Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Zesty Herb Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy shrimp marinated in bright citrus and garlic, grilled to perfection and served with a lively herb sauce for a perfect summer seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 33 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, fresh squeezed orange juice, fresh squeezed lemon juice 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: 25 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes 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 20 minutes to absorb flavors.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Thread the marinated shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
  4. Step 4: Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque with slight char marks, being careful not to overcook.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, combine 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt to make a zesty herb sauce.
  6. Step 6: Serve the grilled shrimp skewers hot, drizzled with the herb sauce for a bright and flavorful summer seafood meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Zesty Herb Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (25 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Zesty Herb Sauce?

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 Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Zesty Herb Sauce?

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 Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Zesty Herb Sauce 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 Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Zesty Herb Sauce?

Mediterranean seafood 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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