Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe
These Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers feature wild caught shrimp marinated in a flavorful blend of Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, and Mediterranean spices, then grilled to perfection. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, they deliver a juicy, tender texture with a smoky and tangy twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 pound wild caught large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails optional)
- 1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1/2 lemon
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- Mix Marinade: In a large ziplock bag, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Marinate Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade bag. Seal and shake to coat shrimp evenly. Refrigerate and marinate for 30 minutes, but no longer than 2 hours to avoid texture breakdown from the lemon juice.
- Thread Shrimp: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove shrimp from marinade and thread them onto skewers.
- Grill Shrimp: Lightly spray grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. Place skewers on the grill and cook for about 3 minutes per side, until shrimp turn pink on the outside and are opaque inside without overcooking.
- Serve: Remove shrimp from grill and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, crumbled feta cheese, and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Broiler Alternative: Preheat the broiler and lightly spray a baking sheet. Place shrimp skewers on the sheet and broil for 3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
- Do not marinate shrimp longer than 2 hours due to acidity from lemon juice breaking down the shrimp.
- Use either sweet or smoked paprika depending on your flavor preference.
- Wooden skewers must be soaked to prevent burning during grilling.
