There's something magical about the sizzle of shrimp hitting a hot grill, especially when they're marinated in a bright, zesty blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs. These Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers are bursting with flavor, with juicy, charred shrimp that practically melt in your mouth.

I discovered this recipe on a summer trip to the coast, where freshly caught shrimp and simple marinades ruled every backyard barbecue. Ever since, these skewers have been my go-to for everything from quick weeknight dinners to effortless entertaining. They’re fast, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Get ready to light the grill—this easy seafood dish is about to become your new favorite warm-weather meal.

Why You'll Love This Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with one of the easiest and tastiest meals you can toss on the grill. These Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers are simple to prepare, packed with fresh flavor, and come together in no time.

First, let’s talk speed. From marinating to grilling, this dish takes less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous weekend cookouts.

They’re also wonderfully healthy. Shrimp is naturally lean and packed with protein, and the marinade uses olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs—no heavy sauces or additives needed.

This recipe is incredibly flexible. Serve the skewers over rice, with a side salad, or even tucked into warm pita for a Mediterranean-inspired wrap. However you plate them, they deliver fresh, summery flavor in every bite.

And cleanup? A breeze. The skewers go straight from the marinade to the grill, which means less time doing dishes and more time enjoying your meal outside.

Now let’s take a closer look at what goes into these delicious skewers.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. A few fresh ingredients come together to create a dish that’s light, flavorful, and totally crave-worthy.

Shrimp are the star of the show. Choose large or jumbo shrimp—ideally peeled and deveined—for the best texture and ease of eating. Fresh is great if you can get it, but frozen shrimp work perfectly too. Just be sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry before marinating.

Lemon juice brings bright acidity that balances the savory notes of the shrimp and garlic. Use fresh lemon juice for the most vibrant flavor, and don’t skip the zest—it adds an extra citrus punch that really elevates the dish.

Garlic provides that warm, aromatic backbone to the marinade. Minced finely, it infuses the shrimp with depth and a little bit of heat. If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove.

Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme add an earthy, aromatic freshness. You can experiment with what you have on hand—oregano, dill, or even a bit of rosemary all work beautifully.

A touch of olive oil helps carry the flavors and keeps the shrimp from sticking to the grill. Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil to round out the marinade and enhance the overall taste.

As for equipment, you'll need metal or soaked wooden skewers, a grill or grill pan, and a bowl for marinating. That’s it—simple and straightforward, just how summer cooking should be.

How To Make This Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Making these skewers is quick and easy, with just a few steps from start to finish. Let’s walk through the process so you can get grilling with confidence.

Start by preparing your shrimp. If they aren’t already peeled and deveined, take a few minutes to do this now. Then pat them dry with paper towels—this helps the marinade stick and ensures the shrimp will sear nicely on the grill.

Next, whisk together your marinade. In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped herbs, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir, then add your shrimp and toss to coat them evenly.

Let the shrimp marinate for about 15 to 20 minutes. Because shrimp are delicate, you don’t want to leave them too long in the acidic marinade or they’ll start to break down. This short marinating time is just enough to infuse them with flavor without altering their texture.

While the shrimp are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Once the grill is hot, thread the shrimp onto the skewers, piercing through the thick and thin ends so they stay secure.

Grill the skewers for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’re looking for shrimp that are pink, opaque, and slightly charred around the edges. Don’t overcook them—they go from perfect to rubbery in a flash, so keep a close eye on them.

In total, this dish takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. The end result? Beautifully grilled shrimp with a lemony-herb aroma that makes it nearly impossible to wait before digging in.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though that’s rare in my house!), they’re easy to store and just as delicious the next day.

Transfer the cooled shrimp skewers to an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. For best results, remove the shrimp from the skewers before storing—they take up less space and reheat more evenly.

You can also freeze the cooked shrimp, though the texture will be slightly softer after thawing. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat or pop them in the microwave for 30-second bursts. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become tough if reheated too long.

Variations and Substitutions

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to switch things up based on what you have in the kitchen or what flavors you’re craving.

For a smoky twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the marinade. It gives the shrimp a subtle heat and depth that pairs beautifully with the lemon.

You can swap out the herbs depending on what’s growing in your garden or sitting in your fridge. Basil, cilantro, or mint all bring their own unique character to the dish. Try mixing and matching to create your own signature flavor.

If you're not a fan of shrimp, this marinade also works great with scallops, chicken, or firm white fish like halibut. Just adjust the grilling time accordingly to suit your protein.

For a heartier meal, thread the skewers with vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini rounds, or bell pepper chunks. They soak up the marinade beautifully and turn these skewers into a full meal on a stick.

Feel free to experiment and make this dish your own. Whether you keep it classic or put your own spin on it, these Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers are a surefire way to impress at any meal.