The first time I threaded plump shrimp onto skewers I remember how the air filled with a bright, lemony steam as they hit the hot grill. Those summer evenings when friends linger over shared plates are the reason I keep this recipe in rotation. Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Kabobs come together quickly, look beautiful on a wooden board, and feel like a small celebration even on an ordinary weeknight.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe works in real life because it balances speed, flavor, and presentation. It is fast to prep so you can cook shortly after work, but it also photographs and serves like something you might put out for guests. The shrimp cook in minutes and the simple herb and lemon marinade highlights the seafood rather than overpowering it. Serve them straight from the grill for a relaxed dinner, or assemble a pretty platter for a casual gathering.
Serves 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes |
Cook Time: 10 minutes |
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 wooden skewers, soaked in water 30 minutes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- 4 lemon wedges for serving
- Quick tzatziki
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the marinade by whisking olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat. Let sit for 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature while you prepare skewers and the tzatziki.
- Meanwhile make the tzatziki by mixing Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper and chill.
- Thread 3 to 4 shrimp onto each soaked skewer so they sit snugly but not crowded.
- Heat a grill or grill pan to medium high. Brush the grates or pan with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the skewers 2 to 3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and have light char marks. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
- Transfer to a serving board, sprinkle with chopped parsley, add lemon wedges and the bowl of tzatziki, and serve immediately.
Recipe Variations
- Lemon Herb and Garlic: Add extra chopped fresh dill and basil to the marinade and finish with lemon zest for a brighter herb profile.
- Spicy Harissa Shrimp: Stir 1 tablespoon harissa paste into the marinade and reduce the lemon to 1 tablespoon for a smoky spicy kick.
- Halloumi and Shrimp Kabobs: Alternate shrimp with cubes of halloumi cheese on the skewers for a mix of salty grilled cheese and seafood.
- Citrus Soy Glaze: Swap olive oil for a mix of 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon orange juice, add a touch of honey for a sweet glaze and grill as directed.
Make Ahead: You can make the tzatziki 1 to 2 days in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Peel and devein shrimp up to 24 hours ahead and store covered on ice or in the coldest part of the fridge. Do not marinate the shrimp for more than 30 minutes before grilling if using lemon in the marinade. Soak skewers ahead of time and store in water in the fridge until ready to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp
Yes use thawed shrimp that have been fully drained and patted dry. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water if you are short on time.
How do I know when shrimp are cooked
Shrimp are done when they turn opaque and curl slightly into a loose C shape. If they form a tight O shape they are likely overcooked.
Can I cook these on a stovetop grill pan
Yes. A hot grill pan works well and will produce similar char and flavor. Brush the pan with oil and cook for the same short timing.
How long can leftover shrimp be stored
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently or enjoy cold in salads and wraps.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Kabobs
This recipe works in real life because it balances speed, flavor, and presentation. It is fast to prep so you can cook shortly after work, but it also photographs and serves like something you might put out for guests.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 wooden skewers, soaked in water 30 minutes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- 4 lemon wedges for serving
- Quick tzatziki
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the marinade by whisking olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat. Let sit for 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature while you prepare skewers and the tzatziki.
- Meanwhile make the tzatziki by mixing Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper and chill.
- Thread 3 to 4 shrimp onto each soaked skewer so they sit snugly but not crowded.
- Heat a grill or grill pan to medium high. Brush the grates or pan with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the skewers 2 to 3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and have light char marks. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
- Transfer to a serving board, sprinkle with chopped parsley, add lemon wedges and the bowl of tzatziki, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 273Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 2gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 242mgSodium 1394mgCarbohydrates 15gFiber 4gSugar 4gProtein 31g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
Simple techniques and a few bright ingredients are all you need to make Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Kabobs feel special. They come together fast, photograph beautifully, and adapt to many meals from casual dinners to entertaining. Trust the timing, let the grill add its character, and adjust herbs or spice to match your taste. Enjoy the process and the easy, fresh results.
