Juicy, smoky shrimp skewered with colorful bell peppers and onions, marinated in a zesty garlic-herb blend and grilled to perfection. These Grilled Shrimp Kabobs are bursting with flavor and make the ultimate summer cookout dish or quick weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: This dish comes together in less than an hour, with minimal prep time needed.
- Perfect for grilling: It’s an ideal recipe for summer cookouts, BBQs, and outdoor gatherings.
- Packed with flavor: The zesty marinade with garlic, lemon, and herbs infuses the shrimp and vegetables with delicious flavor.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Healthy and light: A low-carb, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for a healthy dinner.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped into chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into chunks
- 1 medium onion, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
directions
- Make the marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Marinate the shrimp and vegetables: Add the shrimp and chopped vegetables to the marinade. Toss to coat, then cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat the grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the shrimp and vegetables onto skewers: Alternate the shrimp, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and onion onto the skewers.
- Grill the kabobs: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and are slightly charred.
- Serve: Remove from the grill and serve immediately, optionally with extra lemon wedges or over a bed of rice or salad.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 51 minutes
Calories: Approximately 220 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegetable options: Add other vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to the skewers for extra variety.
- Spice it up: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade if you like a little extra heat.
- Grilled fruit: Pineapple chunks or peaches make a great addition for a sweet contrast to the savory shrimp.
- Vegan version: Substitute shrimp with firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of this dish.
storage/reheating
Store leftover shrimp kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or on the grill over low heat until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating to prevent them from becoming tough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them properly before marinating and grilling.
How long should I marinate the shrimp?
Marinate the shrimp for at least 20 minutes, but no longer than 30 minutes, as shrimp can become mushy if left in the marinade for too long.
Can I cook these kabobs in the oven instead of grilling them?
Yes, you can bake the kabobs in the oven at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are cooked through.
What if I don’t have skewers?
If you don’t have skewers, you can cook the shrimp and vegetables in a grill basket or on a sheet pan for a similar effect.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when they are fully cooked. Be sure not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.
Can I make these kabobs in advance?
You can marinate the shrimp and vegetables in advance and thread them onto skewers just before grilling.
What can I serve these shrimp kabobs with?
These kabobs are great served with a side of rice, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables.
Can I use other spices in the marinade?
Yes, feel free to experiment with other spices such as cumin, chili powder, or turmeric to add your own unique flavor.
Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden skewers?
Yes, metal skewers work great and are reusable, but be sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling if using wooden skewers to prevent them from burning.
Are these shrimp kabobs gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
Grilled Shrimp Kabobs are a simple, flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer grilling. With juicy shrimp, colorful vegetables, and a zesty marinade, they’re an easy and delicious choice for a quick dinner or a cookout favorite. These kabobs are versatile, healthy, and sure to be a hit at your next BBQ or weeknight meal.
Print
Grilled Shrimp Kabobs
- Total Time: 51 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy, smoky shrimp skewered with colorful bell peppers and onions, marinated in a zesty garlic-herb blend and grilled to perfection. These Grilled Shrimp Kabobs are bursting with flavor, making them the ultimate summer cookout dish or quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped into chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into chunks
- 1 medium onion, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add shrimp and vegetables to the marinade. Toss to coat, then cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread shrimp, bell peppers, and onion onto skewers.
- Grill for 2–3 minutes per side, or until shrimp are pink and slightly charred.
- Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges or over rice or salad.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding some chopped fresh herbs to the marinade, such as parsley or cilantro.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- For a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes or chili powder to the marinade.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 170 mg