Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Skewers with Charred Corn Salad

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

Juicy shrimp marinated in lemon and garlic, grilled on skewers and served alongside a smoky charred corn salad bursting with summer flavors. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 40 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 320 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: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 425°F). Thread shrimp onto skewers.
  3. Step 3: Grill 3 ears of husked corn directly on the grill grates for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes until kernels are charred and tender.
  4. Step 4: While corn grills, grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Cut grilled corn kernels off the cob into a bowl and add 1 medium diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Toss and season with a pinch of salt if needed.
  6. Step 6: Serve shrimp skewers hot alongside the charred corn salad for a bright, smoky summer meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Skewers with Charred Corn Salad take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 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 Shrimp Skewers with Charred Corn Salad?

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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Skewers with Charred Corn Salad?

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 Shrimp Skewers with Charred Corn Salad 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 Shrimp Skewers with Charred Corn Salad?

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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