Grilled Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Aioli
Bright citrus-marinated shrimp grilled to perfection and served with a creamy garlic aioli for dipping. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 31 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, 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 250 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 8 skewers wooden skewers, soaked
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp orange juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the garlic aioli by mixing 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley in a small bowl. Refrigerate until serving.
- Step 4: Thread the marinated shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, distributing evenly.
- Step 5: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and slightly charred.
- Step 6: Serve hot with the garlic aioli on the side for dipping, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Aioli take to make?
Total time is about 31 minutes (25 min prep + 6 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Aioli?
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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Aioli?
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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Aioli 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Aioli?
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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