Lemon-Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic and Paprika

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

Juicy shrimp marinated in zesty lemon, garlic, and smoked paprika, then grilled quickly for a smoky, bright summer seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (low carb) ready in about 31 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, fresh 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 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: 6 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 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss well and marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread shrimp evenly onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  3. Step 3: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque with slight char marks, being careful not to overcook.
  4. Step 4: Remove from grill and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 31 minutes (25 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-Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic and Paprika?

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 fresh squeezed lemon juice from drying out.

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

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-Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic and Paprika 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 Lemon-Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic and Paprika 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.

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