Memorial Day Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Citrus Herb Marinade

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy shrimp marinated in a zesty citrus-herb blend, then grilled to perfection for a light and flavorful Memorial Day treat. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 50 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, lemon juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp orange juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade and toss gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, distributing evenly.
  4. Step 4: Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque with slight char marks, being careful not to overcook.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Memorial Day Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Citrus Herb Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Memorial Day Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Citrus Herb Marinade?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Memorial Day Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Citrus Herb Marinade?

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 Memorial Day Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Citrus Herb Marinade 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 Memorial Day Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Citrus Herb Marinade?

Caribbean 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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