Lemon-Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers

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

Quick-cooking shrimp marinated in zesty lemon and garlic, ideal for a breezy summer evening dinner. This Mediterranean-inspired summer cookout recipe, ready in about 26 minutes, pairs large shrimp, olive oil, lemon juice 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: 20 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, minced garlic, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a medium bowl.
  2. Step 2: Add shrimp to bowl and toss until evenly coated. Marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Thread shrimp onto metal or soaked wooden skewers, spacing them evenly.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high (400°F). Grill skewers 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  5. Step 5: Transfer to a platter immediately and serve with extra lemon wedges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 26 minutes (20 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 Lemon-Garlic Grilled 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 large shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Grilled 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 Lemon-Garlic Grilled 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 Lemon-Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers?

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes