Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers

The magic of these grilled lemon herb shrimp skewers lies in their simplicity. A vibrant gremolata—packed with parsley, garlic, lemon zest, and olive oil—brings brightness and depth to the tender shrimp, which grill in just a few minutes. Whether you’re hosting a weekend cookout or prepping a quick weeknight dinner, this dish hits all the marks. What makes this recipe shine is its versatility. You can prep the gremolata ahead of time, making it a stress-free option for entertaining. Add your skewers to the grill, serve with a side of mango lime quinoa or grilled potato wedges, and you’ve got a light, flavorful meal that tastes like summer on a plate.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 bunch flat-leaf Italian parsley (tender stems okay)

• 2 cloves garlic, peeled

• 1 tbsp lemon zest

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

• ½ tsp kosher salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• Lemon wedges (for garnish, optional)

Directions:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine parsley, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Divide sauce in half.

2. Toss shrimp with half of the gremolata sauce, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

3. While shrimp is marinating, soak wooden skewers (if using) in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.

4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (475°F – 500°F / 240°C – 260°C).

5. Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2 minutes per side, or until opaque and lightly charred.

6. Remove from grill and let cool slightly before serving.

7. Drizzle with reserved gremolata and serve with lemon wedges.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 141 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Perfect Summer Dish

Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers are a celebration of everything we love about summer: bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and easy cooking. This dish is light, vibrant, and comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. Shrimp, naturally low in calories and high in protein, serve as the perfect base for a citrus-forward marinade that’s bursting with flavor from lemon, garlic, and fresh parsley.

What makes this recipe particularly stand out is its balance of simplicity and sophistication. It doesn’t rely on heavy sauces or complicated steps. Instead, it enhances the natural sweetness of shrimp with a zesty gremolata that brings brightness, freshness, and a little punch of herbaceousness. When grilled, the shrimp develop a subtle char that contrasts beautifully with the cool, vibrant sauce.

What is Gremolata?

Gremolata is a traditional Italian condiment typically made with three ingredients: lemon zest, garlic, and parsley. It’s often served over meats or fish to provide a fresh counterbalance to richness. In this recipe, gremolata pulls double duty — as both a marinade and a finishing sauce — allowing its punchy flavor to infuse every bite of the shrimp.

By blending in olive oil and a touch of lemon juice, this gremolata becomes more than just a garnish. It transforms into a powerful marinade that tenderizes the shrimp while imparting bold flavor. It’s the kind of sauce you’ll want to drizzle over everything once you’ve tried it.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

There are a few key reasons why Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers are a standout:

• Quick Cooking Time: Shrimp are known for their fast cooking, and this recipe takes advantage of that — only 2 minutes per side on a hot grill.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The gremolata sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week. This saves time and helps the marinade develop deeper flavor.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: With just a handful of pantry staples, you get a restaurant-quality dish that doesn’t require special shopping.
• Great for Entertaining: These shrimp skewers look impressive, yet they require very little hands-on time. Perfect for backyard BBQs, pool parties, or a date night at home.
• Healthy and Low-Calorie: Each serving is only about 141 kcal and packed with lean protein. Plus, there are no heavy creams or processed ingredients — just whole, fresh foods.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Shrimp

Grilling shrimp might seem intimidating if you’re new to it, but with a few tips, you’ll master it in no time:

• Use Flat Skewers: Round skewers tend to spin, making the shrimp hard to turn evenly. Flat skewers prevent this issue and help you cook more efficiently.
• Don’t Over-Marinate: The lemon juice in the gremolata is acidic and can start to “cook” the shrimp if left too long — like ceviche. Thirty minutes is the sweet spot.
• High Heat, Short Time: Preheat your grill to at least 475°F (240°C). You want quick, intense heat to sear the shrimp and develop flavor without drying them out.
• Watch Closely: Shrimp cook fast. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery quickly, so don’t walk away from the grill.
• Serve Immediately: These are best enjoyed right after grilling, when the shrimp are still hot and juicy and the gremolata adds a refreshing contrast.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. For a healthy, well-rounded meal, try pairing it with:

• Mango Lime Quinoa: A zesty grain salad that mirrors the citrus notes in the shrimp.
• Grilled Potato Wedges: These add a hearty, rustic touch to the meal and cook easily alongside the shrimp.
• Lemon Thyme Mint Lemonade: For a refreshing summer drink that complements the herbal flavor of the gremolata.
• Peach Pound Cake: For dessert, a grilled or chilled fruit-based sweet pairs beautifully with the lightness of this seafood dish.

You can also serve these shrimp as appetizers by skipping the skewers and serving the shrimp in small cups with a toothpick and a drizzle of gremolata.

Health Benefits of This Recipe

This is not just a delicious dish — it’s also packed with nutrition. Shrimp is an excellent source of:

• Lean Protein: Ideal for muscle maintenance and growth.
• Vitamin B12 and Selenium: Important for energy metabolism and immune function.
• Low in Calories and Carbs: Great for those following low-carb or calorie-conscious eating plans.

The parsley in gremolata offers antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin K, while lemon juice adds a good dose of vitamin C for immune support. Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, making this a meal that’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.

How to Make This Recipe Your Own

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it adapts to different preferences:

• Use Cilantro or Basil: Swap out parsley for cilantro or basil for a different herbal twist.
• Add Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced chili to the marinade for heat.
• Change the Protein: Not a fan of shrimp? The gremolata works beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or even vegetables like zucchini and eggplant.
• Make It a Bowl: Serve shrimp over a bed of rice, couscous, or greens, and drizzle the gremolata on top for a healthy bowl meal.

Entertaining With Shrimp Skewers

These skewers are an entertainer’s dream. Not only do they cook quickly, but they also add a pop of color and elegance to any spread. Arrange them on a large white platter with fresh lemon wedges and parsley sprigs for a clean and appetizing presentation. They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be prepped ahead — great for feeding guests with diverse dietary needs.

You can also prepare them in batches and keep warm in a low oven if you’re making large quantities for a party. Or, turn it into a build-your-own skewer station where guests can mix shrimp with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes before grilling.

Storage and Leftovers

While grilled shrimp are best served fresh, leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Here are a few fun ways to repurpose them:

• Shrimp Tacos: Toss in warm tortillas with avocado and slaw.
• Shrimp Salad: Serve over mixed greens with a light vinaigrette and remaining gremolata.
• Shrimp Pasta: Mix into warm pasta with olive oil, a touch of chili flakes, and lemon zest.

Conclusion

If you’re new to grilling, this recipe is a fantastic place to start. There are no complicated techniques or marinades with obscure ingredients. Just blend, marinate, and grill. The reward is a dish that tastes gourmet but feels approachable and unfussy. With its vivid colors, fresh aroma, and balanced flavors, this grilled lemon herb shrimp is a reminder that the best recipes often come from the simplest ingredients. It’s the kind of dish you’ll come back to all season long — and maybe even year-round if you have a grill pan indoors.