Grilled Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Skewers with Fresh Herb Chimichurri

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

Juicy shrimp marinated in lemon and garlic, grilled to perfection and served with a vibrant herb chimichurri sauce for a light and flavorful summer entree. This mediterranean-inspired summer cookout ready in about 36 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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: 30 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate shrimp in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare chimichurri sauce by mixing 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: Thread marinated shrimp onto soaked wooden skewers, distributing evenly.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque with slight char marks.
  5. Step 5: Serve shrimp skewers drizzled with fresh herb chimichurri sauce for a bright and zesty 4th of July seafood dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Skewers with Fresh Herb Chimichurri take to make?

Total time is about 36 minutes (30 min prep + 6 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 Fresh Herb Chimichurri?

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 freshly squeezed lemon juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Skewers with Fresh Herb Chimichurri?

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 Fresh Herb Chimichurri 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 Fresh Herb Chimichurri?

Mediterranean summer cookout 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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