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Spicy Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Spicy Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Spicy Grilled Shrimp Skewers offer bold, fiery flavors combined with a juicy, charred finish. Perfect for summer BBQs or quick weeknight dinners, this recipe features succulent shrimp marinated in a vibrant, spicy blend and grilled to perfection, delivering a perfect balance of heat, zest, and smokiness.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb large peeled and deveined shrimp
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Additions

  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water 30 minutes before grilling)

Variation Ingredients (Optional)

  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for sweet and spicy variation)
  • Cajun seasoning (to replace chili powder for Cajun style)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp grated ginger, splash of sriracha (for Asian-inspired glaze)
  • Fresh chopped basil and lime zest (for herbaceous variation)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until well blended.
  2. Marinate the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Let them marinate for 15 to 30 minutes to absorb the bold flavors without becoming mushy.
  3. Skewer the Shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp evenly onto skewers, leaving a small space between each shrimp for even cooking and good char.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, around 375°F to 400°F, the ideal temperature to cook shrimp quickly and achieve a smoky char.
  5. Grill the Skewers: Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once. Shrimp is done when pink, opaque, and marked with grill lines.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the shrimp to avoid tough, rubbery texture.
  • Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
  • Use shrimp of similar size for uniform cooking.
  • Let skewers rest for a few minutes off the grill to lock in juices.
  • If shrimp might fall through grill grates, use a grill basket as an alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy grilled shrimp, shrimp skewers, summer BBQ, easy shrimp recipe, spicy seafood, healthy shrimp dish