Spicy Lemon Pepper Shrimp Skewers

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

Juicy shrimp marinated in a spicy lemon pepper blend, grilled to perfection on skewers for a quick and flavorful summer appetizer. This seafood-inspired summer cookout ready in about 31 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, finely grated lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice 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 Seafood cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 tbsp finely grated lemon zest, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper, 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tsp salt to create a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 425°F). Thread the marinated shrimp evenly onto 6 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque with slight char marks, being careful not to overcook.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Lemon Pepper 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 Spicy Lemon Pepper 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 finely grated lemon zest from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Lemon Pepper 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 Spicy Lemon Pepper 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 Spicy Lemon Pepper Shrimp Skewers?

Seafood summer cookout 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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