Spiced Grilled Shrimp Skewers (Print Version)

Juicy, spiced shrimp grilled on skewers with lemon and fresh herbs for vibrant flavor.

# 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

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, cayenne, salt, and 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 absorb flavors.
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 for secure placement.
05 - Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature.
06 - Cook shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque throughout and lightly charred.
07 - Transfer to serving platter, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and accompany with lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The shrimp stay incredibly juicy because the olive oil in the marinade protects them from the high heat of the grill
  • The spice blend hits every flavor note, smoky warmth, citrus brightness, and just enough heat to keep things interesting
02 -
  • I learned the hard way that over-marinating shrimp in citrus makes them tough and rubbery, so stick to the 20 minute maximum
  • Preheating your grill properly is crucial because the shrimp need immediate high heat to get those gorgeous grill marks
03 -
  • Pat the shrimp completely dry before adding them to the marinade so the spices actually stick instead of sliding right off
  • Let the skewers rest for a minute or two after grilling so the juices redistribute throughout the shrimp

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