Charcoal-Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic-Lemon Marinade

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent shrimp marinated in a zesty garlic and lemon mixture, skewered and quickly grilled over charcoal for a smoky finish. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 20 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, lemon juice, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  3. Step 3: Preheat charcoal grill to medium-high heat (about 450°F). Thread marinated shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
  4. Step 4: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque with slight char marks.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Charcoal-Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic-Lemon Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Charcoal-Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic-Lemon Marinade?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic-Lemon Marinade?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Charcoal-Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic-Lemon Marinade for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Charcoal-Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic-Lemon Marinade?

Mediterranean grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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