For a tasty appetizer, these shrimp skewers can be cooked on the stove or on a grill outside. After a quick dip in a flavor-packed marinade, they are seared and ready to serve in minutes.
Use my recipe for Cocktail Sauce or your favorite store-bought sauce to make them into a quick and easy party snack.
When I was looking through my friend Sandy’s new cookbook, Reluctant Entertainer’s Big Board’s and More, these shrimp skewers caught my eye.
Cooking shrimp on skewers is a fun and easy way to add flavor and flair to this versatile seafood. Whether you’re grilling them outdoors or searing them up on the stove, shrimp skewers make for an impressive appetizer or entree
In this beginner’s guide, I’ll walk through the basic steps for how to cook shrimp on skewers perfectly every time. We’ll cover:
- Choosing the right shrimp
- Prepping and skewering techniques
- Flavorful marinades
- Grilling vs pan searing methods
- Serving ideas
Plus plenty of tips to avoid overcooked, dried out shrimp and infuse them with maximum flavor. With a little planning and these simple instructions, even novice cooks can master shrimp skewers.
Step 1: Select Good Shrimp for Skewers
The first step is choosing suitable shrimp. The best shrimp for skewers should be:
- Raw, shelled shrimp – peeled and deveined
- Similar in size – aim for 21-30 count per pound
- Fresh or previously frozen – thawed if using frozen
Larger shrimp around 21-25 count per pound are ideal for skewers since they’ll fit nicely on the skewer without falling off Using shrimp of equal size also ensures even cooking
Peeled shrimp are easiest for skewers, allowing the marinade to permeate and the shrimp to cook quickly and uniformly. Deveining helps remove any gritty texture.
When buying precooked shrimp or frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw completely before skewer prep.
Step 2: Prep the Shrimp for Skewering
Once you have suitable raw shrimp, proper prep is important:
- Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry
- Season lightly with salt and pepper
- Devein along the back if needed
- Remove tails if desired
Drying the shrimp ensures they’ll absorb the marinade and helps them caramelize when cooking. Lightly seasoning with salt brings out their natural sweetness.
For easy eating, you can snip off the tails with kitchen shears before skewering. Just be careful not to over-handle or mush the tender shrimp.
Step 3: Assemble Shrimp Skewers
Now we’re ready for fun part – skewering! For each skewer you’ll need:
- 4-5 medium shrimp
- 6 inch wooden or metal skewer
Soak wooden skewers at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Then assemble the skewers by threading shrimp through the top and bottom portions so they stay put when flipped during cooking.
Aim for 4-5 shrimp per skewer. Crowding too many makes them awkward to maneuver and cook unevenly. Leave a small space between each for even searing.
Once skewered, it’s time to infuse flavor!
Step 4: Make a Simple Shrimp Marinade
A quick marinade adds a flavor boost to grilled shrimp. Whisk together a marinade of:
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- Juice of 1 lemon or lime
- 2-4 cloves minced garlic
- 1-2 teaspoons dried herbs like oregano, basil, or tarragon
You can also use grated citrus zest, chopped fresh herbs, chili powder, cumin, or paprika to switch up the flavors.
Let the shrimp marinate 15-30 minutes for full infusion of flavors. Don’t over marinate or the acid can start cooking the shrimp.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp Skewers on a Grill
For maximum flavor, grilling the shrimp skewers over direct high heat is ideal. Grill tips:
- Oil the grill grates well
- Cook 2-3 minutes per side
- Brush with reserved marinade during cooking
- Remove shrimp at 145°F internal temp
The shrimp will firm up, curl and turn opaque when fully cooked. Be careful not to overcook or they’ll be dry and rubbery.
Step 6: Pan Sear Shrimp Inside
To cook shrimp skewers indoors, use a grill pan or cast iron skillet on the stove over medium high heat:
- Add a tablespoon of oil to the hot pan
- Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side
- Don’t overcrowd pan – work in batches
- Baste with reserved marinade during cooking
You want a nice sear on the shrimp without steaming them. Quickly cooking in a single layer ensures even browning.
Step 7: Add Final Flair and Serve
Right when they come off the grill or pan, finish the shrimp with:
- Squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice
- Extra chopped herbs
- Grated parmesan cheese
Serve shrimp skewers on their own, with rice, in tacos or sandwiches, or over greens for an easy meal. They also make fantastic appetizers.
Dip in tangy cocktail sauce, creamy garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo for extra flavor.
Handy Tips for Shrimp Skewer Success
Follow these tips and tricks for perfect shrimp skewers every time:
- Soak wooden skewers at least 30 minutes before using
- Use similar sized shrimp for even cooking
- Oil the grill grates or skillet well before cooking
- Resist the urge to overcrowd skewers or pan
-Brush with reserved marinade as they cook for extra flavor - Remove from heat as soon as opaque to prevent overcooking
Properly prepping the shrimp, creating a flavorful marinade, and using the right cooking method are the secrets for deliciously juicy shrimp off the skewers!
Get Creative with Shrimp Skewers
While classic garlic-lemon shrimp is a safe bet, consider playing with different marinade and sauce pairings:
- Chili lime shrimp – cayenne, chili powder, lime juice
- Jerk shrimp – Carribean jerk seasoning and mango salsa
- Thai shrimp – peanut or sweet chili sauce
- BBQ shrimp- sticky barbecue sauce or dry rub
The options are endless for infusing shrimp skewers with global flavors. Try out Cajun, Indian, Italian, Mexican, Greek, or Asian inspired marinades and sauces.
Skewering Shrimp for Any Occasion
From casual family dinners to special occasion entertaining, shrimp skewers are always a hit. Here are some serving ideas:
- Appetizers for a cocktail party
- Backyard grill outs and potlucks
- Low carb or keto-friendly meals
- Surf and turf with steak or chicken
- Lighter, healthier weeknight dinners
- Impressive date-night-in meals
Make a batch ahead for busy weeknights that can be quickly reheated. Or present a platter of shrimp skewers with fresh garnishes to guests – no one will believe how easy they were.
Make a Meal Out of Shrimp Skewers
While shrimp skewers alone make a great light meal, you can round it out with:
- Grilled corn on the cob and backyard greens
- Hearts of palm salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Coconut rice and grilled pineapple
- Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil
- Quinoa tabbouleh with feta crumbles
- Crusty bread for dipping in garlicky sauce
Playing up bright, summery sides and sauces makes shrimp skewers feel fresh yet filling enough for dinner.
Wrap Up
Cooking up flavorful, perfectly done shrimp on skewers is easy when you follow a few simple steps. Choosing quality shrimp, prepping them properly, taking time to marinate, and using the right cooking method are key to success. A little practice with the techniques and you’ll be a shrimp skewer pro in no time!
The possibilities are endless for customizing shrimp skewers to match your tastes and menu. Just remember to resist overcooking these tender morsels. Before you know it, these impressive looking skewers will become a go-to appetizer or entree that you can throw together anytime.
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Easy Shrimp Skewers Recipe
In the summer, you can cook these clever grilled shrimp skewers on the grill. In the winter, you can cook them on the stove. Regardless of the method, this impressive appetizer is incredibly fast and easy to prepare.
To add to a holiday charcuterie board, make a small batch. To serve as an appetizer on its own, double the recipe.
How to Grill Shrimp Skewers
- Put the shrimp on a medium-high heat level and cook for one to two minutes on each side. As they cook, brush them with the marinade you saved.
- Don’t cook them too long, and keep in mind that they will cook some more when you take them off the heat.
- Remove from the grill and garnish as directed above.
If you’re cooking the shrimp over an open flame, soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before putting the shrimp on them. This helps to prevent the tips of the skewers from burning.
Two jumbo shrimp (21 to 25 count) will fit comfortably on each 6-inch skewer. If you’d like to do 3 shrimp per skewer, go with extra large (26 to 30 count) shrimp.
Yes! Just be sure to thaw it safely and completely in the refrigerator in advance.
If you want to make it easier to flip shrimp while they’re cooking, pierce them through the top and the tail.
Spike shrimp for one to two minutes on each side, or until the thickest part of the shrimp goes from clear to opaque. Remember, they will continue to cook a bit after you remove them from the heat.
Put the shrimp skewers on a platter and set out a small bowl of cocktail sauce next to them. This is a great finger food that can be used for any event.
They are also great to put on a charcuterie board with different kinds of meats, cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits.
Super Quick Video Tips: The Best Way to Grill Shrimp
How do you cook shrimp skewers on a griddle?
Heat a dry griddle over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the shrimp skewers and cook on one side about 3 or 4 minutes. Turn shrimp over and cook another 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the grilled shrimp skewers to platter and spoon the remaining marinade your reserved earlier over the grilled shrimp skewers. Add a splash of lemon juice.
How do you cook shrimp skewers in a crock pot?
2 Combine the lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper and crushed red pepper in a large bowl. Add the cleaned shrimp and toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes. 3 If using wooden skewers, place 12 skewers (about 12 inches long) in a 9-inch by 13-inch dish filled with water.
How long do you cook shrimp on a skewer?
Threading the shrimp into skewers also makes them so much easier to flip over (I use a pair of tongs to hold and turn over my shrimp). If using bamboo skewers, be sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes to an hour before using. Do not overcook the shrimp. Even the largest of shrimp will grill quickly (anywhere from 5 to 7 minutes).
Can you cook shrimp skewers on a grill?
These Grilled Shrimp Skewers are flavored with garlic, mustard, and basil and then grilled or broiled to perfection in minutes. Nothing beats the convenience of quick-cooking shrimp, but you won’t sacrifice speed for flavor thanks to the flavorful marinade. Just skewer the shrimp and finish on the grill or in the broiler.