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Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers Recipe for Quick BBQ Flavor

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These Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers are quick to prepare, bursting with bright lemon and savory garlic flavors, and perfect for any occasion from backyard BBQs to light lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (wild-caught if possible)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 68 wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before grilling)

Instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, honey, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk until honey dissolves and mixture is emulsified.
  2. Add shrimp to the marinade and toss gently to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes, avoiding longer marinating to prevent shrimp from cooking in the acid.
  3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  4. Remove shrimp from marinade, letting excess drip off. Thread 3-4 shrimp per skewer, piercing through the thickest part to keep secure.
  5. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  6. Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque with grill marks. Avoid overcooking.
  7. Transfer skewers to a serving platter, garnish with chopped parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not marinate shrimp longer than 20 minutes to avoid mushy texture. Soak wooden skewers before grilling to prevent burning. Preheat grill properly and oil grates to prevent shrimp from sticking. Flip skewers gently once or twice to avoid shrimp falling apart. Shrimp cook quickly; remove from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.

Nutrition

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