Grilled shrimp are done when they turn pink, opaque, and curl slightly. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp cook fast and can become rubbery.
What is the secret to grilling shrimp?
The secret is to use large shrimp, a quick marinade, and high heat. Grill shrimp for just a few minutes per side to keep them juicy and tender.
