Perfectly charred edges and juicy interiors make these skewers an irresistible option for backyard gatherings and casual dinner parties.
Smart Grilling Tips for Citrus Shrimp
Maximize Marinade Flavor: Let shrimp marinate for the full 30 minutes to absorb maximum citrusy and herbal notes, ensuring deeper taste penetration.
Prevent Shrimp Sticking: Brush grill grates with oil before cooking to help shrimp release easily and maintain beautiful grill marks.
Check Shrimp Doneness: Look for a firm, opaque pink color and slightly curled shape to indicate perfectly cooked shrimp without overcooking.
Maintain Even Spacing: Thread shrimp with small gaps between each piece to ensure consistent heat distribution and even grilling.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy shrimp hot off the grill for the best texture and temperature, pairing with fresh herbs or a zesty side salad.
Citrus Shrimp Storage and Reheat Tips
Refrigeration: Quickly transfer leftover shrimp skewers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. These delicious seafood treats will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days when properly sealed.
Gentle Reheating: Warm the shrimp skewers carefully in the oven at 275°F to prevent overcooking. Wrap the skewers in aluminum foil and heat for 5-7 minutes, ensuring they remain tender and juicy without becoming rubbery.
Recommended Serving: Consume refrigerated shrimp within two days for the best flavor and texture. When reheating, add a splash of lemon juice to revive the citrusy marinade and restore moisture to the seafood.
What to Serve with Citrus Shrimp Skewers
Zesty Wine Complement: Pair the grilled citrus shrimp with a crisp, light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which will enhance the bright citrus marinade and complement the shrimp's delicate flavor.
Fresh Salad Sidekick: Serve alongside a Mediterranean-inspired salad with mixed greens, cucumber, feta cheese, and a light lemon vinaigrette to echo the citrusy notes of the shrimp and provide a refreshing contrast.
Cooling Beverage Match: Enjoy with a cold, citrus-infused craft beer or a sparkling water with a splash of lime to cut through the richness of the grilled shrimp and cleanse the palate between bites.
Grain Base Partner: Accompany the skewers with quinoa or couscous seasoned with fresh herbs, creating a light and nutritious base that absorbs the delicious marinade and provides a satisfying texture.
Citrus Shrimp Recipe Variations
Spicy Lime Cilantro Shrimp: Replace lemon with lime zest and juice, add chopped fresh cilantro, and increase red pepper flakes for a zesty Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
Mediterranean Herb Shrimp: Swap olive oil marinade with Greek yogurt, incorporate dried oregano, mint, and a touch of za'atar spice blend for an Aegean-style seafood experience.
Coconut Curry Shrimp: Blend coconut milk, mild curry powder, ginger, and a splash of soy sauce into the marinade, creating a rich Southeast Asian-inspired grilled shrimp variation.
Caribbean Jerk Shrimp: Mix in jerk seasoning, allspice, thyme, and a hint of brown sugar for a bold, spicy Caribbean-style grilled shrimp that packs serious flavor punch.
Grilled Citrus Shrimp Quick Overview
Burst with Zesty Flavor: The citrusy marinade combining lemon zest, lemon juice, and honey creates a bright, tangy profile that transforms ordinary shrimp into a mouthwatering summer delight.
Super Quick Cooking: Grilling these shrimp takes just 4-6 minutes total, making it a perfect last-minute meal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings with friends.
Versatile Grilling Method: Whether you use a gas grill, charcoal grill, or stovetop grill pan, this recipe adapts easily to your kitchen setup, ensuring delicious results every time.
Foolproof Technique: Simple marinating and skewering steps make this recipe beginner-friendly, allowing even novice cooks to create restaurant-quality seafood that looks impressive and tastes amazing.
Ingredients for Citrus Shrimp Skewers
Main Protein:
Shrimp: Fresh, large, or jumbo shrimp work best with sweet and tender meat. Wild-caught or sustainably sourced shrimp offer better flavor and environmental benefits.
Marinade Ingredients:
Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and prevents shrimp from sticking to grill. Extra virgin olive oil provides richer taste.
Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Adds bright, citrusy flavor and helps tenderize the shrimp. Choose fresh, firm lemons with vibrant color.
Honey: Provides subtle sweetness and helps caramelize the shrimp during grilling. Local honey offers more complex flavor profile.
Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and pungent flavor to the marinade. Fresh garlic cloves deliver more intense taste.
Seasoning Ingredients:
Paprika: Offers mild, sweet pepper flavor and beautiful reddish color. Sweet or smoked paprika can be used based on preference.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding gentle heat and spiciness. Adjust quantity based on personal spice tolerance.
Parsley: Provides fresh, herbaceous note and bright green color. Fresh parsley recommended over dried.
Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor and seasoning. Kosher or sea salt works best.
Grilling Accessories:
Wooden Skewers: Needed for threading and grilling shrimp. Soaking prevents burning during cooking.
How to Grill Citrus Shrimp Perfectly
Step 1: Prepare Wooden Skewers
If using wooden skewers, immerse them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
Step 2: Create Zesty Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine:
Olive oil
Lemon zest
Lemon juice
Honey
Minced garlic
Paprika
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Chopped parsley
Salt
Black pepper
Whisk ingredients until smoothly blended. Add shrimp, gently toss to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
Step 3: Heat Cooking Surface
Choose your cooking method:
Gas Grill: Activate half the burners, heat to 400°F for 10 minutes
Charcoal Grill: Light charcoal chimney, spread evenly once ashed over, heat to 400°F
Stovetop Grill Pan: Place over medium heat until hot
Step 4: Assemble Shrimp Skewers
Thread marinated shrimp onto pre-soaked skewers, placing 5-6 shrimp per skewer. Start from the thickest part of each shrimp for even cooking.
Step 5: Cook Shrimp
Gas/Charcoal Grill: Cook skewers directly over heat for 2-3 minutes until edges turn pink. Flip and grill another 2 minutes until lightly charred
Stovetop Grill Pan: Cook 3-3.5 minutes per side until perfectly done
Mediterranean-inspired grilled citrus shrimp skewers deliver a zesty ocean-fresh explosion of flavor. Lemon, garlic, and herbs dance together, creating a light summer dish perfect for coastal dining experiences and quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
1 lb. shrimp, (16–20 or 21–25 count), peeled and deveined
Marinade Ingredients:
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 tablespoons honey
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
Seasoning Ingredients:
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, optional
Garnish:
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Immerse wooden skewers in cold water for a minimum of 20 minutes to prevent charring during high-temperature cooking.
Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together extra virgin olive oil, freshly grated lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, golden honey, finely minced garlic, smoky paprika, optional fiery red pepper flakes, chopped fresh parsley, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper in a mixing bowl.
Gently fold raw shrimp into the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for half an hour to allow flavors to infuse.
Prepare grilling surface: for gas grills, activate half the burners to high and heat to 400°F (204°C) for 10 minutes; for charcoal grills, ignite chimney until coals are ash-covered and evenly distributed at 400°F (204°C); for stovetop grill pan, heat to medium-high.
Carefully thread marinated shrimp onto pre-soaked skewers, placing 5-6 shrimp per skewer, positioning from thickest part of each seafood piece.
For gas or charcoal grills, cook skewers directly over heat source 2-3 minutes until edges transform pink, then flip and grill additional 2 minutes until lightly charred. On stovetop grill pan, cook 3-3½ minutes per side until perfectly golden and opaque.
Notes
Wooden skewers require water soaking to prevent burning and ensure safe, even grilling of delicate shrimp.
Marinate shrimp for maximum flavor infusion, allowing citrus and herbs to penetrate and tenderize the seafood.
Achieve perfect grill temperature around 400°F to create beautiful caramelization without overcooking the shrimp.
Thread shrimp carefully, ensuring they’re evenly spaced for consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
Cooking time is crucial: 2-3 minutes per side guarantees juicy, tender shrimp with a light char and vibrant flavor.
Serve immediately after grilling to enjoy the optimal texture and temperature of these zesty citrus-infused skewers.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.
Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota
Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.
Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.
Lucas Bennett
Founder & Recipe Creator
Expertise
Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement
Education
Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin
Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota
Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.