Grilled shrimp kebabs are a delightful dish that can elevate any gathering or casual dinner. This Shrimp Kebab recipe features juicy shrimp marinated in a garlic lemon butter sauce, creating a flavor explosion with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, enjoying a family meal, or looking for a quick weeknight dish, these shrimp kebabs are versatile and sure to impress your guests.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Shrimp Kebab
- For Garnish
- How to Make Shrimp Kebab
- Step 1: Soak the Skewers
- Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
- Step 3: Assemble the Kebabs
- Step 4: Grill the Kebabs
- Step 5: Serve
- How to Serve Shrimp Kebab
- On a Bed of Rice
- With Fresh Salad
- In Tacos
- With Grilled Vegetables
- As Appetizers
- How to Perfect Shrimp Kebab
- Best Side Dishes for Shrimp Kebab
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Shrimp Kebab
- Reheating Shrimp Kebab
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I make Shrimp Kebab more flavorful?
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Kebab recipe?
- What sides pair well with Shrimp Kebab?
- How do I know when Shrimp Kebab is done?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have delicious shrimp kebabs ready in no time.
- Flavor Packed: The garlic lemon butter marinade infuses the shrimp with rich flavors that make each bite irresistible.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner, these kebabs fit right in.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and low in carbs, shrimp kebabs are a nutritious choice for any meal.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the skewers for an even heartier dish.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect shrimp kebab, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Bamboo skewers
- Grill
- Mixing bowl
- Basting brush
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Bamboo skewers: Essential for threading your shrimp and keeping everything together while grilling.
- Grill: Provides that smoky flavor and charred texture that makes grilled foods so appealing.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining the marinade ingredients thoroughly before coating your shrimp.
Ingredients
Grilled garlic butter shrimp kebabs threaded on skewers. This shrimp kebab recipe is perfectly grilled with garlic lemon butter marinade. So delicious!
For the Shrimp Kebab
- 3 lbs (1.35kg) shrimp (shelled and deveined tail-on)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 pinch salt
- 3 dashes cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Shrimp Kebab
Step 1: Soak the Skewers
Soak the bamboo skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. Rinse the shrimp under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
In a small mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, melted butter, salt, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice. Set aside some of this mixture for basting later. Toss the cleaned shrimp into the remaining marinade until well coated.
Step 3: Assemble the Kebabs
Thread three marinated shrimp onto each bamboo skewer. Make sure they are evenly spaced out for even cooking.
Step 4: Grill the Kebabs
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewered shrimp on the grill and brush both sides generously with reserved garlic butter mixture. Grill each side for about 3-4 minutes or until they turn pink and slightly charred.
Step 5: Serve
Once cooked through, remove from grill and serve immediately. Garnish with finely chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your flavorful Shrimp Kebabs!
How to Serve Shrimp Kebab
Serving shrimp kebabs can be an enjoyable experience, especially when paired with the right accompaniments. These juicy, garlicky shrimp are perfect for sharing, making them ideal for gatherings or casual dinners.
On a Bed of Rice
- Serve the shrimp kebabs atop a fluffy bed of jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the garlic butter flavors.
With Fresh Salad
- A bright salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the shrimp kebabs.
In Tacos
- Place grilled shrimp in soft corn tortillas, topped with avocado and salsa for a delicious twist.
With Grilled Vegetables
- Pair with seasonal grilled vegetables such as zucchini and bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
As Appetizers
- Skewer smaller portions of shrimp kebab for bite-sized appetizers perfect for parties or gatherings.
How to Perfect Shrimp Kebab
To achieve the best results with your shrimp kebabs, consider these essential tips:
Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp will enhance the flavor and texture of your kebabs. Look for firm and translucent shrimp.
Marinate properly: Letting the shrimp soak in the garlic butter mixture for at least 15 minutes intensifies their flavor.
Pre-soak skewers: Soaking bamboo skewers in water prevents them from burning on the grill and helps keep your shrimp intact.
Watch cooking time: Shrimp cook quickly; grill them for about 2-3 minutes per side to avoid overcooking.

Best Side Dishes for Shrimp Kebab
Pairing your shrimp kebabs with delicious side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement their flavors well.
Garlic Bread: A crunchy, buttery treat that pairs perfectly with the rich taste of garlic butter shrimp.
Coleslaw: A refreshing slaw adds crunch and a tangy contrast to the savory kebabs.
Quinoa Salad: This protein-packed salad brings a nutty flavor that balances well with seafood.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn enhances summer vibes and is easy to prepare alongside your kebabs.
Couscous: Light and fluffy couscous absorbs any leftover marinade flavors from the dish beautifully.
Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes add heartiness to your meal while being easy to season as desired.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making shrimp kebabs, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Skipping the soaking: Not soaking bamboo skewers can lead to burnt sticks. Always soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent charring.
Overcrowding the skewers: Placing too many shrimp on each skewer can cause uneven cooking. Aim for three shrimp per skewer for optimal grilling and flavor absorption.
Ignoring the marinade time: Rushing the marinating process can result in bland shrimp kebabs. Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance their flavor.
Not preheating the grill: Grilling on a cold surface can cause sticking and uneven cooking. Make sure your grill is hot before placing the shrimp kebabs on it for best results.
Using low-quality shrimp: Not all shrimp are created equal. Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for a better taste and texture in your kebabs.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- For best quality, consume them within 2 days.
Freezing Shrimp Kebab
- Place cooled kebabs in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Label with date for reference.
Reheating Shrimp Kebab
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Place kebabs on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little butter. Cook the kebabs for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Shrimp Kebab more flavorful?
You can enhance the flavor of your shrimp kebab by marinating them longer or adding spices such as paprika or garlic powder.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Kebab recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp; just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating.
What sides pair well with Shrimp Kebab?
Delicious side options include grilled vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh salad which complements the flavors of the kebab well.
How do I know when Shrimp Kebab is done?
Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque. They should also curl into a C shape when fully cooked.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp kebabs are not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different marinades or veggies to suit your taste. This delicious dish is perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners, encouraging everyone to give it a try!
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Grilled Shrimp Kebabs
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Grilled shrimp kebabs are a must-try dish that brings vibrant flavors and an irresistible appeal to any meal. This easy-to-make recipe features succulent shrimp marinated in a zesty garlic lemon butter sauce, ensuring each bite is packed with deliciousness. Perfect for summer barbecues, cozy family dinners, or quick weeknight meals, these kebabs are versatile and sure to impress your guests. Topped with fresh parsley and served with your favorite sides, they make for an unforgettable dining experience.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs shrimp (shelled and deveined tail-on)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 pinch salt
- 3 dashes cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes. Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry.
- In a bowl, combine minced garlic, melted butter, salt, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice. Reserve some marinade for later basting. Toss shrimp in the remaining marinade until well coated.
- Thread three marinated shrimp onto each skewer, spaced evenly.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until shrimp turn pink and slightly charred, brushing with reserved marinade.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 skewers (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 225mg





