Smoky Citronella Infused Tiki Torch Grilled Shrimp Skewers

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

Tender shrimp marinated in smoky spices and grilled to perfection, inspired by the warm ambiance of citronella tiki torches. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 31 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil, smoked paprika 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 medium bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to make the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 375°F). Thread the shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, about 5-6 shrimp per skewer.
  4. Step 4: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque with slight char marks, basting occasionally with leftover marinade.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon or your favorite dipping sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Citronella Infused Tiki Torch Grilled Shrimp Skewers 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 Smoky Citronella Infused Tiki Torch 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Citronella Infused Tiki Torch 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 Smoky Citronella Infused Tiki Torch 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 Smoky Citronella Infused Tiki Torch Grilled Shrimp Skewers?

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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