Zesty Grilled Citrus Shrimp Skewers Recipe for Summer Fun

Summer sizzles with these mouthwatering grilled citrus shrimp skewers that burst with tangy, bright flavors.

Succulent shrimp dance with zesty citrus marinade, promising a delectable meal that screams warm-weather dining.

Fresh herbs and a hint of garlic complement the seafood’s natural sweetness, creating a dish that looks as stunning as it tastes.

The marinade infuses each tender morsel with vibrant Mediterranean-inspired notes that will make your taste buds sing.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, these skewers turn an ordinary dinner into a spectacular culinary experience.

Light, refreshing, and packed with protein, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right from your grill.

Grab your skewers and get ready to impress everyone at your next outdoor gathering.

Tools That Help with Grilled Citrus Shrimp Skewers

• Wooden Skewers: Essential for threading and grilling shrimp safely.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking marinade ingredients together.
• Whisk: Helps blend marinade components smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning measurements.
• Grilling Tongs: Needed for safely turning skewers during cooking.
• Grill (Gas, Charcoal, or Stovetop Grill Pan): Primary cooking surface for achieving delicious char marks.
• Cutting Board: Used for prepping ingredients like garlic and zesting lemon.
• Sharp Knife: Helps with ingredient preparation and shrimp handling.

How to Grill Citrus Shrimp Skewers

• Wooden Weapon Preparation

Grab wooden skewers and give them a quick water bath. Let them soak for a quick 20-minute splash to prevent any fiery mishaps during cooking.

• Flavor Magic

Whip up a tangy marinade mixing bright citrus notes with golden honey, aromatic garlic, and a sprinkle of spicy warmth. Gently tumble succulent shrimp into this liquid sunshine, allowing each morsel to soak up the vibrant flavors.

• Flame Zone Setup

Fire up your cooking surface – whether it’s a backyard grill, sizzling gas burner, or sleek indoor grill pan. Aim for a toasty 400°F temperature that promises perfect caramelization.

• Skewer Artistry

Transform your marinated shrimp into beautiful kebab masterpieces. Carefully thread each tender piece onto pre-soaked skewers, creating delicious little flavor rockets ready for grilling.

• Sizzle Time

Place skewers on hot cooking surface. Let each side kiss the heat for roughly 2-3 minutes until edges turn a gorgeous pink and slight char develops. Watch for that perfect golden-edged moment signaling seafood perfection.

Citrus Marinade Tips for Shrimp Skewers

• Adjust the red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance, from a mild sprinkle to a bold kick that ignites your taste buds.
• Transform this recipe by baking the skewers in a 400°F oven for 8-10 minutes or broiling for a quick 4-5 minute cook time when outdoor grilling isn't an option.
• Prepare the marinade and skewer the shrimp up to 4 hours in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator to intensify the citrusy flavors before cooking.
• Pair the skewers with a zesty cilantro-lime rice, grilled vegetables, or a crisp summer salad to create a complete and refreshing meal that's perfect for warm evenings.

Serving Citrus Shrimp Skewers the Fresh Way

• Pair with Zesty Side Salad: Toss together a bright Mediterranean-inspired salad with mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light citrus vinaigrette to complement the grilled shrimp's tangy flavor.
• Serve Over Aromatic Grains: Lay the succulent shrimp skewers atop a bed of fluffy quinoa or herbed rice pilaf to soak up the delicious marinade and create a complete, satisfying meal.
• Create a Stunning Presentation: Garnish the skewers with fresh chopped parsley, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of extra paprika for a colorful, restaurant-worthy plating that delights the eyes and taste buds.
• Enhance with Dipping Sauce: Prepare a quick garlic aioli or tzatziki sauce on the side, allowing guests to drizzle or dunk the grilled shrimp for an extra burst of creamy, zesty flavor.

Store and Reheat Citrus Shrimp Skewers Smoothly

• Refrigerate Quickly: Store leftover grilled shrimp skewers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Consume Within Days: Enjoy refrigerated shrimp skewers within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture, checking for any signs of spoilage before reheating.
• Reheat Gently: Warm leftover skewers in a preheated oven at 275°F for 10-12 minutes, or briefly in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent overcooking and maintain juiciness.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap cooled, uncooked marinated shrimp skewers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 303 kcal

Servings: 5

Grilled Citrus Shrimp Skewers Ingredient

• Olive Oil: Provides a silky, smooth base for infusing flavors and preventing shrimp from sticking to the grill.
• Honey: Adds subtle sweetness and helps create a beautiful caramelized exterior when grilling.
• Garlic: Delivers a punch of aromatic depth and enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Brighten the marinade with zesty, tangy notes and help tenderize the shrimp.
• Parsley: Brings a fresh, green herbaceous element that complements the seafood's delicate flavor.

• Paprika: Offers a warm, slightly smoky undertone that deepens the marinade's complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle, optional kick of heat for those who enjoy a spicy touch.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall taste of the grilled shrimp.

• Wooden Skewers: Perfect for easy grilling and creating an attractive presentation of the shrimp.
• Shrimp: Select fresh, deveined medium-sized shrimp for the best texture and grilling results.

Tangy Citrus Shrimp Skewers Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired grilled citrus shrimp skewers blend zesty lemon and herb flavors for a light summer dish. Fresh ingredients and simple techniques create a quick, elegant meal perfect for outdoor dining with friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb shrimp (16–20 or 21–25 count), peeled and deveined
• ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
• ¼ cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes, optional
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) chopped Italian parsley
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Skewer Preparation: Submerge wooden skewers in cold water for 20 minutes to prevent burning during intense grilling.
2. Marinade Creation: Whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, garlic, paprika, red pepper flakes, parsley, kosher salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl to craft a zesty flavor base.
3. Shrimp Marination: Coat raw shrimp completely in the prepared marinade, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavor penetration and tenderization.
4. Grill Setup: Preheat gas or charcoal grill to 400°F (204°C), ensuring one side remains at high heat. For stovetop grill pan, heat to medium-high with even temperature distribution.
5. Skewering Process: Thread marinated shrimp onto pre-soaked skewers, arranging 5-6 shrimp per skewer with consistent positioning to ensure uniform cooking.
6. Grilling Technique: Cook shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side on direct heat, rotating once edges turn pink and develop light char. Verify doneness by checking for opaque, golden exterior and ensuring shrimp are cooked through without overcooking.

Notes

• Prevent Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in cold water for at least 20 minutes to avoid charring and potential flame flare-ups during grilling.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Marinate shrimp for exactly 30 minutes – no longer to prevent seafood from becoming tough or developing mushy texture.
• Achieve Perfect Grill Marks: Ensure grill or grill pan is preheated to 400°F for optimal caramelization and quick, even cooking of delicate shrimp.
• Handle Seafood Safely: Remove shrimp from refrigerator 15 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking and prevent rubbery, overcooked texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 303
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 415 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg