Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a Labor Day classic—quick to prepare, packed with bold flavor, and perfect for outdoor grilling. Juicy shrimp marinated in garlic, citrus, and smoky spices cook in minutes, making them ideal for relaxed holiday gatherings where you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether served as a main dish or alongside other backyard favorites, these skewers deliver that unmistakable end-of-summer taste everyone loves.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinate Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 41 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 8 shrimp skewers
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp (16–20 count), peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Wooden or metal skewers
Directions
- Prepare the skewers:
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. - Make the marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. - Marinate the shrimp:
Add shrimp to the bowl and toss until evenly coated. Let marinate for 15–20 minutes.
Tip: Avoid marinating longer than 30 minutes, as the lemon juice can begin to “cook” the shrimp and affect texture. - Preheat the grill:
Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. - Assemble the skewers:
Thread shrimp onto skewers, piercing through both the tail and thick end so they stay flat and cook evenly. - Grill the shrimp:
Place skewers directly over heat and grill for 2–3 minutes per side, turning once, until shrimp are pink, opaque, and lightly charred.
Best Practice: Shrimp cook quickly—remove them as soon as they curl into a loose “C” shape to prevent overcooking. - Finish and serve:
Remove from grill and garnish with chopped parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 520mg
Pro Tip:
For perfectly grilled shrimp with just the right balance of char and juiciness, a reliable gas barbecue grill makes all the difference. Consistent heat control helps prevent overcooking, locks in moisture, and gives shrimp those beautiful grill marks that elevate this recipe from good to unforgettable. If you don’t already own a grill—or you’re ready to upgrade—investing in a quality gas barbecue grill can transform your Labor Day cookouts and make recipes like these Grilled Shrimp Skewers effortless and restaurant-worthy.
Conclusion
These Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a must-have for any Labor Day menu—light yet satisfying, smoky yet fresh, and incredibly easy to prepare. Pair them with grilled corn, pasta salad, or fresh watermelon slices for a complete end-of-summer meal that celebrates the season. Once you see how fast these disappear from the platter, they’re sure to become a repeat favorite at every backyard cookout.
