Harissa-Spiced Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lemon Yogurt Sauce
Juicy shrimp marinated in fiery harissa and grilled to perfection, served alongside a cool lemon yogurt sauce that balances the heat. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 26 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, harissa paste, olive oil 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 210 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
- 2 tbsp harissa paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- 6 wooden skewers, soaked in water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 tbsp harissa paste, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, mix 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint in a small bowl. Refrigerate until serving.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread shrimp onto 6 soaked wooden skewers, about 5-6 shrimp per skewer.
- Step 4: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred, turning once.
- Step 5: Serve shrimp immediately with chilled lemon yogurt sauce for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Harissa-Spiced Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lemon Yogurt Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 26 minutes (20 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 Harissa-Spiced Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lemon Yogurt Sauce?
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 Harissa-Spiced Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lemon Yogurt Sauce?
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 Harissa-Spiced Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lemon Yogurt Sauce 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 Harissa-Spiced Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lemon Yogurt Sauce?
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.
