Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

If you’re searching for a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, look no further than this Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe. These skewers are juicy, aromatic, and packed with the bright zestiness of lemon and fragrant herbs, balanced with a creamy tang from Greek yogurt. Perfect for a sunny weekend barbecue or a casual dinner party, this recipe brings the spirit of the Mediterranean right to your backyard grill. Get ready to impress your guests and delight your taste buds with every succulent bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Fresh, wholesome ingredients are the heart of this Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe. Each component plays a key role in building layers of flavor, from the creamy tang of the Greek yogurt marinade to the smoky warmth of paprika and cumin. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand to create this simple yet stunning dish.

• 1 pound wild caught large shrimp: Peeled and deveined, tails on or off according to your preference for easy grilling and perfect bite-sized pieces.
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, full fat: Adds creamy texture and tenderizes the shrimp while imparting a subtle tang.
• 2 teaspoons olive oil: A rich, fruity base that helps carry the herbs and spices.
• Juice and zest of 1/2 lemon: Provides bright acidity and fresh citrus aroma that awakens the palate.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced: For a punch of savory depth and aroma.
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme: Earthy and slightly minty, it complements the seafood beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon paprika: Choose sweet for mild warmth or smoked for a more intense, smoky flavor.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin: Adds a subtle nuttiness and exotic earthiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb that shines in seafood dishes.
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): A little kick to bring heat, adjustable to your taste.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: For mild warmth to round out the spice profile.
• Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish.
• Feta cheese for garnish: Crumbs of salty, creamy cheese to add richness and contrast.
• Lemon wedges: For an extra squeeze of brightness when serving.

How to Make Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Skewers and Marinade

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to keep them from burning. Meanwhile, prepare your marinade by combining Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, thyme, paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and pepper in a large ziplock bag or bowl. This creamy, herbaceous blend is the secret to that tender, flavorful shrimp everyone will rave about.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, seal the bag, and gently shake or mix to coat each piece thoroughly. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or in the fridge, but be careful not to exceed two hours since the lemon juice’s acidity can start breaking down the shrimp’s texture. This brief soak infuses the shrimp with bright, savory notes while keeping them juicy and tender.

Step 3: Skewer the Shrimp

Once marinated, thread the shrimp onto your skewers. If you want, you can leave the tails on for a classic presentation or remove them for easier eating—both are delicious. Arrange them so they’re snug but not overcrowded to ensure even cooking on the grill.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates or spray the shrimp skewers with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Grill the shrimp for about 3 minutes on each side, turning carefully once, until they are pink and opaque inside. Avoid overcooking, which can make shrimp rubbery. If you don’t have a grill, broiling in the oven works wonderfully too.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the shrimp skewers from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley, crumbled feta cheese, and lemon wedges for squeezing. These finishing touches add pops of color and flavor to elevate your dish to Mediterranean feast status.

How to Serve Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley and crumbled feta are staples when serving this dish. The parsley delivers brightness and a touch of earthiness, while the feta brings a creamy, slightly salty contrast that complements the spices perfectly. Don’t forget lemon wedges—they add that final zing of freshness that brings everything together.

Side Dishes

These shrimp skewers shine with simple sides that echo Mediterranean flavors. Think fluffy couscous with herbs, a crisp Greek salad loaded with cucumbers and tomatoes, or warm pita bread for wrapping. Roasted vegetables or a chilled tabbouleh salad also make fantastic companions, rounding out the meal with layers of texture and delight.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive presentation, serve the shrimp skewers over a bed of lemon-herb rice or alongside colorful grilled vegetables. You can dress it up for entertaining by placing skewers upright in a vibrant platter with dipping sauces like tzatziki or a garlicky aioli. For a casual gathering, lay them out on wooden boards garnished with olives and fresh herbs that encourage conversational nibbling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover grilled shrimp skewers should be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. It’s best to store the shrimp separately from any garnishes like feta or lemon wedges to keep flavors fresh.

Freezing

While fresh is always best for shrimp, you can freeze marinated, uncooked shrimp skewers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling for the freshest results.

Reheating

To reheat cooked shrimp skewers, use a gentle touch to avoid toughening the shrimp. Warm them quickly in a skillet over medium-low heat or pop them under a broiler for a minute or two. Microwaving can dry them out, so it’s best to avoid that method if possible.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating. This helps the marinade stick better and prevents steaming instead of grilling.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No worries. You can broil the shrimp skewers in the oven on a prepared baking sheet for about 3 minutes per side. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking while still getting that lovely charred flavor.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Definitely. The original calls for cayenne pepper as optional, but feel free to add more or include chili flakes or hot paprika to suit your heat tolerance.

Is it okay to marinate shrimp longer than 30 minutes?

Because of the lemon juice acidity, marinating shrimp longer than 2 hours can cause the texture to become mushy. Stick to 30 minutes to 1 hour for best results.

What can I serve besides skewers for a complete meal?

This recipe pairs beautifully with Mediterranean side dishes like tabbouleh, grilled vegetables, hummus and pita, or a fresh Greek salad to make a wholesome and colorful plate.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dish that bursts with authentic Mediterranean flavors while being quick and easy to prepare, this Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe will become your go-to. It’s fresh, vibrant, and endlessly versatile—perfect for entertaining or a simple family dinner. So grab your shrimp, fire up the grill, and let this recipe take your taste buds on a sunny escape!

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