How do you prepare shrimp for grilling?

Peel and devein shrimp before grilling. Leaving tails on can improve presentation and make handling easier, but removing them creates a cleaner eating experience. Peeling allows marinade to penetrate better.

What kind of shrimp is best for grilling skewers?

Raw, peeled, and deveined large shrimp (16-20 count per pound) are ideal. Fresh shrimp is preferable for optimum flavor and texture, but high-quality frozen shrimp works well too.

Do you need to marinate shrimp before grilling?

Yes, marinating for about 15 to 30 minutes imparts flavor and tenderizes, but avoid over-marinating to prevent a rubbery texture due to acid from lemon juice or similar ingredients.

How long should you soak wooden skewers before grilling shrimp?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes, ideally up to 60 minutes, before grilling to prevent them from catching fire and to keep them intact during cooking.

BBQ Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Quick & Tasty Guide

Ingredients

Scale

1 to 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails optional)
3 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Zest of 1 lemon
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Chopped parsley for serving
Lemon slices or wedges for serving

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Instructions

1. Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on if preferred.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Add shrimp to the marinade, tossing gently to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes but no longer than 2 hours.
4. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30-60 minutes to prevent burning.
5. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, oiling the grates lightly.
6. Thread 4-6 shrimp onto each skewer and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque pink and cooked through.
7. Remove from heat and serve immediately with chopped parsley and lemon slices or wedges.

Last Step:

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Notes

⏰ Avoid marinating shrimp for too long to prevent them from becoming rubbery due to the acidity of lemon juice.
🔥 For a smokier flavor, brush shrimp with BBQ sauce in the last minute of grilling.
🔥 If a grill is unavailable, shrimp can be broiled in the oven for a similar result.

Prep Time: 5-20 minutes
Marinating Time: 15 minutes to 2 hours
Cook Time: 5-6 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Pescatarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 5-6 shrimp skewers
Calories: 200
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 172mg