Hot Pepper and Garlic Shrimp Skewers

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

Succulent shrimp marinated in a hot garlic and chili oil, then grilled to perfection for a smoky and spicy appetizer. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 33 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, garlic cloves, finely minced, red chili oil 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 5 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp red chili oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Let marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Thread the shrimp onto the soaked wooden skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque with light grill marks.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and serve immediately while hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hot Pepper and Garlic Shrimp Skewers 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 Hot Pepper and Garlic Shrimp Skewers?

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 garlic cloves, finely minced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hot Pepper and Garlic Shrimp Skewers?

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 Hot Pepper and Garlic Shrimp Skewers 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 Hot Pepper and Garlic Shrimp Skewers?

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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