Lemon-Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic and Thyme
Juicy shrimp marinated in lemon, garlic, and fresh thyme, grilled to perfection for a bright and savory summer seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 50 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 425°F). Thread the marinated shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
- Step 4: Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn opaque and develop slight char marks, being careful not to overcook.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic and Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 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 Thyme?
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 lemon juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic and Thyme?
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 Thyme 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-Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic and Thyme?
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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