These easy shrimp skewers are baked in the oven and are juicy and full of flavor. They are marinated in a simple dressing of lemon, garlic, and herbs. The shrimp cook in minutes and make for the perfect weeknight dinner!.
As a seafood lover, shrimp skewers are one of my favorite easy dinner recipes. The combination of juicy, tender shrimp with a tangy, herbaceous marinade just can’t be beat! While grilled shrimp skewers are amazing, oven-baking them is an excellent option for when weather doesn’t permit outdoor grilling
After experimenting with all sorts of methods, I’ve dialed in a foolproof technique for oven-baked shrimp skewers that turns out tender and delicious shrimp every single time. The secret is all in how you prep and cook the shrimp. Follow my tips below for shrimp skewers that will impress your family and guests!
Why Oven-Bake Shrimp Skewers
While grilling shrimp skewers result in an irresistible char, oven baking has some advantages:
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It’s quick and easy – no need to heat up the grill outside. Just pop them in the hot oven.
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Oven-baking allows you to cook shrimp skewers year-round, regardless of weather.
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The oven creates tender, juicy shrimp without overcooking.
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Easy clean up! No messy grill to deal with.
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You can customize flavors by experimenting with different marinades.
Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Shrimp Skewers
Follow these tips for tender, juicy shrimp skewers every time you bake them in the oven:
1. Choose the Right Shrimp
The best shrimp for skewering and oven-baking are extra-large or jumbo shrimp. Their thicker size holds up well on skewers. Look for fresh or thawed (not frozen) shrimp.
2. Prep the Shrimp Properly
Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Devein and peel the shrimp, leaving the tails on for presentation. Removing the shells prevents overcooking and allows them to soak up more flavor.
3. Marinate is a Must
Marinating the shrimp is key for flavor and moisture. The acidic marinade tenderizes the shrimp and infuses them with lots of flavor. Try lemon-garlic, citrus-herb, teriyaki, or Cajun seasonings.
4. Skewer Properly
Use metal skewers to prevent burning (no soaking needed). Skewer shrimp tightly so they don’t spin. Alternate direction of each shrimp. Leave a tiny gap between shrimp to allow flipping.
5. Use Broiler for Caramelized Bits
Cook shrimp under the oven broiler for 3-4 minutes per side to get nice caramelized bits. The high heat helps mimic grilled flavor.
6. Don’t Overcook
Shrimp overcooks quickly. Bake just until opaque in center, about 6 minutes total. Undercooking is better than overcooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you know my tips and tricks, let’s walk through the entire oven-baking process step-by-step:
1. Prep the Shrimp
Rinse 1 pound of fresh extra-large shrimp under cold water. Pat very dry with paper towels. Using a sharp paring knife, slice down the backside of each shrimp to expose the vein. Use the tip of the knife to remove the vein. Leave tails intact if desired.
2. Make the Marinade
In a baking dish, combine 1⁄4 cup olive oil, 3 cloves minced garlic, zest and juice from 1 lemon, 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1⁄2 tsp smoked paprika, 1⁄4 tsp each salt and pepper. Whisk to combine.
3. Marinate the Shrimp
Add shrimp to marinade, tossing to coat well. Let marinate 15-30 minutes at room temperature. Move them around halfway through.
4. Skewer the Shrimp
Thread shrimp tightly onto metal skewers, alternating direction of each one. Leave a tiny gap between shrimp.
5. Broil the Skewers
Place skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through. Watch closely to prevent overcooking.
6. Finish and Serve
Immediately remove shrimp from the skewers. Drizzle with any remaining marinade. Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley. Enjoy right away!
Helpful Oven-Baked Shrimp Skewers Tips
Now that you’re a pro at oven-baked shrimp skewers, here are some additional useful tips:
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Chill skewers in fridge 30 minutes before broiling for ease of handling.
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Line pan with foil for easy cleanup. Spray with oil to prevent sticking.
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Use wood skewers? Soak 30+ minutes first to prevent burning.
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Add veggies to skewers! Try bell pepper, onion, zucchini.
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Serve with rice, couscous, crusty bread for delicious pairings.
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Store leftovers covered in fridge up to 2 days. Reheat gently.
Oven-Baked Shrimp Skewers Inspiration
While my simple lemon-garlic shrimp skewers are amazing, don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and marinades. These flavor combos are phenomenal:
● Cajun Shrimp Skewers
Cajun seasoning, garlic, lemon, onion, pepper.
● Jerk Shrimp Skewers
Jerk seasoning, garlic, lime, scallions, jalapeño.
● Honey Soy Shrimp Skewers
Soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger.
● Greek Shrimp Skewers
Lemon, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, feta.
● Tandoori Shrimp Skewers
Tandoori paste, Greek yogurt, garlic, ginger, cumin.
The possibilities are endless when oven-baking shrimp skewers! Change up the flavors based on what you have on hand or are craving.
How long does it take to bake shrimp in the oven at 425F°?
For 6 to 8 minutes, or until they turn light pink and opaque, bake the shrimp in the oven at 425°F (220°C).
How to make shrimp skewers in the oven
Oven-baked shrimp skewers are so easy to make. They are tangy, flavorful, high in protein, and healthy. Here are step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference:
Begin by patting your peeled and deveined shrimp dry using paper towels. If using wooden skewers, start soaking them in water now.
Put the olive oil (or avocado oil), lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Then, add the shrimp and toss until well combined. Set the bowl in the fridge for at least 30 minutes and no more than 2 hours with the lid on.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. I like to spray it with olive oil, too lightly.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers starting at the sharp end of the skewer. Repeat this process until you have 4 to 5 skewers holding 4 to 6 shrimp each.
Tip: I recommend metal skewers. But you can also use wooden skewers. Just soak them in water for 30 minutes before putting them in the oven so they don’t burn.
Bake the shrimp skewers in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes. The shrimp are done when they are light pink and opaque. You can broil during the last minute if you want crispier edges (mimics a sear).
Tip: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, which can become rubbery.
Serve the baked shrimp skewers while they are still warm. I like to spoon the remaining marinade on top before serving. You can garnish them with fresh chopped parsley and lemon slices. Enjoy!.
OVEN BAKED SHRIMP SKEWERS
How do you cook shrimp skewers in the oven?
Add another piece of shrimp, then another green and red bell pepper, and one last shrimp. Make sure to brush the peppers with any extra marinade. Place the skewers on the rack and pop in the oven to bake for about 6 to 7 minutes or until the shrimp turns pink. For extra browning, turn on broil for 1 to 2 minutes. Serve immediately and enjoy.
How long does it take to cook shrimp skewers?
These Oven Baked Shrimp Skewers are full of flavor from the cilantro lime marinade. It is loaded with fresh garlic, honey, and cumin. The shrimp cook in less than 10 minutes and are the perfect easy weeknight dinner.
How do you reheat shrimp skewers?
Storing: Place leftover shrimp skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the skewers on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. I don’t recommend reheating in the microwave because the shrimp can become rubbery.
How do you cook shrimp kabobs in the oven?
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pierce the shrimp using the sharp end of the skewer. Repeat threading 5-6 shrimp per skewer. You should have about 6 kabobs. Bake for 7-8 minutes and broil if desired. Brush hot shrimp with butter sauce.