Easy Mediterranean Shrimp Skewers with Herbs
These Mediterranean shrimp skewers are marinated in olive oil, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs, then grilled to juicy perfection. They’re light, zesty, and pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, rice, or warm pita.
⏱️ Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 20–30 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Ingredients:
For the marinade:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or chili flakes for a slight kick
For the shrimp:
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on or off)
Wooden or metal skewers
Lemon wedges and extra herbs for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.
Rinse shrimp and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, zest, herbs, salt, pepper, and optional paprika.
Add shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat well.
Cover and marinate in the fridge for 20–30 minutes.
3. Assemble the Skewers:
Thread shrimp onto skewers, about 4–5 shrimp per skewer.
Reserve extra marinade for brushing.
4. Grill or Pan-Sear:
Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Lightly oil the grill grates or pan.
Grill shrimp skewers for about 2–3 minutes per side or until opaque and slightly charred.
Brush with extra marinade as they cook (if desired, but only from before shrimp touched it).
5. Serve:
Transfer to a plate, sprinkle with extra herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Serve warm with rice, couscous, pita, or a fresh Mediterranean salad.
Notes & Tips:
Don’t overcook shrimp — they cook fast! Once they curl and turn pink, they’re done.
You can add cherry tomatoes, red onion, or bell pepper chunks to skewers for more color and flavor.
For indoor cooking, use a grill pan or broiler instead of an outdoor grill.
❓ frequently asked questions FAQ:
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating.
Q: How long can I marinate shrimp?
A: 20–30 minutes is perfect. Don’t exceed 1 hour — the acid from the lemon can start to “cook” them.
Q: What can I serve with shrimp skewers?
A: Great sides include:
Lemon herb rice
Couscous or quinoa
Tzatziki Sauce
Greek salad
Hummus with pita
Nutritional Information
Calories: 110
Protein: 14g
Fat: 7g
Carbs: 1g
Fiber: 0g