Spiced Grilled Shrimp Skewers (Printable Version)

Shrimp marinated with warm spices, grilled to juicy perfection on skewers with fresh herbs and lemon.

# What You Need:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Marinade

02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1/2 tsp ground coriander
08 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
09 - 1/2 tsp salt
10 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

11 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
12 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# Directions:

01 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, cayenne, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl until fully combined.
02 - Add shrimp to the marinade, tossing thoroughly to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 10-20 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
03 - If using wooden skewers, soak in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
04 - Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers, piercing through both tail and head sections to secure each piece firmly.
05 - Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature, approximately 375-400°F.
06 - Place skewers on the hot grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn opaque and develop light charring.
07 - Remove skewers from heat, transfer to serving platter, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and accompany with lemon wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The marinade comes together in minutes but tastes like you planned all day
  • Grilling gives the shrimp a smoky char that makes them feel special
  • They work as an appetizer or main dish depending on your crowd
02 -
  • Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so pull them off the heat as soon as they turn opaque throughout
  • Metal skewers cook faster than wooden ones, so adjust your grilling time accordingly
03 -
  • Pat the shrimp dry before adding them to the marinade so the spices actually stick
  • Let the grill get fully hot before adding the skewers for better char marks