Grilled Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Skewers with Chili Flakes
Juicy shrimp marinated in a zesty lemon-garlic blend and grilled to smoky perfection with a hint of heat from chili flakes. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 33 minutes pairs pound, peeled and deveined large shrimp, tablespoons olive oil, tablespoons lemon juice 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.
Ingredients
- 1 pound, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped, for garnish fresh parsley
- 8, soaked in water 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 2: Add 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Thread the marinated shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
- Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and edges have light char marks.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Skewers with Chili Flakes take to make?
Total time is about 33 minutes (25 min prep + 8 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 Grilled Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Skewers with Chili Flakes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tablespoons olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Skewers with Chili Flakes?
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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Skewers with Chili Flakes 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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Skewers with Chili Flakes?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Quick to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner with a side of rice.
- ★★★★★
Cooked these for my husband's birthday and they were a hit—simple, elegant, and the garlic aroma filled the whole house.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for summer dinners! The lemon-garlic balance was divine and the chili flakes added just the right kick.