Garlic and Olive Oil Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers

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

Succulent shrimp marinated in garlic and olive oil, grilled to perfection and served with fresh herbs for a light and flavorful seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, garlic cloves, extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 8 wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
  2. Step 2: Peel and devein 1 lb large shrimp if not done already. Mince 4 garlic cloves finely.
  3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Add the shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Step 5: Thread the marinated shrimp onto the soaked skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
  6. Step 6: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and slightly charred.
  7. Step 7: Remove from grill and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic and Olive Oil Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Garlic and Olive Oil Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic and Olive Oil Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers?

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 Garlic and Olive Oil Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers 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 Garlic and Olive Oil Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers?

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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