These shrimp and vegetable skewers are juicy, flavorful, and ready in about 20 minutes, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer cookout. A simple garlic-lemon marinade coats the shrimp and vegetables before they hit the grill for that smoky, charred flavor.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick cooking time — shrimp cooks in just a few minutes per side
- One skewer, complete meal — protein and vegetables together
- Great for grilling season — perfect for cookouts and warm weather dinners
- Easy to customize — swap in whatever vegetables you have on hand
Ingredients
For the marinade:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the skewers:
- 1.5 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- Wooden or metal skewers
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the marinade. Whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
2. Marinate the shrimp. Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat. Let sit for 15–20 minutes in the refrigerator (avoid marinating longer, as the lemon juice can start to "cook" the shrimp).
3. Prep the skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
4. Assemble. Thread the shrimp and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between shrimp, bell peppers, zucchini, and onion.
5. Grill. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 2–3 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and the vegetables have light char marks.
6. Serve. Remove from the grill and serve immediately with rice, a side salad, or warm pita bread.
Tips for the Best Skewers
- Don't overcook the shrimp — they cook fast and can turn rubbery if left on the grill too long.
- Cut vegetables to a similar size as the shrimp — this helps everything cook evenly on the skewer.
- Soak wooden skewers — this simple step prevents them from charring or catching fire.
- Oil the grill grates — this helps prevent the shrimp and vegetables from sticking.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the marinade.
- Indoor Version: No grill? Use a grill pan or bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Mediterranean Style: Add cherry tomatoes and swap oregano for a mix of dried herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just make sure the shrimp is fully thawed and patted dry before marinating so the marinade coats it properly.
How long should shrimp marinate? 15–20 minutes is ideal. Because of the acidic lemon juice, marinating much longer can start to change the shrimp's texture.
Can I make these skewers without a grill? Yes, they can be cooked in a grill pan on the stovetop or baked in the oven at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.