When it comes to creating something fun for parties that will bring a smile to everyone’s face and create a restaurant-quality meal at home, Zesty Fire-Grilled Citrus Shrimp Skewers is a great recipe. This is a lemon-herb backyard classic.
Table of Contents
Zesty Fire-Grilled Citrus Shrimp Skewers : A Lemon-Herb Backyard Classic
Grilled shrimp is one of those magical recipes that’s so fancy yet healthy, quick, and easy to make. Fire-Grilled Citrus Shrimp Skewers takes inspiration from a classic American summer cookout, infusing fresh lemon juice, aromatic herbs, and a smoky grill flavor to create a truly amazing dish.
It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, summer BBQs, 4th of July parties, or for those looking for a light, healthy meal.
These Lemon-Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers are protein-packed, low-carb, and bursting with flavor.
The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make in less than 30 minutes, and no cooking degree is required.
This article, American Kitchen, will explain all the ingredients, grilling tips, preparation, some variations, and answer any questions you might have. Let’s get started.
Why You’ll Love Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers:
- High-protein, healthy, low-calorie meal
- Very easy and quick – ready in less than 30 minutes
- Perfect for meal-prep, BBQ, and family dinners
- Perfect for American grilling season
- Bright and fresh lemon herb flavor with a smoke char
- Naturally gluten-free and low-carb.
All the ingredients you need for Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp:
Ingredients for Shrimp Marinade:
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 1/2 pounds large raw shrimp, 17 to 20 count, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/1 teaspoon dried
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional for spiciness
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Ingredients for grilling:
- Lemon slices for serving
- Non-stick grill spray or extra oil
- Metal skewers or wooden sticks
Best shrimp for grilling:
- Always choose jumbo shrimp or larger, as smaller shrimp cook too quickly and can overcook or fall through the grill grate, so always use larger ones.
Recommended Size:
- Jumbo: 14 to 15 count
- Large: 16 to 20 count
- Tear-dried shrimp are ideal, but frozen shrimp also work well; just thaw thoroughly and pat dry before marinating.
How to Make Zesty Fire-Grilled Citrus Shrimp Skewers: Full Instructions
1. Preparing the Shrimp
- First, rinse the shrimp thoroughly in cool water, drain on a paper towel, and pat them dry.
- Marinated to remove excess moisture, it sticks better and makes a great target on the grill.
2. Making the Lemon Herb Marinade
- Use a large mixing bowl and whisk together the ingredients by quantity:
- Juice and lemon zest
- Olive oil
- Finely chopped garlic
- Oregano, parsley, and thyme
- Salt, paprika, pepper, and red pepper flakes
- Marinade should have a strong citrus and herb aroma.
3. Marinating the Shrimp
- Add the shrimp to the bowl and gently mix until thoroughly coated.
- Marinating Time
- 14 to 15 minutes is a minimum
- 25 to 30 minutes is the ideal time
- 45 minutes is the maximum
- Note: Marinating should not exceed 1 hour. The lemon juice is acidic and will begin cooking the shrimp, making them tender.
4. Preparing the Shrimp
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 18 to 20 minutes to prevent burning.
- Now place the shrimp on the skewers and prick them twice near the tail and head, ensuring they remain secure and flat.
- Be sure to leave a small gap in the middle for even cooking.
5. Preheating the Grill
- (375°F – 400°F) Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and keep it ready.
- Lightly oil the grill grates or spray with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
6. Grilling Shrimp Skewers
- Now place the shrimp on the grill and grill for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on all sides.
- When the shrimp turns pink and is lightly charred,
- Turn once.
- Your shrimp is cooked thoroughly when:
- They are dim
- Stay pink with light grill marks
- Firm but not overcooked
- Be careful; overcooking can make the shrimp rubbery.
7. Finishing and Serving
- Remove the shrimp from the grill and immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over them.
- Garnish with additional parsley and enjoy while hot.
Great Sides for Grilled Citrus Shrimp Skewers:
Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp can be served with classic American side dishes such as:
- Coleslaw
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Pita bread or dinner rolls
- Grilled vegetables
- Garlic butter rice
- Quinoa salad
- Potato salad
Some flavor variation suggestions:
- For Spicy Cajun Lemon Shrimp: Replace the paprika with Cajun seasoning and extra chili flakes.
- For Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp: Brush the shrimp with melted garlic butter after grilling.
- For Honey Lemon Shrimp: For a sweet-savory flavor, add 1 tablespoon of honey to the marinade.
- For Mediterranean Style Shrimp: You can make it Mediterranean-style by adding rosemary and a little white wine vinegar.
Suggested Health Benefits:
- Low in fat and calories
- High in lean protein
- Great for keto, low-carb, and gluten-free diets
- Good source of vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Tips to avoid common mistakes:
- Cooking too low – no grill marks
- Cooking too much – shrimp cooks quickly
- Over-marinating shrimp
- Using small shrimp for grilling
- Not applying oil to the grill grates
Storage and reheat tips:
- Storage: You can freeze leftovers in an airtight container.
- The recipe stays best for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat slowly in a pan over low heat.
- Avoid microwaving for extended periods, as the shrimp will become tough.
FAQ
Q. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw thoroughly and pat dry before marinating.
Q. Is Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Healthy?
Absolutely! It’s low-calorie, high-protein, and grilled—not frozen.
Q. Can I make Grilled Citrus Shrimp Skewers without a grill?
Absolutely! Use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
Q. What herbs go best with Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp?
Origino, parsley, rosemary, thyme, dill, and basil work best.
Q. How do you know if shrimp is cooked?
When shrimp is cooked, they turn pink and opaque and curl into a loose “C” shape.
Final Thoughts
Zesty Fire-Grilled Citrus Shrimp Skewers are the perfect summer recipe. It’s fast, flavorful, healthy, and sure to be a hit. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just want to make a quick family dinner, these Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers pack a punch with minimal effort and are sure to please everyone. You’ll want to make them again and again.