There’s something irresistible about the smoky aroma of grilled shrimp sizzling over open flames. These Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers are tender, juicy, and bursting with fresh citrus and herb flavors that scream summer.

I first whipped up this recipe during a backyard BBQ when I was short on time but wanted something light and flavorful. Now, it’s my go-to for everything from weekend cookouts to quick weeknight dinners.

The best part? They’re incredibly easy to prepare and cook in under 15 minutes. Let’s dive into why these skewers deserve a spot in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers Recipe

These shrimp skewers aren’t just tasty – they’re a weeknight hero.

First off, they’re lightning fast. With just a few minutes of prep and even less time on the grill, you’ll have dinner on the table in 20 minutes flat. Perfect for those warm evenings when you’d rather be outside than stuck in the kitchen.

They’re also incredibly healthy. Packed with lean protein, fresh herbs, and heart-healthy olive oil, this dish is as nourishing as it is delicious. It’s naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly without even trying.

Let’s talk versatility. Serve them over a salad, with a side of rice, or tucked into warm pita with tzatziki – the possibilities are endless. You can even add your favorite veggies to the skewers for a complete meal.

And don’t forget how impressive they look. There’s something about food on a stick that makes any meal feel like a celebration.

These skewers check all the boxes: quick, easy, healthy, and crowd-pleasing. Now, let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.

Ingredients Notes

This recipe shines with just a handful of fresh, flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully.

Shrimp is the star of the show. I recommend using large (16/20 count) raw shrimp that’s peeled and deveined, with tails on or off depending on your preference. Frozen shrimp works perfectly—just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before marinating.

Lemon juice and zest add brightness and tang that make these skewers pop. Fresh lemon is key here; the zest carries essential oils that infuse the marinade with extra depth.

Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme bring garden-fresh flavor. I love a mix of chopped parsley and a bit of thyme for balance. If fresh isn’t available, dried herbs can work in a pinch—just reduce the amount by half.

Garlic gives the marinade its savory backbone. Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor. If you’re short on time, a teaspoon of garlic paste is a handy substitute.

Olive oil helps carry the flavors and ensures the shrimp don’t stick to the grill. Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil if you have it—it makes a difference.

You’ll also need metal or soaked wooden skewers and a grill or grill pan. If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

How To Make This Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Making these shrimp skewers is as easy as mix, marinate, and grill.

Start by prepping your shrimp. If frozen, thaw them in a bowl of cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the marinade stick and prevents steaming on the grill.

In a medium bowl, whisk together your marinade: fresh lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, chopped herbs, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss gently to coat. Let them marinate for 15-30 minutes—just long enough to absorb the flavors without becoming mushy.

While the shrimp are marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you're using wooden skewers, now's the time to make sure they’re soaked and ready.

Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, about 4-5 per skewer, leaving a bit of space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Discard any leftover marinade.

Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are opaque and lightly charred around the edges. Don’t overcook—they’ll go from juicy to rubbery fast.

From start to finish, this meal takes about 20 minutes. What you get is perfectly grilled, golden shrimp that smell like sunshine and taste even better.

Storage Options

Leftover grilled shrimp will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let them cool to room temperature before storing.

If you’re planning ahead, you can marinate the shrimp up to 12 hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. Just don’t leave them in the marinade longer than that, as the acid from the lemon can start to break down the shrimp.

Freezing grilled shrimp isn’t recommended, as it tends to affect the texture. However, you can freeze raw marinated shrimp in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month—thaw in the fridge before grilling.

To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat or enjoy them cold over a salad or in a wrap.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is endlessly adaptable to your taste and what you have on hand.

Not a fan of shrimp? Try chunks of firm white fish like cod or halibut, or even scallops. Just adjust the grilling time as needed.

For a smoky twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of chipotle hot sauce to the marinade. It adds depth without overpowering the fresh herbs.

Want a little heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes or a minced jalapeño gives the skewers a subtle kick that pairs beautifully with the lemon.

You can also add veggies right onto the skewers—think cherry tomatoes, zucchini slices, or red onion wedges. They grill up beautifully alongside the shrimp and soak up all that marinade flavor.

Feel free to swap out the herbs based on your garden or grocery haul. Dill, cilantro, or even mint can give this dish a totally different vibe.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! These skewers are simple enough to be a blank canvas for your favorite flavors.