Grilled Peri-Spiced Shrimp Skewers with Lemon-Garlic Aioli
Bright and smoky shrimp skewers grilled to perfection and served with a tangy lemon-garlic aioli for dipping. This mediterranean-inspired mediterranean (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil, smoked paprika 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 220 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, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 6, soaked in water 30 minutes wooden skewers
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 small, minced garlic clove
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, toss 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Thread the shrimp onto 6 soaked wooden skewers, about 5-6 shrimp per skewer, ensuring they are spaced evenly.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn opaque and have grill marks, being careful not to overcook.
- Step 4: While shrimp grill, whisk together 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 small minced garlic clove, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley in a small bowl to make lemon-garlic aioli.
- Step 5: Serve the grilled shrimp skewers hot, accompanied by the lemon-garlic aioli for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Peri-Spiced Shrimp Skewers with Lemon-Garlic Aioli take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Peri-Spiced Shrimp Skewers with Lemon-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 Peri-Spiced Shrimp Skewers with Lemon-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 Peri-Spiced Shrimp Skewers with Lemon-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.
Is Grilled Peri-Spiced Shrimp Skewers with Lemon-Garlic Aioli low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! My kids asked for seconds on these skewers.
- ★★★★★
The peri-spice really elevated the shrimp, and the aioli cut through the heat perfectly.
- ★★★★☆
Great flavor, but the grill time was longer than listed on the recipe.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
